Join the Expanding Field of Human Resources

APU’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Organizational Development gives students the conceptual knowledge and practical skills for career placement and job advancement in the expanding field of human resources, including the areas of employee life cycle, training and development, and the growing HR generalist field.

This program equips students with all of the necessary foundational knowledge that a human resources professional must have, including best practices and strategies necessary for today’s workplace. Students learn the complexities of managing the benefits and policies of an organization, designing employee development and delivering training, and managing employee relations. This interdisciplinary program prepares students with the organizational theory, ethics, and business management skills to become expert problem solvers in today’s HR climate.

Gain In-Depth Learning Experiences

Students in this program build their résumés and portfolios through applied projects, such as designing a training workshop, writing job descriptions, and creating employee development plans. Students also have the option to acquire practical skills and experience in leadership, project management, decision making, and teamwork through internships as well as student clubs and honor societies.

Students may also participate in study-away programs, where they can engage with issues of globalization, trade, culture, and global management and leadership as they travel the world visiting global and international organizations and learning from universities and business leaders around the world.

Certificates, Credentials, and Microcredentials

Today, employers are looking for professionals with technical skills and leadership abilities, and students in this major are prepared to earn industry-valued, internationally recognized certificates, credentials, and microcredentials, such as the Professional in Human Resources certification and the Workplace Ethics Badge, validating their ability to motivate and manage talent and distinguishing them in the HR field. These certifications can be added to résumés and uploaded to online portfolios, certifying and showcasing to potential employers their mastery of these skills. Learn more about the School of Business and Management’s certificates and microcredentials.

Is This Major Right for You?

The human resources and organizational development major may be for you if you:

• Are an analytical and critical thinker
• Value concise and clear communication
• Want to develop and organize trainings and workshops
• Have a passion for improving people interactions with organizations