University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core business and social science coursework with specialised human resources subjects. Students study how organisations recruit, retain and develop talent, design compensation and benefits, and ensure legal compliance and fair employment practices. Typical modules and topics include:

• Organisational Behaviour — individual and group dynamics, motivation and leadership in organisations.
• Introduction to Human Resource Management — HR functions, workforce planning and the employee lifecycle.
• Employment Law and Ethics — labour law fundamentals, discrimination law, workplace policy and ethical decision-making.
• Talent Acquisition and Recruitment — sourcing, selection methods, interviewing and employer branding.
• Training and Development — instructional design, learning needs analysis and evaluation of training programmes.
• Compensation, Benefits and Rewards — pay structures, job evaluation and non‑monetary rewards.
• Labour Relations — collective bargaining, union management relations and dispute resolution (where applicable).
• HR Analytics and Information Systems — data-driven decision making, HR metrics and using HR information systems.
• Organisational Change and Development — change management, culture and organisational design.

Coursework typically blends lectures with case studies, simulations and group projects. Students are encouraged to complete internships or practicum placements to gain applied experience and to participate in student organisations, career workshops and networking events supported by the university.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic achievement and extracurricular engagement. Typical expectations for applicants include:

• Strong secondary school academic record with rigorous coursework (for example, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or honours-level classes where available).
• Evidence of quantitative and writing ability through school grades and submitted writing samples or essays.
• A profile of extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service or relevant work experience.
• Standardised test submission policies may vary; consult the university for current guidance.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or equivalent qualifications unless otherwise exempt.

Transfer applicants are considered and must meet the university's transfer credit and GPA standards. Specific prerequisites for some HR or business courses may be required once admitted; consult departmental advising for the programme plan.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of people-focused roles across industries. Common entry-level positions include HR assistant or coordinator, recruiter, training and development specialist, benefits administrator and payroll or HRIS analyst. With experience, graduates move into HR generalist and specialist positions, management roles such as HR manager or director, and advisory roles in compensation, talent management or labour relations.

Alumni also progress to related fields including organisational development, talent acquisition, consulting and human capital analytics. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Human Resources, MBA, law or industrial–organisational psychology to specialise or accelerate career progression. The university's career services and strong employer connections in the Research Triangle and beyond support internship placements and recruitment.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill combines a long-established academic reputation with access to resources that benefit HR students: interdisciplinary coursework across business, psychology and law; faculty research in organisational behaviour and labour markets; and hands-on learning through internships and practicum opportunities. Students benefit from the Kenan–Flagler School of Business curriculum and career resources, campus career fairs and a large alumni network active in private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Located near the Research Triangle Park, the university offers proximity to a diverse employer base, professional associations and consulting firms. The campus culture emphasises leadership, community engagement and applied learning, helping HR graduates develop the technical skills and interpersonal judgement employers seek.