Program Overview

---

Business

School of Business

The School of Business offers a concentration in Human Resources Management.

Program Description

The concentration in human resource management gives students a broad overview of the knowledge base and applications used by professionals in the field. Students receive exposure to a wide range of topics reflecting the body of knowledge required for the Professional in Human Resources certification exam administered by the HR Certification Institute. After graduation, students are prepared for employment in the public or private sector as human resource management generalists or as specialists in human resource management functions such as recruiting, compensation management or benefits administration.

Career Opportunities

Human resource management is a major functional area of all businesses and includes employee recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and human resource planning. Individuals working in human resources undertake a full range of activities related to attracting and selecting employees to work in an organization, motivating and facilitating high performance, and retaining employee talent. Decisions made in organizations about how to structure jobs, who to hire, how to reward them contribute directly to organizational effectiveness and a firm's competitive advantage. These processes can be applied in small, medium, and large firms as well as non-profits. Early career opportunities typically include compensation analyst, employee benefits specialist, human resource assistant, human resource manager, employment recruiter, employment interviewer, and training and development specialist. Later stages may see transitions into senior management positions including chief human resource officer.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Compensation Analyst
• Benefits Counselor
• Credentials Verification Assistant
• Employee Training Specialist
• Employment and Placement Specialist
• Employment Services Manager
• Human Resource Assistant
• Human Resource Generalist
• Job and Occupational Analyst
• Recruiter
• Retention Manager

Professional Associations and Resources

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the Human Resource Management concentration can be found in the Bulletin.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the Human Resource Management concentration can be found in the Bulletin.

Requirements

• Highest level of math required: MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212, SCMA 302
• Science required: Core only
• Foreign language requirements: No
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes
• GPA requirements: 2.5 to declare major, 2.0 to graduate

Major Map

The major map for the Human Resource Management concentration is outlined below:

Year 1: Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
• Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 302.
• Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits per semester to declare your major at the end of your second year and graduate in 4 years.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events.
• Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
• Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
• Attend two or three School of Business events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

• Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
• Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
• Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Explore "What Can I Do With This Major" to learn about employers/job titles in your field of study.
• Complete your profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
• Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

• Complete a "Gap Analysis" Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor, to help you identify and schedule pre-professional experiences.
• Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
• Connect to at least 10 people and check out the VCU alumni page.

Year 2: Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

• Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Make sure to take INFO 165.
• Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
• Cultivate relationships with professors who can serve as references by attending their office hours.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue.
• Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break. Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

• Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
• Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
• Consider learning a language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
• Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed.
• Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
• Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

• Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program.
• Learn more about VCU's Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
• Join related professional organizations.

Year 3: Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

• See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
• Take SCMA 301, MGMT 331, BUSN 325, MGMT 310.
• Earn grades to keep cumulative and major GPA above 2.0 for graduation requirements.
• Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
• Conduct independent undergraduate research.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
• Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
• Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
• Join groups connected to your future career. Expand your network.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

• Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program.
• Experience VCU's richness of diversity by attending VCU's annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
• Gain additional professional skills.
• Use resources to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

• Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
• Research professional certifications needed for your field.
• Learn to solve problems in Creativity and Ideation.

Year 4: Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
• Take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, and MGMT 431.
• Complete the Business Knowledge Exam.
• Take MGMT 434 in your final semester.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation.
• Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization.
• Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

• Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
• Schedule a mock interview.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.
• Talk to your professors about their research interests and ways to get connected in the field.
• Attend at least one employer sponsored networking event in the fall and spring semester.
• Hold a leadership position in a club or organization.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

• Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview.
• Attend the School of Business Career Fair in fall and spring.
• Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps beyond graduation.