University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines foundational business knowledge with specialised HR coursework and hands‑on experience. You study core topics such as organisational behaviour, employment law, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, and performance management. The curriculum also covers HR information systems, diversity and inclusion, ethics, and labour relations, and typically culminates in a capstone or practicum where you apply skills to real workplace problems.

• Core business foundations: introductory accounting, principles of management, organisational behaviour, business statistics or quantitative reasoning.
• HR core modules: recruitment & selection, training & development, compensation & benefits, performance appraisal, employment law and labour relations.
• Technology and analytics: HR information systems, workforce analytics and use of data to inform HR decisions.
• Professional skills: negotiation, conflict management, leadership, communication and ethical decision‑making.
• Experiential learning: internships, field projects, or a capstone practicum with public, private or non‑profit employers.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s degree typically requires a completed high school diploma (or recognised equivalent) with a record of academic achievement. Successful applicants usually present strong grades in English and social sciences; some programmes expect basic numeracy or a mathematics prerequisite. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are considered under alternative admission routes.

• Domestic applicants: high school completion with competitive grades; specific course requirements vary by faculty and should be checked with admissions.
• Transfer students: recognised college credits and a transcript demonstrating successful completion of general education and introductory business courses.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary school qualification and proof of English proficiency (for example, accepted scores from tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, where required).
• Additional information: some applicants enhance their application with a personal statement, résumé, or references; check the university’s admissions pages for programme‑specific guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of HR and people‑management roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical entry‑level positions include HR assistant, recruiter, training coordinator, benefits administrator and HR operations or HRIS support. With experience, graduates progress to roles such as HR generalist, talent acquisition specialist, learning and development manager, compensation analyst, or labour relations specialist. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study in business, organisational psychology, labour relations or law.

• HR assistant / HR coordinator
• Recruiter / talent acquisition specialist
• Training and development or learning specialist
• Compensation and benefits analyst
• HRIS analyst / people analytics
• Labour relations and compliance roles
• Progression to HR management, consulting or postgraduate study

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston’s campus and location provide direct access to a diverse metropolitan labour market, public sector employers, hospitals, higher education institutions and a wide range of non‑profit organisations—all valuable for internships and employer networking. The programme emphasises applied learning and professional readiness through internships, career services and partnerships with local employers.

Students benefit from a multi‑disciplinary approach that blends business fundamentals with social and legal perspectives on work and employment, taught by faculty with applied research and practitioner experience. Small classes, practicum opportunities and career support help students build the professional skills and local contacts needed for HR careers in the Greater Boston region and beyond.