Undergraduate Overview
Human Resource Management
Human resource management professionals help businesses and organizations function effectively by recruiting and selecting the right job candidates, training and developing employees, managing benefits and compensation, and effectively handling employee relations on a day-to-day basis. They do this while maintaining close relationships with employees and management, and promoting an ethical and collaborative environment.
The UW-Whitewater Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, online or on campus, is one of a select number of programs recognized by the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for fully aligning with SHRM's Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These guidelines are part of SHRM’s Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools and to help universities develop degree programs that follow these standards.
Prospective students who are considering a degree in HR are encouraged to investigate programs that align with the HR Curriculum Guidebook, as these programs offer broad and comprehensive curriculum in HR. Required courses develop knowledge and experience in key HR areas such as staffing, training and development, compensation, benefits, and labor-management relations.
Above and beyond a rigorous curriculum and faculty who are recognized for their excellence in research and teaching, students benefit by developing their skills with real-world projects and professional internship experiences.
The UW-Whitewater Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:
- General education requirements
- Business requirements
- Major requirements
- Electives (to bring the total to at least 120 credits)
Information on the requirements specific to the human resource management major can be found in the Course Catalog. Major video guides and course planning sheets are also available in Four Year Planning Resources.
Individuals wishing to deepen their knowledge with post-baccalaureate studies can complete an advanced degree online or on campus through the UW-Whitewater Master of Business Administration and an emphasis in Human Resource Management or one of 11 other unique emphases.
Human Resource Management is also available as a minor for non-business students. Requirements can be found in the Course Catalog, or in the College of Business and Economics listing of minors and certificates.
Job Outlook
National employment growth for human resource specialists is expected to be 5 percent1 from 2018 to 2028, and projected growth in Wisconsin is 9 percent2 from 2016 to 2026. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources or related business field for entry-level positions.
National Median Pay (2019)1
$61,920 per year
Number of Jobs in the United States (2018)1
625,700
Number of Jobs in Wisconsin (2016)2
11,250
Annual Projected Job Openings in Wisconsin2
1,210
UW-Whitewater Placement Information
Placement Rate3
100%
UW-Whitewater Salary Estimate (6 months or less after graduation)3
$41,255
Highlighted Employers3
Aerotek, Colony Brands Inc., Generac Power Systems, MetLife, TDS Telecom, Wipfli LLP
Common Titles3
Benefits Specialist, Human Resource Generalist, Human Resource Specialist, Labor Relations Manager, Recruiter
1 Bureau of Labor and Statistics - Occupational Handbook: Human Resources Specialists
2 CareerOneStop (U.S. Dept. of Labor) - Occupational Profiles: Human Resources Specialists
3 Based on survey responses for the 2019-20 UW-Whitewater graduating class
4 Based on survey responses for 2017 - 2019 UW-Whitewater graduates