Human Resource Management

Online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management (BA)

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72%Have Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt2

About This Bachelor's in Human Resource Management Program

The bachelor’s degree in human resources management from American Military University (AMU) prepares you to help an organization recruit and retain a high-quality workforce. AMU’s bachelor of human resource management explores these essential topics related to talent acquisition and retention, including: 

  • Motivating employees to perform their duties and work collaboratively towards organizational goals 
  • Curating employee compensation and benefits packages, as well as incentive programs, to attract and retain top performers 
  • Evaluating employees’ performance to maximize efficiency with an organization
  • Developing in-house talent through employee education and training programs

Additionally, you will learn about laws, rules, regulations, and policies impacting HR management. You will become familiar with the role HR plays in helping an organization define its strategic direction. Throughout the program, faculty members share insights from their own real-world experience as HR professionals and business leaders. 

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

The program aligns with HR curriculum guidelines set forth by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®). If eligible, you may apply to take the SHRM Certified Professional® (SHRM-CP®) exam in your final year of the program. Coursework also aligns with requirements for the Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) and Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®)* certifications from HR Certification Institute (HRCI®).

*Eligibility requirements for PHR certification include professional human resources experience.
SHRM®, SHRM Certified Professional®, and SHRM-CP® are registered trademarks of Society for Human Resource Management.
Associate Professional in Human Resources®, aPHR®, Professional in Human Resources®, PHR®, and HRCI® are registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc.

What You Will Do in the Human Resource Management Degree Program

  1. Examine laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting human capital in today’s global workforce
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of various compensation packages and employee incentive programs in enhancing recruitment, retention, and overall job satisfaction.
  3. Describe leading trends and issues in the HR field
  4. Explain the role an HR department plays in helping organizations define their strategic direction

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
ACBSP Accredited

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Number of Credits
120
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
Courses Start Monthly
Online
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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

The employment law concentration allows for deeper discovery of employee compensation and benefits. Students will also learn about dispute resolution, negotiation, employment law, and labor relations.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Identify government regulations for compensation and benefits.
  • Contrast mediation to adversarial dispute resolution models like arbitration and trial.
  • Discuss several significant ethical issues involved in negotiation.
  • Assess the impact of employment law/human relations in organizations.
  • Examine sources of power considered during negotiation.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5092

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This course provides a comprehensive overview of negotiation and distributive bargaining. It expands on the strategies of negotiation such as value claiming, value creation, mutual adjustments, ethics, and conflict management. Students will develop knowledge and skills and apply the characteristics of negotiation and distributive bargaining techniques to build relationships, establish agreements, and solve problems in real-world scenarios.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5093

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This course provides a specialized focus on negotiation. It expands on the techniques of perception, cognition, emotion, communication, power, relationships, teams, and cross-cultural concepts, principles, and theories in negotiation. Students will develop knowledge and skills and apply best practices in negotiation to build relationships, establish agreements, and solve problems in real-world scenarios. (Prerequisite; HRMT300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2968

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This course focuses on the principles, practices, and processes of dispute and conflict resolution. The course draws on interdisciplinary materials from social science, decision theory, management/labor relations, law, and others. Course curriculum incorporates a review of non-binding dispute resolution strategies such as negotiation and mediation, binding strategies including arbitration, and psychological challenges to overcoming conflict such as cognitive perception biases.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2971

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This course establishes a foundation for the art of compensation and benefit practices. Students will examine the context of compensation and benefit practices, the criteria used to compensate employees, compensation system design issues, employee benefits, and contemporary challenges that compensation and benefits professionals will face given the current economic times.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2972

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This course will explore the historical evolution and current state of employment relations theory. Workplace democracy, the source of workplace conflict, alienation, the evolution of class, collective bargaining, and other issues are discussed from a variety of perspectives. Students will become familiar with terminology and practices such as employee-employer relationships in non-unionized and unionized settings; problems and theories of union organizing, collective bargaining, and contract administration
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

The general concentration delves into behavior in organizations, training and development, compensation, performance management, and technology to support the human resource management function. Students will compare compensation packages and reward systems and differentiate between various performance management methods.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the concept of total rewards in relation to employee compensation and benefits.
  • Describe how human resource development is linked to the overall goals and strategies of an organization.
  • Develop an understanding of basic systems and the criteria for success in using HR software in organizations.
  • Compare and contrast successful and unsuccessful performance management systems.
  • Prepare a strategy to motivate a group of employees with varying backgrounds and perspectives.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2971

|
This course establishes a foundation for the art of compensation and benefit practices. Students will examine the context of compensation and benefit practices, the criteria used to compensate employees, compensation system design issues, employee benefits, and contemporary challenges that compensation and benefits professionals will face given the current economic times.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2973

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This course provides a basic overview of various automated information systems that are available to support today's human resource departments. Students will have the opportunity to explore online, offline, and hybrid HR software applications as well as other automated processes. Additional topics include HR analytics, systems security, individual privacy, legal implications and streamlined interview process.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2974

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Training and development is no longer an option for organizations – continuous learning has become an essential requirement for those companies that wish to sustain market share and compete successfully in the marketplace. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the training and development function and is applicable to all organizations and jobs. Training methods, theories, research findings, and issues regarding training, employee development, and the career management function in organizations will be explored.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4447

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This course examines how to measure and develop individual and group performance. Students will have the opportunity to design performance management systems in an effort to align employee performance with an organization’s strategic objectives. There will be an exploration of methods, theories and issues regarding workforce expectations and performance.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2934

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Successful organizations strive to hire the best talent and seek innovative strategies on how to retain them. Leaders attempt to create an environment that is appealing by soliciting feedback on what motivates them to stay. This course examines the field of organizational behavior and the various research strategies in areas such as personality, motivation, values, stress, leadership skills, power bases, and communication. It is designed to explore the attitudes and behavior of leaders and employees. The course examines decision-making and risk management techniques incorporating accounting and financial concepts.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Select 1 course(s) from the following:

Course ID: 3725

|
Microeconomics is an overview course that covers how households (consumers), firms (producers), and governments interact in competitive and other markets to set prices, and determine what and how much is produced. Key concepts introduced include the role of scarcity and choice, incentives and competition, and the law of supply and demand.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3726

|
Introduction to Macroeconomics is a survey course that builds on the topics covered and skills developed in ECON101 (Microeconomics) in order to present a complete picture of the economy. Macroeconomics shows how consumers and markets fit into the overall or aggregated economy and provides a framework to assess government policies. Key topics covered will include economic cycles (growth and recession), economic indicators and measures, and interest rates and money supply.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 4894

|
This is an introductory statistics course designed to help students achieve a basic understanding of the statistical methods available to analyze and solve the wide variety of problems encountered in the workplace. This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The emphasis of the course will be on the proper use and interpretation of statistical techniques. MATH120 is the recommended mathematics general education course for students who will be required to take additional statistics courses such as MATH302 Statistics as part of their program of study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4120

|
This introductory course focuses on the concepts and methods of managing human capital in an organization. Students will have the opportunity to explore human resource fundamentals by discussing practices in the selection, training, job analysis, evaluation, wage setting, incentive principles, merit rating, job efficiency, and labor/employee relations of human resources as applied to various types of organizations.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2892

|
In the emerging global economy, only those organizations dedicated to continuous learning are expected to grow and thrive. This course is an examination of individual and organizational strategies designed to stimulate creative approaches to learning in organizations. Students will have the opportunity to outline individual development plans from an organizational and personal perspective. Theoretical foundations and practical issues involved in employee training and development in business organizations are explored.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2922

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In today's workforce, being qualified is not enough. Most applicants are qualified, but they may not be the right fit for the culture. Interviewing has become a crucial process in organizations, and the outcome can determine the next path for many people. Therefore, it is important to spend time preparing for the actual interview meeting. This course will provide a comprehensive study on skill sets that interviewees should display to be the chosen candidate. Topics include communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time and project management techniques, and managing change with a positive attitude and self-confidence. Emphasis will be placed on clear concise written and spoken communication regarding business correspondence and oral presentations.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2967

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This course provides an overview of concepts, skills, theories and techniques involving human resource management(i.e. recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisals, reward systems, and benefit programs). Students will have the opportunity to review scenarios involving innovative HR practices in the workplace.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2977

|
Hiring a new employee can be costly, and the cost becomes greater with the selection of an individual who is not a good fit. Therefore, the talent management and development functions spend quality time developing strategic plans to address the organization's recruitment, selection, and retention initiatives. This course examines external and internal staffing processes and practices needed for a successful search. Students will explore the various techniques/methods for determining whether individuals possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required by the organization.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2978

|
This course explores the importance of human resource management in the context of the global marketplace, including topics on culture, compensation and benefits, managing expatriates, global labor markets, managing diverse teams, and the legal and regulatory considerations that global organizations face. This course will help you identify differences in operating domestically versus globally, and adapt human resource practices successfully in foreign markets.

Course ID: 3287

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With all of the cases regarding corruption, scandals and unethical behavior in businesses, how does one do the right thing? This course explores the moral and ethical responsibilities of managers and their direct reports. Topics of discussion include organizational justice, human resource practices (i.e. employee selection, salary administration, employee relations), and corporate/social responsibility.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3289

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Effective communication is necessary at all levels of an organization, and executives are concerned that employees lack this skill set. The focus of this course is the exploration of theories and techniques utilized in achieving efficient external and internal communication processes and practices within and among businesses. These processes and practices include communication around operations, legal, marketing, budgets, costs, and earnings. Students will be encouraged to apply their analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills in developing and presenting potential solutions to managerial problems.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4938

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This capstone course is the final class in the management and human resource management programs for the B.A. in management. This course prepares students to reflect on their academic experience by compiling and revising work from previous courses into an organized e-portfolio. The e-portfolio will reflect the student’s educational growth from the initial entry to the final stage of the bachelor’s program. In addition, students will develop the skills necessary to successfully transition to and navigate post-graduate life, and they will understand the civic and social responsibilities of being educated citizens. Finally, students will be given the resources to connect with APUS in an ongoing relationship.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
female hr leader

Prepare for Professional Certification

American Military University aligns HR management coursework with the pre-established core competencies outlined in the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook. With origins dating back to 1948, SHRM “is the world’s largest HR professional society devoted to human resource management,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). SHRM actively works to advance the HR profession in more than 165 countries.

Eligible students enrolled in this program may take the SHRM exam and obtain Certified Professional status during their senior year. Although a bachelor's degree is not required to sit for the SHRM-CP exam, AMU equips HR management students with in-depth knowledge of the field to help them prepare for certification. Advisors from SHRM have reviewed this degree program to confirm courses cover the subject areas of each respective exam.

This human resource management program also aligns with requirements for HRCI’s PHR and aPHR certifications. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics explains, certification may be beneficial for human resources generalists, “because it shows knowledge and professional competence across all human resources areas.” Reviewers from HRCI have verified that AMU’s human resource management curriculum coordinates with exam subject matter.


 

Servicemembers and Veterans Share Key Traits with HR Professionals

Studying human resource management could be a natural next step for those transitioning from active-duty service. While we welcome all backgrounds at AMU, those with military experience may be particularly well-suited to this online human resource degree. The emotional intelligence and ethical leadership skills servicemembers develop are also important qualities business students discuss in this online program.

 

Adaptability

In many ways, the military equips servicemembers with transferrable skills that may help them navigate the world of HR. For example, military service introduces troops to different cultures and environments that each pose unique challenges and test their decision-making abilities.

Similarly, HR professionals need to be nimble leaders. They must adjust to new situations, learn new skills, and adopt new strategies to align organizations with the expectations of an ever-evolving workforce. Being an HR manager also requires adapting to complex workplace dynamics and fostering harmony among various personalities and skillsets.

 

Problem-Solving

Much like servicemembers, human resource managers must think critically and consider many points of view to address complex problems. In both military and office settings, decision-makers need to anticipate the long-term consequences of their choices. Decisions regarding employment and business operations can have ripple effects on an entire organization's workforce.

 

Compliance-Based Experience

When serving in the military, there are important laws, rules, and regulations that every servicemember must commit to memory and closely follow to be successful. Human resources can be quite similar in this regard. Human resource specialists must not only know about a broad range of laws and policies, but also uphold them. In fact, compliance is key to many human resource functions, including:

  • Overseeing labor relations
  • Developing performance management processes
  • Implementing reward systems
  • Implementing workforce planning objectives

 

Leadership

In addition to working well under pressure, servicemembers often demonstrate a willingness to take on new challenges. Those working in human resources need to operate similarly. Maintaining a healthy workplace culture requires proactive decision-making, and responding to conflicts quickly is crucially important. Moreover, roles in both the military and the human resources field involve solving problems through teamwork and critical thinking. 

 

Resilience

Military training teaches recruits how to prepare for every possible scenario and overcome adversity. The drive to push forward when faced with hardships defines both servicemembers and HR professionals. Reaching organizational success requires a tireless commitment to solving problems in the workplace, even while navigating setbacks, tight deadlines, or limited resources.

 

Why Pursue an Online HR Degree?

Online human resources degree programs enable students to advance their knowledge and skills from anywhere. At AMU, we are committed to making higher learning both accessible and practical. Learners may access course materials and participate in weekly discussion forums from anyplace with internet access.

 

Gain an Affordable Education

Our University offers quality education for affordable tuition rates. Additionally, this online HR management degree program allows students to save on the costs associated with commuting and on-campus housing. Undergraduate students also save on the cost of textbooks with University-provided  $0 ebooks.

Furthermore, AMU’s Preferred Military Rate lowers the cost per credit hour for qualifying U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents. 

 

Create a Flexible Schedule

Our programs are designed for working adults who need to balance their studies with professional and/or family responsibilities. We also recognize that service life can be unpredictable. Our curriculum therefore allows students to learn from anywhere, even while deployed. You can access lectures and course materials 24/7 and complete weekly assignments as your schedule permits.   

 

Make Connections Through Student Organizations

American Military University is home to a number of student organizations designed to connect like-minded learners and help foster professional development. Student clubs and events can also serve as helpful resources for career exploration and networking.

AMU’s chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management holds a Gold standing, per the university's Chapter Standards program. The chapter provides an excellent opportunity for human resources management students to practice some of the core skills they discuss in their courses.

Chapter members have access to weekly webcasts, state and federal compliance resources, online discussion groups, and exclusive member discounts. Members may also attend webinars on trending topics related to human resources management. In addition, students interested in leadership opportunities may pursue officer roles.

AMU’s chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a special coalition connecting veterans from colleges throughout the United States. SVA’s primary mission is to introduce fellow veteran groups to one another and raise awareness of resources for veterans pursuing higher education. They advocate on behalf of student veterans at the local, state, and national level.

AMU’s Military Spouses Support Club is open to all university students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are interested in the unique issues military spouses face. Members gain access to networking opportunities as well as a private Facebook group dedicated to the community. Additionally, this club has a $0 membership fee.These are just some examples of the many student groups at AMU. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A bachelor’s degree program in human resources management may provide foundational knowledge in legal compliance and business administration subjects, such as: 

  • Employment law
  • Performance management
  • Dispute resolution
  • Human resource information systems
  • Talent acquisition
  • Resource planning

Additionally, business students who study human resources may have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are successful HR professionals.

Human resources is a broad field that encompasses just about every industry. A human resource management bachelor degree may be suitable for learners interested in a global view of the field, because it provides an overview of all human resource functions. Moreover, an undergraduate HR degree can help lay the groundwork for a master’s program in the same field.

A human resources program may offer either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). There are many similarities, in terms of the general business knowledge and competencies each degree type covers. For example, learners who pursue either type of bachelor’s degree discuss the core responsibilities of an HR manager, such as: 

  • Creating employee benefits packages and compensation plans
  • Overseeing human capital
  • Developing talent acquisition strategies
  • Assisting with conflict resolution in the workplace

Still, there are some key differences between a BS and a BA in Human Resource Management. A Bachelor of Arts incorporates humanities-based subjects whereas a Bachelor of Science program may involve more data analysis and quantitative research. 

SHRM and HRCI are both organizations that administer professional certification exams relating to the human resources field. Both are globally recognized, and while they do share some similarities, they base their certifications on different sets of core competencies.

The SHRM certification exams test students in areas such as leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and other forms of business acumen. 

HRCI exams test students' understanding in areas including risk management, labor relations, compensation and benefits, workforce planning, human resource development and other business management and strategy principles. 

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Admission Requirements

  • All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

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Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance