University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The programme combines core business foundations with specialised human resources coursework and experiential learning. Typical areas of study include organisational behaviour, staffing and recruitment, compensation and benefits, employment law and ethics, training and development, performance management, and HR information systems.

• Business foundations: principles of management, financial and managerial accounting, marketing and business communications that provide a base for HR decision-making.
• Core HR modules: staffing and selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations and labour law, performance appraisal, training design and delivery.
• Applied and analytical skills: HR analytics, organisational development, change management, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Experiential learning: supervised internships or practicum placements with local employers, project-based classes with real-world HR problems, and a capstone or integrative project that synthesises functional knowledge.
• Electives and special topics: diversity and inclusion, talent management, HR technology and systems, leadership development, or entrepreneurship depending on student interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or recognised secondary qualification. Admissions decisions take account of overall academic record and the strength of the application.

• Typical materials: official secondary school transcripts and a completed application.
• Supplementary materials that may strengthen an application: a personal statement, recommendation letters, and any evidence of relevant work, volunteer or leadership experience.
• International applicants: proof of secondary school completion and evidence of English language proficiency where required (for example, recognised English test scores or other institutional proof).
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts and transfer credit evaluation; prior coursework in business, psychology or statistics can be advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a broad set of HR and people-focused roles across private, public and non-profit sectors. The curriculum emphasises practical skills employers value, such as recruitment, employee development, compliance and data-informed decision-making.

• Common entry roles: HR assistant or coordinator, recruiter, benefits administrator, training and development assistant.
• Mid-career specialisations: HR generalist, talent acquisition specialist, compensation and benefits analyst, HRIS analyst, organisational development consultant.
• Other pathways: labour relations, corporate training, diversity and inclusion roles, or moving into broader business functions such as operations or project management.
• Further study options: graduate degrees such as an MBA or specialised master’s in human resource management, industrial/organisational psychology or organisational leadership.

Why study at University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers a student-centred learning environment with small class sizes and a focus on applied, career-oriented education. HR students benefit from direct engagement with faculty who bring professional experience and from opportunities to complete internships and employer-linked projects that build practical competence.

• Career preparation: dedicated career services and employer networks help students secure internships and early-career placements.
• Hands-on learning: applied projects, practicums and opportunities to work with organisations in the region give students real HR experience before graduation.
• Supportive environment: advising and mentoring from faculty and staff help students plan specialisations, elective choices and post-graduation pathways.