Human Resource Management Minor

Managing human resource (HR) functions has evolved to become a key to an organization's management process. It is widely recognized that a well-functioning HR group significantly contributes to an organization's bottom-line and overall success. The 18-credit Human Resource Management (HRM) minor focuses on the systems and programs that effectively manage an organization’s employees.

Human resource management (HRM) includes the set of tasks directed at effectively managing an organization's human resources. HRM professionals create and oversee the talent management systems related to compensation, benefits, career development, training, staffing and other functions. The overall objective of HRM practitioners is to structure staffing systems to recruit and retain the best talent by making an organization an employer of choice.

Human Resource Management will prepare you to pursue an exciting career as an HR professional.


Akron Advantage

The program is accredited at the highest possible level by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The College of Business Administration is considered to be one of the best business schools by Princeton Review and ranked in the top 6 percent of all undergraduate programs by BusinessWeek.

Real-World Experience

Our faculty periodically consult with local businesses and corporate advisory board members to add new content and relevance in their classes. As part of the curriculum, students have to complete a senior project for a local firm as part of a consulting team. Our classes typically include guest speakers, site visits, case studies and team-based activities.

Human Resource Management Student Organizations:

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a national, professional organization of Human Resource practitioners, educators, and various professionals involved with Human Resources. UA-SHRM is a student chapter of the national Society for Human Resource Management. The University of Akron SHRM group consistently wins gold and silver medals in the Ohio HR Games competing against teams from universities and colleges across Ohio and the country.


Sample Curriculum


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For More Information:

Department of Management

Contact: Dr. Erin Makarius

Career Opportunities

Career Outlook

There are numerous career opportunities in the field of human resources and industrial relations.   HR Managers are required in every organization - from nonprofits to businesses, consulting firms, government agencies, and labor groups. Overall employment of HR, training and labor relations managers and specialists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, according to the US Department of Labor.

Career Services

Career Services is located in Student Union 211, with another office in College of Arts and Sciences Building 126. Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.