Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree combines core business knowledge with specialised human resources topics and experiential learning. Students study fundamentals such as organisational behaviour, business communication, and management alongside HR-specific modules covering employment law, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, performance management, and training and development.

Coursework typically includes modules in:

• Organisational behaviour and leadership – theories of motivation, team dynamics and leadership development.
• Employment law and ethics – legal framework for employment, workplace compliance and ethical decision-making.
• Talent acquisition and workforce planning – sourcing, selection methods and succession planning strategies.
• Compensation, benefits and total rewards – pay structures, benefits design and reward strategy.
• Training, development and performance management – learning design, evaluation and appraisal systems.
• HR analytics and information systems – using data to inform HR decisions, HRIS fundamentals and metrics.
• Labour relations and collective bargaining – union-management relations and negotiation principles (where applicable).
• Strategic human resource management – aligning people strategies to organisational goals.

RIT emphasises applied learning: students usually undertake internships or cooperative education placements, work on team-based projects with real employers, and complete a capstone or practicum that integrates HR theory with workplace practice. Electives and minors allow specialisation in areas such as entrepreneurship, information systems, or diversity and inclusion.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor's programme typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, academic transcripts, and satisfactory performance in relevant secondary-school subjects such as English and mathematics. RIT considers applicants' overall academic record and extracurricular experience; strong communication and interpersonal skills are important for success in HR.

International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency when applicable and submit certified academic records according to RIT's admissions policies. Where standardised test scores are part of an application, RIT evaluates them alongside other materials; applicants should consult the university's admissions office for current testing policies and any programme-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of HR and people-focused roles across private, public and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• HR generalist or HR coordinator
• Recruitment/resourcing specialist or talent acquisition consultant
• Compensation and benefits analyst
• Learning and development or training specialist
• HRIS or people-analytics analyst
• Employee relations or labour relations advisor
• Organisational development consultant or change management professional

Many alumni progress into managerial HR roles or pursue professional HR credentials and postgraduate study in human resources, business administration or related fields. RIT's strong employer links and co-op opportunities support direct transition into the workplace and long-term career development.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT is known for its emphasis on experiential education and industry engagement, offering cooperative education and internship programmes that give practical, resume-building experience. The business programmes are housed in an AACSB-accredited business school, ensuring business and HR coursework meets recognised standards of quality.

Students benefit from on-campus career services, employer networking events, and student organisations such as SHRM-affiliated chapters that provide professional development and networking. RIT's interdisciplinary environment also allows HR students to combine people-focused studies with technology, analytics or design perspectives, reflecting the evolving demands of the modern workplace.