Kent State University

What you'll study

This bachelor’s programme combines core business education with specialised human resources courses to give you a comprehensive grounding in managing workforces and HR systems. You will study topics in organisational behaviour, employment law, staffing and recruitment, compensation and benefits, training and development, labour relations, and HR analytics. The curriculum typically includes coursework in business communication, finance and accounting fundamentals, management principles, and ethics to place HR within a broader organisational context.

• Core HR subjects: Staffing and Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits, Training and Development, Labour Relations, Employment Law and Ethics.
• Supporting business courses: Principles of Management, Organisational Behaviour, Business Communications, Fundamentals of Accounting, Introductory Finance, and Marketing basics.
• Data and practice: HR Information Systems, Workforce Analytics, and practicum or internship options that connect classroom learning to workplace experience.
• Capstone and electives: A capstone or senior project in HR practice/strategy and elective choices such as diversity and inclusion, international HRM, or compensation strategy.

Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, group projects, simulations and workplace internships. Many students also engage with student HR organisations and applied research opportunities available through Kent State’s business college and career centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record and preparation in subjects such as English and mathematics. Admissions decisions consider overall grades, coursework rigor, and, where submitted, standardised test results. Transfer applicants from community colleges or other universities should provide transcripts demonstrating successful completion of college-level coursework; credits in introductory business courses may be advantageous.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or demonstrated prior instruction in English. Additional requirements can include a personal statement and letters of recommendation, and some applicants may be invited to discuss their interest in HR or relevant work experience.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of HR and people-focused roles across industries. Typical entry-level positions include HR assistant, recruitment coordinator, training and development specialist, compensation analyst, and employee relations associate. With experience, graduates progress to roles such as HR generalist, talent acquisition manager, HR business partner, compensation and benefits manager, or diversity and inclusion specialist.

Alumni also move into related areas including organisational development, consultancy, labour relations, and management roles that draw on people-management skills. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and internships helps graduates build practical experience and employer networks for career development.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers HR students the benefits of a broad public research university with a regionally connected business college. The programme emphasises applied learning through internships, practicum placements and collaborations with local and national employers, enabling students to gain workplace experience while studying. Small-group classes and faculty with practitioner experience provide personalised mentoring, and career services support students with placements, resume preparation and interview coaching.

Students can access co-curricular opportunities such as business clubs, HR student organisations and guest speaker events that connect them to HR professionals. Kent State’s campus resources, including career fairs and employer networking events, help students transition from study to employment in HR and related fields.