Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational business courses with specialised human resources subjects to give you a broad understanding of organisational dynamics and practical HR skills. Core areas include employment law, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, performance management, and organisational behaviour. You will also study business fundamentals such as accounting, management, marketing and business ethics that provide the context for HR decision-making.

• Introduction to Human Resource Management – principles, roles and functions of HR professionals.
• Employment Law and Ethics – legal environment of employment, compliance and ethical considerations.
• Staffing and Recruitment – job analysis, sourcing, interviewing and selection techniques.
• Training and Development – instructional design, needs analysis and evaluation of training programmes.
• Compensation and Benefits – pay structures, benefits administration and incentive systems.
• Performance Management – appraisal systems, feedback and performance improvement strategies.
• Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining – union-management relations, negotiation and dispute resolution (where offered).
• HR Information Systems and Analytics – use of HRIS, basic data analysis for HR decision-making.
• Organisational Development and Change – managing change, culture and employee engagement.
• Capstone/Practicum or Internship – applied experience through an internship or a senior project with a community or employer partner.

Students typically complete general education requirements alongside major coursework, and have opportunities to choose electives or minors to tailor the degree to interests such as business analytics, industrial psychology or management. Coursework emphasises case studies, group projects and applied assignments to build transferable workplace skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions are based on overall academic record, including coursework in English and mathematics. Typical requirements include demonstrated competence in written communication and basic quantitative skills. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and will have transfer credits evaluated according to university policy.

• Domestic applicants: high school transcripts; standardised test scores (ACT/SAT) may be considered where provided, but check current university admissions policy for testing requirements.
• Transfer students: official college transcripts and a minimum number of transferable credits as specified by the university.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary school completion, official transcripts translated and evaluated where necessary, and proof of English language proficiency (for example TOEFL or IELTS) if English is not the first language.
• Other requirements: some applicants may be asked for a personal statement or references; students seeking course credit for prior learning or work experience should consult admissions or the department.

Specific minimum GPAs, course prerequisites and documentation requirements are set by the university and can vary by applicant type; prospective students should consult Auburn University at Montgomery admissions for exact thresholds and any programme-specific conditions.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of HR and people-management roles across public and private sectors. Entry-level job titles commonly include HR assistant or coordinator, recruiter/talent acquisition specialist, training and development associate, benefits administrator and payroll or HRIS support. With experience or further qualifications, graduates can move into HR generalist, compensation analyst, HR business partner, labour relations specialist, talent management or organisational development roles.

• HR generalist and HR coordinator roles in small to medium-sized enterprises
• Recruitment and talent acquisition positions in corporate HR or staffing agencies
• Training, learning and development specialist roles in educational institutions and corporations
• Compensation and benefits administration in private and public organisations
• HR analytics and HRIS support roles where data-driven HR practice is required
• Opportunities in government, healthcare, manufacturing, non-profit and professional services

Graduates often pursue professional certification (for example those offered by national HR associations) or postgraduate study to enhance career progression into senior HR leadership, consultancy or specialised advisory roles.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a student-focused learning environment with relatively small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with practical experience. The programme emphasises applied learning through internships, practicum projects and engagement with regional employers, giving students opportunities to build a professional network in the Montgomery metropolitan area and beyond.

• Practical curriculum with a capstone or internship to develop workplace-ready skills.
• Opportunities for flexible study patterns, including evening and online course options.
• Career services, employer partnerships and on-campus resources to support job search and professional development.
• Access to campus activities and organisations where students can gain leadership experience relevant to HR roles.

Prospective students should contact the AUM admissions office or the Department of Business and Public Administration for tailored advice on the programme structure, elective options and how the degree can be aligned with specific career goals.