Point Park University

What you'll study

This programme combines core business courses with specialised human resources subjects to develop skills in recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, training and HR technology. Study is focused on applied learning: case studies, simulations, projects with local employers and a mandatory internship or practicum in a real workplace.

• Core business foundations — introduction to management, accounting, marketing and business law to give context for HR decision-making.
• Organisational behaviour and leadership — theories of motivation, team dynamics, diversity and inclusive leadership.
• Employment law and compliance — US employment statutes, workplace regulations, ethical responsibilities and risk management.
• Recruitment and selection — job analysis, sourcing, interviewing, onboarding and talent acquisition strategies.
• Training and development — instructional design, learning assessment, career development and performance appraisal systems.
• Compensation and benefits — pay structures, total rewards strategy, benefits administration and legal considerations.
• Human resources information systems (HRIS) — practical use of HR software, data analytics for workforce planning and HR metrics.
• Labor relations and collective bargaining — union-management relations where applicable, negotiation and grievance handling.
• Research methods and capstone project — applied research, data interpretation and a culminating HR project that integrates theory and practice.
• Internship/practicum — a supervised placement with a public or private employer to apply skills and build professional networks.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions assess academic records, completion of college-preparatory courses and evidence of readiness for a business degree. Suggested preparation includes coursework in English, mathematics and social sciences. Point Park considers transfer students with college-level credits; official college transcripts are required.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide certified academic records. Standardised test scores may be optional; consult the admissions office for current testing policy. Applicants should be prepared to supply a personal statement and references that speak to their academic and interpersonal strengths.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry- to mid-level roles across a range of industries. Typical job titles include:

• Human resources generalist
• Recruiter or talent acquisition specialist
• Training and development coordinator
• Compensation and benefits analyst
• HRIS analyst
• Employee relations specialist
• HR coordinator supporting small-to-medium enterprises or corporate HR departments

Alumni also move into related areas such as organisational development, labour relations, HR consulting and business management. The programme provides preparation for professional HR credentials (for example, entry-level SHRM or HRCI certification pathways), and it supports students who choose to continue to graduate study in HR, business or industrial-organisational psychology.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park offers a career-focused approach within a small-campus environment in downtown Pittsburgh, providing close faculty mentorship and frequent interactions with employers across the city. The Rowland School of Business emphasises experiential learning; students benefit from internship placements, practicum opportunities and partnerships with local companies and non-profits.

Classes are taught by faculty with professional HR experience and by adjunct practitioners, allowing students to learn contemporary workplace practices and tools. The urban location gives easy access to a diverse range of employers—from regional corporations and healthcare systems to startups and cultural organisations—helping students build practical experience and professional networks while they study.