Davenport University

What you'll study

The curriculum covers core human resources theory and the practical skills needed to recruit, develop and retain talent. You study topics such as:

• Principles of Human Resource Management – foundations of HR roles and functions, ethics and the HR lifecycle.
• Organisational Behaviour – individual and group behaviour, motivation, leadership and organisational culture.
• Employment Law and Compliance – key legal frameworks affecting hiring, workplace rights, discrimination, and termination procedures.
• Recruitment and Selection – sourcing strategies, interviewing, assessment techniques and onboarding best practice.
• Training and Development – needs analysis, instructional design, delivery methods and evaluation of learning outcomes.
• Compensation and Benefits – pay structures, benefits administration, and total rewards approaches.
• Performance Management – appraisal systems, goal setting, feedback and coaching methods.
• HR Information Systems (HRIS) and HR Analytics – use of HR technology, data collection and reporting to support decision-making.
• Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining – union relationships, negotiations and grievance handling (where applicable).
• Strategic Human Resource Management – aligning HR strategy with organisational strategy and change management.

The programme typically includes a capstone project or practicum/internship that places students in real workplace settings to apply classroom learning to employer needs. Elective options allow focus areas such as talent acquisition, benefits administration, or HR analytics. Courses are offered through a mix of in-person, evening and online formats to accommodate working students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Typical admission criteria include a completed high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts. Davenport welcomes transfer students and awards credit for approved college coursework and recognised prior learning.

International applicants are normally required to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence of study in English. Mature or non‑traditional applicants with work experience may be considered through holistic review. Specific programme prerequisites may include introductory business or accounting courses; applicants without these may be advised to take preparatory undergraduate coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of HR and people-related roles across industries. Common entry and mid-level positions include HR assistant, recruiter, training and development coordinator, benefits administrator, HRIS analyst and compensation analyst. With experience, alumni progress to HR manager, talent acquisition manager, compensation and benefits manager, labour relations specialist or HR consultant roles.

Skills developed in the programme — such as interpersonal communication, legal compliance, data literacy and project management — are also valuable for careers in operations, organisational development and business consulting. Davenport's career services and employer partnerships support internship placements and job searches, helping graduates transition into the workforce.

Why study at Davenport University

Davenport emphasises career‑focused education with a practical, applied approach to human resources. The programme integrates real‑world projects, employer engagement and opportunities for experiential learning so students build a professional portfolio before graduation. Small class sizes and access to faculty with industry experience provide personalised instruction and mentoring.

The university offers flexible delivery options, including online and evening classes, which suit working students and those seeking to combine study with employment. Dedicated career support, internship coordination and strong ties with regional employers help students secure placements and launch HR careers.