Human Resources Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management at the University of Kansas is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of human resources. This program combines foundational coursework in business, psychology, and management with specialized classes focused on talent acquisition, employee development, labor relations, compensation and benefits, and strategic HR management. Students will explore key concepts such as organizational behavior, employment law, diversity and inclusion, ethics in human resources, and the use of technology in HR functions. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared to address real-world challenges faced by organizations in managing their most valuable asset—their people.

Throughout their studies, students will engage in case studies, internships, and projects that foster critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills. The program also offers opportunities for experiential learning through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing invaluable industry exposure. Faculty members are experts in the field of human resources, blending academic rigor with practical insights to guide students toward successful careers. Upon completing the program, graduates will be well-equipped for entry-level positions in human resources departments, recruitment agencies, and consulting firms, or may choose to pursue advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Human Resources or an MBA with a focus on HR management. The University of Kansas’s Human Resources Management program is committed to developing ethical, innovative, and strategic professionals ready to contribute positively to organizational success and employee well-being in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Required Coursework

1. BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics

OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics

2. MGMT 905: Philosophy of the Behavioral and Organizational Sciences

3. MGMT 906: Behavioral Research Methods

4. MGMT 916: Seminar in Organization Theory

5. MGMT 950: Acquiring and Perparing Human Resources

6. MGMT 951: Retaining and Utilizing Human Resources

7. MGMT 952: Strategic Human Resource Management

8. MGMT 953: Designing Effective Work Environments in Organizations OR

MGMT 954: Individual and Interactionist Perspectives of Organizations OR

MGMT 955: Creativity, Innovation, and Change in Organizations OR

MGMT 956: Economic Theories of Strategic Management OR

MGMT 957: Behavioral Theories of Strategic Management OR

IBUS 950: Research in International Management and Strategy OR

MGMT 998: Independent Studey in Management

Human Resources Minor (Research Methods)

One of the two sequences below:

Sequence 1:

10. PSYC 790: Statistical Methods in Psychology

11. PSYC 791: Statistical Methods in Psychology II

Sequence 2:

10. DSCI 920: Probability for Business Research

11. DSCI 921: Statistics for Business Research

AND

12. PSYC 893: Multivariate Analysis

13. PSYC 894: Multilevel Modeling

14. PSYC 896: Structural Equation Modeling I

15. One elective from the following below.

PSYC 996: Structural Equation Modeling II OR

PSCY 895: Categorical Data Analysis OR

EPSY 812: Meta-Analysis OR

EPSY 814: Nonparametric Statistics OR

an equivalent course

The requirements of the PhD program are demanding and students must make sustained progress toward completing all degree requirements in four to five years. College mathematics, including calculus, is a prerequisite. Admitted students usually hold a Masters degree in Business or a related discipline. However, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply directly after obtaining their undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Applicants must demonstrate competence through a high level of prior academic performance and a score of 600 or above on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), however highly qualified applicants with a score below may be considered. Non-native English speakers must score at least a 600 on the paper-based, 250 on the computer-based, or 100 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or at least a 68 on the Pearson Test of English.

Finally, the applicant must demonstrate the ability for doctoral study through a record of achievement in professional and academic experience, as evidenced in letters of recommendation.

In addition to full tuition and fee payment, all Ph.D. students are supported via research or teaching assistantships or fellowships. Subsidized health insurance is available through the university. Many students also receive University Dissertation Fellowships. Funding is also available to attend professional conferences.

The Human Resources Management program at the University of Kansas is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within the field of human resources and organizational management. The curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in areas such as employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, labor laws, organizational development, and strategic planning. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage human capital, ensuring compliance with legal standards while fostering positive workplace environments.

The program offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often including hands-on projects, case studies, and internships to provide real-world experience. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making abilities, which are essential for success in HR roles. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and academics who bring current industry insights into the classroom, ensuring students are well-versed in contemporary HR practices and emerging trends such as diversity and inclusion, HR analytics, and technology integration.

Many students pursue careers in various sectors including corporate businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms upon completing the program. The University of Kansas's dedicated Career Services provide resources like resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events, aiding students in securing employment post-graduation. The program may also offer specialized tracks or concentrations, allowing students to focus on areas such as organizational development, employment law, or compensation management, tailoring their education to specific career goals.

Graduate employment statistics suggest that graduates of the Human Resources Management program at the University of Kansas have successfully entered roles such as HR specialists, recruitment managers, payroll administrators, benefits coordinators, and employee relations managers. The program emphasizes ethical standards and compliance, preparing students to navigate the complex legal and social issues affecting today’s workplaces. Overall, the program aims to produce well-rounded HR professionals capable of contributing positively to organizational success and workforce development.

The program's curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in labor laws, technological advancements, and business practices to ensure relevance and effectiveness. With a strong alumni network and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students benefit from mentorship opportunities and professional development events. Graduates leave equipped not only with a solid foundation in human resources but also with the leadership skills necessary to advance in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.