Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundation business courses with specialised human resources topics to develop practical skills in managing talent and employment systems. Core topics typically include employment law and ethics, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, performance management, and organisational behaviour. Students study HR analytics, diversity and inclusion, labour relations and strategic human resources management to prepare for contemporary workplace challenges.

Programme structure normally includes a mix of lectures, case studies, group projects and a capstone or practicum. Typical modules and subjects you can expect are:

• Introduction to Human Resources – fundamentals of HR functions and roles.
• Employment Law and Ethics – legal framework, compliance and ethical decision-making.
• Recruitment, Selection and Staffing – sourcing, interviewing and selection techniques.
• Training and Development – needs analysis, instructional design and evaluation.
• Compensation and Benefits – pay systems, incentives and total rewards.
• Performance Management – appraisal systems, feedback and improvement plans.
• Organisational Behaviour and Development – motivation, teams and change management.
• HR Analytics – using data to inform HR decisions and measure impact.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – inclusive policies and practices.
• Labour Relations – unions, collective bargaining and dispute resolution.
• Capstone/Internship – applied project or supervised workplace placement.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet Eastern Washington University’s general admission standards. Competitive applicants typically present a solid academic record across a broad secondary curriculum. Transfer students from community colleges with relevant credits are welcome; official transcripts are required.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or accepted institutional pathways. Standardised test scores may be considered where relevant but are not universally required; consult the university’s admissions guidance. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are assessed on an individual basis. Some courses may have prerequisites in introductory business, economics or statistics.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across private sector firms, public agencies, non-profits and educational institutions. Typical job titles include HR generalist, recruiter/talent acquisition specialist, training and development coordinator, compensation and benefits analyst, employee relations specialist and HR analyst. The degree also prepares students for roles in organisational development, workforce planning and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Many graduates pursue professional certification (for example through recognised HR bodies) or continue to postgraduate study such as an MBA or a master’s in human resource management to advance into senior management, consulting or specialised HR practice.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a supportive learning environment with relatively small class sizes, accessible faculty and opportunities for hands-on learning. The programme emphasises applied skills through internships, community partnerships and projects that connect students with regional employers. Faculty bring applied experience and research perspectives in employment relations, training, and organisational behaviour.

The university’s career services and local industry networks help students secure practicum placements and entry-level positions. Being located in the Inland Northwest, EWU provides links to public sector organisations, healthcare providers, manufacturing and small-to-medium enterprises in the region, offering diverse internship and employment opportunities for HR graduates.