Ohio University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in general business disciplines before focusing on human resources topics. Early study typically covers accounting, finance, marketing and organisational behaviour to give context for HR decision-making. Core HR modules address staffing and recruitment, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employment law and ethics, and labour and employee relations.

Students also take modules in HR analytics and information systems, organisational development and change management, and strategic human resource management. Applied learning is emphasised through case studies, simulations and project work; many programmes include a practicum or internship option and a capstone course that integrates strategic HR concepts with real organisational issues.

• Introduction to Human Resource Management
• Employment Law and Ethical HR Practice
• Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
• Training and Development; Learning Design
• Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards
• Organisational Behaviour and Change
• HR Information Systems and People Analytics
• Strategic Human Resource Management and Capstone Project

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school completion certificate or equivalent from an accredited institution. Successful candidates typically demonstrate solid academic performance across a range of subjects, with particular strength in English and social sciences; coursework in mathematics or statistics is advantageous because of the growing emphasis on HR analytics.

US applicants will apply through the university admissions process and may be asked to submit transcripts, a personal statement and references. International applicants must provide evidence of secondary qualifications equivalent to US high school completion and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved waivers. Admission to the business college or to specific majors may be competitive; some students enter the university as pre-business and apply to the HR major after meeting college requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of people-focused and business roles. Common entry-level jobs include HR assistant or coordinator, recruiter, training and development specialist, benefits analyst and HR generalist. With experience, graduates progress to roles in talent management, compensation and benefits design, organisational development, HR analytics and HR information systems (HRIS), or to HR management positions.

Other career pathways include labour relations specialist, compensation consultant, employee relations manager, and HR-focused consultancy. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study — for example, in human resource management, organisational psychology, business administration or industrial relations — and for professional certification through bodies recognised in the HR profession.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University offers HR education within a business school environment that emphasises experiential learning, community engagement and career preparation. The College of Business is accredited by a global business accreditation body, signalling adherence to recognised quality standards for business education.

Students benefit from small-class discussion, access to faculty with applied expertise, and opportunities for internships and practicum placements with regional and national employers. Active student organisations, including a student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), provide networking, professional development and leadership experience. Career and internship services on campus support job search strategies, employer connections and placement into practicum and graduate roles.

The Athens campus also provides opportunities for study abroad, interdisciplinary electives and research projects that allow students to tailor their degree to specific HR interests such as international HR, non-profit HR management or HR technology.