Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme covers core human resources functions and the organisational context in which they operate. You will study topics such as recruitment and selection, employee training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, employment law and labour relations. Coursework typically includes classes in organisational behaviour, HR analytics and information systems, diversity and inclusion, workplace safety and ethics.

Students follow a mix of foundational business and HR-specific courses, electives and an experiential component. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Introduction to Human Resource Management – principles, roles and responsibilities of HR practitioners.
• Employment Law and Compliance – legal frameworks affecting hiring, termination, discrimination and workplace policy.
• Recruitment and Selection – sourcing, interviewing, assessment and onboarding strategies.
• Training and Development – instructional design, needs analysis and evaluation of learning programmes.
• Compensation and Benefits – pay structures, incentives, benefits administration and total reward strategies.
• Performance Management – appraisal systems, feedback, goal setting and performance improvement.
• HR Information Systems and Analytics – use of HR data, basic analytics and HRIS tools.
• Organisational Behaviour and Leadership – how organisations function and how to lead teams effectively.
• Labour Relations – collective bargaining, unions and dispute resolution (where applicable).
• Capstone / Internship – applied project or supervised placement with an employer to integrate classroom learning.

Students may also take complementary business courses such as accounting, marketing, management and statistics to broaden their understanding of organisational systems.

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the bachelor’s programme requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent and submission of official transcripts. Central Washington University considers academic record, coursework in English and mathematics, and any relevant test scores where required. Applicants are usually expected to demonstrate college preparatory coursework and readiness for university-level study.

Additional considerations frequently include a personal statement or essay and, for some applicants, letters of recommendation. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Transfer students with college credit or an associate degree are eligible to apply and should provide college transcripts; specific transfer credit policies determine how prior coursework applies to the degree.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme are prepared for entry and mid-level roles across public and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Human Resources Generalist or HR Coordinator
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Training and Development or Organisational Development Practitioner
• Compensation and Benefits Analyst or Administrator
• Employee Relations or Labour Relations Specialist
• HR Information Systems (HRIS) analyst or HR data specialist
• Workplace diversity, equity and inclusion officer

Graduates also move into related fields such as management, consulting, nonprofit administration and public sector personnel roles. Many students pursue professional HR certification or continue to graduate study in human resources, business administration or industrial/organisational psychology to advance their careers.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a student-centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes that allow direct interaction with faculty. The programme emphasises practical skills and applied learning, with opportunities for internships, practicum placements and community-engaged projects that help build workplace experience and professional networks.

Located in a regional setting, the university has connections with employers across sectors in the surrounding region and the state, which supports internship placement and local recruiting. Students benefit from academic advising, career services and extracurricular organisations that focus on professional development in human resources and business.

The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with hands-on activities—case studies, simulations, group projects and practicum work—so graduates leave prepared to contribute to workplace strategy and people management from their first role.