Human Resources Management

Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management

Program Description:
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management at the University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the field of human resources and organizational management. This program combines foundational coursework in business and management principles with specialized training in personnel administration, employment law, staffing, training and development, compensation, and employee relations. Students will develop critical skills in strategic planning, effective communication, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution, all essential components for successful HR professionals in today’s diverse and globalized workforce.

Throughout the program, students gain practical experience through case studies, internships, and project-based learning, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding legal and ethical issues related to employment practices, diversity and inclusion, workplace safety, and organizational development. By engaging with faculty who are experienced practitioners and scholars, students receive mentorship and insights into emerging trends and challenges in human resources.

The program prepares graduates for various roles within human resources departments, including recruitment and staffing specialists, employee relations managers, compensation analysts, training coordinators, and HR consultants. Additionally, the program offers pathways for those interested in advancing to graduate-level studies in human resources, industrial-organizational psychology, or business administration.

Career services and industry partnerships at the university facilitate internships and job placements, ensuring students are connected with leading organizations and equipped with the skills necessary for a successful career. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to contribute positively to organizational success through effective talent management, fostering inclusive work environments, and implementing strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational goals.

Consistently updated to reflect current industry standards and best practices, the Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management at the University of Pittsburgh aims to cultivate ethical, innovative, and strategic HR professionals committed to making a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities.

Arts and Sciences Foundations

These required and prerequisite courses prepare students for future courses. Requirements include courses in:

• English composition
• Foreign language
• Math
• Statistics
• Economics

Pitt Business Core Courses

The Pitt Business core curriculum is designed for you to obtain a wealth of business knowledge during your education. By studying the primary business functions, you become a professional who understands how the different departments in an organization work together. Then through your major, you take a deep dive into your subject area and develop specialized business skills.

• BUS 0010: Your Academic and Career Success
• BUS 0020 Your Career Success
• BUSSPP 0020: Managing in Complex Environments
• BUSACC 0030: Financial Accounting
• BUSACC 0040: Managerial Accounting
• BUSQOM 0050: Quantitative Methods
• BUSENV 0060: Managerial Ethics and Stakeholder Management
• BUSORG 1020: Organizational Behavior
• BUSORG 1101: Fundamentals of Business Communication
• BUSFIN 1030: Introduction to Finance
• BUSMKT 1040: Introduction to Marketing
• BUSQOM 1070: Operations Management
• BUSSPP 1080: Strategic Management
• BUSECN 1010: Business Economics
• BUSBIS 1060: Introduction to Information Systems

Core Courses

Must complete with a C or better in order to proceed with the Human Resources Management major. 

• Organizational Behavior
• BUSHRM 1050: Human Resources Management

Required Major Courses

• BUSHRM 1665: Negotiations in Business
• BUSHRM 1675: Human Resources Staffing
• BUSHRM 1680: Compensation & Performance Management
• BUSHRM 1685: Employment & Labor Relations
• BUSHRM 1687: Human Resources Planning & Strategy

Elective Major Courses

Must complete at least one course. 

• BUSORG 1650: Issues in Career Management
• BUSORG 1655: International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior
• BUSORG 1660: Women & Men at Work
• BUSHRM 1670: Global Workforce Management & Change
• BUSHRM 1677: Training and Development
• BUSHRM 1689: Sports Management

Requirements

• Completed online application for admission.
• $45 application fee
• High school academic information using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or submitting an official high school transcript. We encourage you to complete the SRAR rather than sending a transcript to improve application processing time. Please note that we will compare your SRAR to your official high school transcript if you enroll at Pitt. Accuracy in completing the SRAR is very important. Discrepancies and misrepresentations could result in the Admissions Committee revoking your admissions decision.
• Official SAT or ACT test results (SAT Essay and ACT Writing Test scores not required). Please arrange for all of your test results to be forwarded directly to Pitt from the testing agency.

• In lieu of an essay or personal statement, we ask interested applicants to answer a series of short answer questions. Answering the following questions is optional, but strongly encouraged. Your answers may increase the likelihood that you are considered for scholarships, guaranteed admission to graduate or professional school, or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances. The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 250-500 words in total for all three questions (approximately 80-170 words per question). Responses that are longer or shorter are acceptable. If you decide to submit short answers, please answer all three questions: How have you overcome failure and what did you learn from it? How have you exhibited outstanding leadership? Why is Pitt a good choice for you?

• TOEFL

The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive approach to financing studies for its Human Resources Management program, designed to make education accessible and affordable for a diverse range of students. Financing options primarily include federal and state financial aid, institutional scholarships, private scholarships, and student loan programs. Eligible students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, which can significantly offset tuition costs. The university also offers a variety of merit-based scholarships specifically for students enrolled in business-related programs, including HR management, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.

In addition to scholarships, the university provides payment plan options that allow students to spread tuition payments over multiple installments throughout the academic year, easing financial burden and providing flexibility. For students requiring additional funding, private student loans are available through approved lenders, with terms tailored to the student's creditworthiness and financial situation. Work-study programs are also accessible, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning income to contribute toward their education expenses.

The University of Pittsburgh's financial aid office offers personalized counseling to guide students through the application process, ensuring they identify the most suitable financial resources based on their individual circumstances. Furthermore, the university actively encourages early application for aid programs, as some funding opportunities have limited availability. It is important to note that international students may have access to different funding avenues and should consult the university's international student services for tailored financial planning. Overall, the university is committed to supporting students financially to facilitate their academic journey and professional development in Human Resources Management.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive program in Human Resources Management designed to prepare students for careers in managing and developing organizational talent. This program emphasizes the principles and practices involved in recruiting, training, employee relations, compensation, and organizational development. Students gain foundational knowledge in business management, law, ethics, and workplace diversity, equipping them with a broad understanding of the human resources field. The curriculum integrates practical skills with theoretical concepts, often including internships and real-world projects to enhance experiential learning.

The program aims to develop competencies necessary for effective HR leadership and strategic decision-making. Key components include understanding employment law, workforce planning, performance management, and labor relations. Students also explore contemporary issues such as workplace technology integration, HR analytics, and global workforce management. The program collaborates with various industries and organizations, providing students with networking opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to current HR trends and challenges.

graduates of the program are prepared for roles such as HR manager, recruiter, training and development specialist, compensation analyst, and organizational consultant. The University of Pittsburgh's emphasis on research-led teaching and its strong ties with local and national employers ensure that students are well-equipped to meet the requirements of the evolving HR landscape. The program is suitable for undergraduates seeking entry-level HR roles as well as for professionals aiming to advance their careers through specialized knowledge and skills in human resources management.