Bachelor of Human Resources Management

What can an accredited online human resources management degree do for you?

Human resource management is the backbone of any organization and one of today’s most exciting and stable careers. Glassdoor ranked Human Resource Managers in its top 15 of the best jobs in the nation in 2021, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 9 percent through 2026, adding 12,200 more jobs to the workforce.

Point Park is now offering a flexible, affordable Bachelor of Science in Human Resources degree online. Graduates possess the tools and knowledge to become an integral part of organizational success with key skills in business, psychology and the specific functions of human resources.

Our human resources degree helps you build a bridge to success as you prepare to be highly qualified for a variety of HR-related professions. In Pittsburgh and online our faculty brings real-world HR experience into the classroom, as many professors have worked or currently work in the industry, giving you an inside look at how to succeed as a human resources manager.

Industry-aligned HR Degree in Pennsylvania

Our HR Partner Program matches students one on one with an HR professional to provide insight into the profession, as well as opportunities for job shadowing and networking. Additionally, our curriculum aligns fully with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and we are an HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Academic Provider through the Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®).

Transform your experience into college credit towards your Online B.S. in Human Resources Management

Point Park University offers robust Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning Credit opportunities. Point Park’s flexible transfer policy allows students to transfer credits from qualifying experiences including other college institutions, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST exams) or UEXCEL exams, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and experiential learning assessment portfolio submissions. Experiential learning credits are not considered current coursework for financial aid, and they do not fulfill any of the minimum 30 credits that must be completed at Point Park University to graduate. In addition, experiential learning credits through portfolio submissions are capped at 18 credits.

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

  • Next Start Date: July 2, 2023

Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years
Credit Hours: 121
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $495
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

  • Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years

  • Credit Hours: 121

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $495

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Tell me more about Point Park University’s Online B.S. in Human Resource Management

Benefits of an HR Degree from Point Park University

Point Park Online invites you to enjoy this humble interview with Human Resource Management Program Director Sandra Mervosh, M.S., SHRM-SCP, SPHR.

Online HR Management Degree Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description
This course introduces students to the different kinds of communities that people construct for themselves (e.g. social, political, artistic, etc.) and the values and dynamics that define such communities (e.g. cooperation, civility, tolerance, responsibility, etc.). The notion of what it means to be a responsible member of the community will actively be explored and discussed by engagement and analysis of multiple communities: the classroom community, the Point Park University community, and the Pittsburgh community. Students will also examine the responsibilities they have to their personal academic development.

Course Description
This course included communication theory as well as speech preparation, delivery, and communication technology. Student learning focuses on researching, composing, and delivering formal and impromptu speeches and presentations. Topics include research, analyzing and adapting audiences, message construction, outlining, delivery of messages and effective use of visual aids and technology. This course will develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively with respect to audience and purpose. The major emphasis is on the preparation and delivery of presentations ranging from one-on-one pitches and small group discussion to large audience speeches.

Course Description
Students will write argument-based assignments leading to an independently researched project based on academic and professional goals. Students will be required to 1.) find and integrate a variety of sources, 2.) read and analyze these sources, 3.) develop strong thesis statements that reflect perspectives on topics or issues, and 4.) construct persuasive arguments that engage with the viewpoints of experts and commentators. As the term progresses, students will have the opportunity to re-think or revise the ideas and perspectives they explored in earlier writing assignments by engaging with peer feedback and revising earlier drafts. Placement recommendations will require students to take ENGL 101 as a three credit course OR in conjunction with an additional credit of lab or studio instruction. Students who earn F or NP grades in ENGL 101 will be required to re-take the course in conjunction with a one-credit Writing Studio course.

Course Description
This college level algebra course includes the study of linear, polynomial, rational, radical, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Other topics include inequalities, factoring, systems of equations, complex numbers, and applications. Students enrolling in this course should have a background in college preparatory algebra, including high school Algebra I and Algebra II or equivalent.

Course Description:

A course on how Information Technology impacts organizations and how to use Information Technology to solve problems. Topics include: main concepts of Information Technology at a general level, online collaboration tools, application software, and information literacy as applied to searching and using the Internet. In addition, students will become proficient at an intermediate level in using application software. The student will learn each of the four software applications (Spreadsheet, Database, Word Processing and Presentation) and be able to apply them successfully to problem-solving scenarios.

Course Description:

A philosophical investigation of the main concepts and theories of ethics, with applications to fundamental moral questions as they arise in different areas of business. The following issues may be used as illustrations: affirmative action, investment in unethical companies or countries, product safety, whistle blowing and advertising.

Choose ECON 201 and one of the following courses:

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Macroeconomics (*Required by Department Major)
  • GCS 175 – Intro to Global Cultural Studies
  • HIST 201 – Western Civilization I
  • HIST 202 – Western Civilization II
  • PADM 210/POLS 204 – Public Administration
  • POLS 205 – World Geography
  • POLS 250 – Intro to Study of Gov’t Systems
  • PHIL 215 – World Religions

Choose one of the following courses:

  • NSET 110 – Intro to Natural Sciences I
  • NSET 111 – Intro to Natural Sciences II

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ENGL 250 – World Lit: Drama, Poetry, Epic
  • ENGL 251 – World Lit: Novels

Choose PSYC 150 and one of the following courses:

  • PSYC 150 – Psychological Foundations (*Required by Department Major)
  • PSYC 214 – Psychology of Emotion
  • SOC 150 – Sociological Foundations

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ART 100 – Intro to Visual Arts
  • COMM 290 – Seminar in Media Studies
  • COPA 250 – Exploring the Arts

Course Description:

This course is the Capstone Course taken by all Human Resource Management majors. Students will use the theory and practices of Human Resources they have learned throughout their academic career to design and implement a Human Resource project in a specific business environment. The project will pertain to one of the following HR function or service areas: Safety & Health, Employee and Labor Relations, HR Resources, Staffing, HR Development or Compensation & Benefits. The student will research and write a literature review on the topic. The student will conduct a needs analysis to identify the specific need of the organization. The needs analysis will also provide focus for the student to design a program addressing the need. A formal report on the process and content of the project will be composed and submitted to the instructor. Deliverables including the designed HR program to address the identified need, implementation method and evaluation procedures of the designed program will be developed and presented to the organization or client. Non-Human Resource Management majors can also take this course with the specific permission of the instructor. The SHRM competency, Communication, will be included in the course conten. Students in the HR program are required to upload at least one example of their work as identified by the faculty member to their e-portfolio. Prerequisites: HRM 416, HRM 419, HRM 215, Senior Standing or permission of the professor.

Course Description
Data analysis and charts, rules of probability, conditional probability, distributions, random variables, sampling, confidence interval estimates, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation. Students enrolling in this course should have a background in college preparatory algebra, including high school Algebra I and Algebra II or equivalent.

Course Description
The basic principles and procedures for gathering, recording, summarizing and interpreting accounting data.

Course Description
Use of accounting information for management planning and control and the interpretation of accounting data as a management tool. Prerequisite: ACCT 102.

Course Description
An introduction to the law in general and a survey of the law as it relates to business transactions including the law of contracts, agency and employment, personal property, bailments, real property, wills, descendants’ estates, trusts and international law. Prerequisite: BMGT 101.

Course Description
Study of functions, institutions, marketing structure tools, career opportunities and the preparation of a complete marketing campaign for a job.

Course Description
Selection procedures, training techniques, wage and salary administration, fringe benefits, grievance procedures and disciplinary action. Prerequisites: BMGT 101; PSYC 150.

Course Description
This Pass/Fail course will prepare each student for their formal review by a board to determine each student’s ability to enroll in the Cooperative Education program in the School of Business. Emphasis will be placed on resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, electronic portfolio, and various other methods to adequately prepare students for possible Cooperative Educational opportunities. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Course Description
The problems associated with the effective management of capital. Includes the development of corporations, legal aspects, securities market, and financial planning and development. Prerequisites: BMGT 101; ACCT 102; MATH 175.

Course Description
Students will study concepts of operations management. Students will learn to use statistical techniques and quantitative analysis to apply to business type problems. Topics will include: Project management (PERT), use of formulas/mathematical equations/probability to make business decisions, models such as linear programming, forecasting, and basic inventory models.

Course Description
Examines the role of individual and group behavior within work organizations. Review the traditional theories of management. Topics will include motivation, leadership, group behavior, organizational structure, conflict management, and resistance to change.

Course Description
The course focuses on the computerized and Web-based systems used in business. Topics covered will include knowledge management, customer relationship management, enterprise resource management, and supply chain management.

Course Description
An introduction to the pricing and allocation mechanism of the classical market economy.

Course Description
The objectives, methods and forms of business communications; business research and the classification and presentation of findings. Prerequisites: BMGT 101; ENGL 101.

Course Description
An overview of business practices in the international arena which acquaints students with the complexities of international business. Analysis of such topics as global interdependencies, the working of multinational enterprises and other concerns reflecting the variety of socio-economic environments in which transnational institutions function. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

Course Description
Covers major employment, labor and discrimination laws and regulations governing the workplace. Develops an understanding of the practical application of workplace regulations on day-to-day human resources operations and ways to minimize a company’s exposure to lawsuits and charges with emphases on case study discussion, practical examples and use of extensive resource materials. Students in the HR program must retain a copy of the completed work for submission in their portfolio in BMGT 418. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Course Description
This course reviews the history and evolution of American labor unions, including industrial relations problems. The course will explore the concept of collective bargaining by focusing on the formation of labor unions, the passing of the National Labor Relations Act, and the development of subsequent labor laws. The components of a labor agreement, including the relative positions of management and the union in negotiations, will be discussed. U.S. employment law will also be covered. Students in the HR program must retain a copy of the completed work for submission in their portfolio in BMGT 418. Prerequisite: BMGT 207.

Course Description
In depth study into current topics that impact how organizations properly address and manage HR processes thereby enabling the organization to obtain desired goals and address sustainability. Students in the HR program must retain a copy of the completed work for submission in their portfolio in BMGT 418. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

Course Description
HR Data Analysis will investigate and evaluate the various systems and tools commonly used by organizations to extract and analyze data and in strategic organizational decision-making to enhance organizational success and sustainability. Students will examine and develop the skills required to extract and analyze H.R data students.will apply these newly developed skills required to extract and analyze HR data, Students will apply these newly developed skills to analyze the impact on organizational success, Strategic decision making and sustainability. The SHRM competency Critical Evaluation will be included in the course content. Prerequisites: MATH 175, MATH 180, CMPS 114, CMPS 300.

Course Description
Covers compensation theory and the major employment and labor laws and regulations affecting compensation. Topics include, but are not limited to, defined benefit/defined contribution retirement programs and fringe benefit plans. Students in the HR program must retain a copy of the completed work for submission in their portfolio in BMGT 418. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

Course Description
Human Resource Management II delves into HR processes from a strategic level. Focus will be on Human Resource Management as a Business Partner for the design and implementation of organizational processes to achieve corporate goals and improve efficiencies. Topics under discussion include: workforce planning, labor forecasting, talent management, HR technology, metrics and analytics, onboarding, succession planning and strategic HR. Students in the HP program must retain a copy of the completed work for submission in their portfolio in BMGT 418. Prerequisite: BMGT 207.

Course Description
This course explores various qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental controls, data analysis, and scientific communication used in a business environment. Upon completion of the course, students will know how to formulate research questions, select the appropriate research methodology, collect and analysis data, and communicate findings and recommendations.  Prerequisite: MATH 175.

Course Description
This course includes the legal and managerial considerations regarding human resources and employee relations in government and non-profit agencies. Special emphasis will be on civil service employees and those represented by collective bargaining units, including negotiation and dispute resolution processes. Additional topics include special personnel relationships, such as contract and temporary employees, and volunteers in public service. Pre-requisite: PADM 210 or PADM 206 or BMGT 207 or BMGT 208 or permission.

Course Description
The study of psychological principles used in Human Resource Management. The course will provide the student with a working knowledge of individual and group levels of organizational behavior and how to effectively manage the various types and levels of behavior within an organizational setting. Topics explored in the course include but are not limited to; individual and group behavior, organizational culture and structure and processes as they relate to performance and satisfaction in organizations. Topics under discussion at the individual level will include; attitudes, personalities, perception, motivation, diversity and ethics. Topics under discussion at the group level will include; organizational culture and structure, communication, decision making processes, conflict management, change, and stress and group dynamics. Prerequisite: PSYC 150.

Electives provide students with the opportunity to study content areas that meet personal, professional, or vocational interests.

Point Park student Kevin Dotson

HR Management Student Highlight

“My degree in human resource management appealed to my managers because my role as physician employment coordinator is for someone who has an HR degree and wants to be exposed to various parts of the field.”

Kevin Dotson

Career Outcomes

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for an HR manager was $121,200 per year in 2020. Point Park University’s online human resources degree qualifies you for numerous professional roles, including:

Plan, direct and coordinate key leadership and administrative functions of an organization. You’ll take the lead in recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees, as well as participating in corporate meetings and advising executives on strategic planning. Point Park’s real-world experienced faculty offers you a look inside the boardroom, so you’re prepared when you take the next step in your career.

As a generalist, you’ll serve in an all-important employee relations role, primarily through benefits administration, training, performance management, onboarding, and recruitment. Point Park’s online HR management degree will provide you with the necessary skills and connections to seamlessly join an organization’s HR department.

Point Park’s online human resources degree teaches you the keys to managing an HR division, such as compensation and benefits. You’ll coordinate and supervise the work of specialists, as well as help establish an organization’s pay and benefits structure, having a significant impact on company growth.

Next Steps

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Official Transcripts

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