Tarleton State University

What you'll study

This four-year undergraduate programme combines general education and business foundation courses with a focused sequence of human resources subjects. You will study the principles of human resource management and personnel administration alongside core business areas such as accounting, management, marketing and organisational behaviour.

• Typical HR core modules: Introduction to Human Resources, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits, Employment Law and Labour Relations.
• Analytical and technical skills: Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), HR analytics and data-driven decision-making, research methods and applied statistics for HR.
• Strategic and professional topics: Strategic Human Resource Management, Talent Management, Organisational Development, Ethics and Diversity in the Workplace.
• Practical experience: Internship or practicum options, case studies, group projects, and a capstone or applied project that emphasises real-world HR problems and solutions.
• Assessment: A mix of individual and group assignments, practical projects, presentations, examinations and reflective workplace reports.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Tarleton State University’s standard undergraduate admission criteria. Typical expectations include a completed secondary school certificate (or equivalent) with satisfactory academic performance and submission of official transcripts.

• Applicants transferring from community colleges or holding an associate degree may receive lower-division credit and should provide official transcripts of prior college coursework.
• Standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be considered according to the university’s current admissions policy; check the university for test policy details.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency (for example via TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) if their previous education was not in English.
• Some programmes and scholarships may recommend or require a personal statement, résumé and/or letters of recommendation. Relevant work experience can strengthen an application but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for a wide range of roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree emphasises practical skills employers value, including recruitment, employee relations, training and compensation strategy.

• Common entry-level roles: HR assistant, recruiter, training coordinator, benefits administrator, HR generalist.
• Mid-career roles: HR manager, compensation and benefits analyst, talent acquisition specialist, organisational development practitioner, HRIS analyst.
• Longer-term and specialised careers: labour/employee relations manager, HR consultant, director of human resources, or roles combining HR with business analytics or legal compliance.
• Graduates also move into related fields such as business management, organisational development, training and development, and employment law compliance. Many pursue professional certification (for example SHRM or HRCI credentials) or postgraduate study to advance their careers.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State offers a practical, career-focused environment with opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, applied projects and industry engagement. Class sizes tend to be small enough for personalised faculty interaction, and many instructors bring practitioner experience to their teaching.

• Strong links with regional employers and alumni networks help students secure internships and entry-level positions.
• Active student organisations and industry-aligned clubs provide networking, professional development and leadership experience relevant to HR careers.
• Flexible pathways for transfer students and those combining work with study, plus access to academic and career services that support résumé development, interview preparation and job placement.