Human Resources Management

About the Major

In this major, you will study issues that affect people at work, such as recruitment and training, performance management, pay and benefits, labor, health, and safety. You will be a casting director who helps place the right people in the right job within a company and then develops the culture and compensation packages to keep them motivated. You will also complete a broad range of business courses designed to help you understand what companies need to move forward and what criteria your particular workplace might be looking for in candidates.

Skills and abilities this major develops include: communication, training, development, recruiting, and analysis.

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students and future employers, build leadership and teamwork skills, and have a great time doing it!

Professional Work Experience

Grow your skills through internships, part-time jobs, or co-op programs. Connect with the Kelley career services team to make an appointment.

Study Abroad

“Business without Borders” Kelley Indianapolis has programs available in London, Paris, Vienna, Prague, and Italy. Opportunities are also available through Kelley Bloomington’s Study Abroad program.

Opportunities After Graduation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for human resources managers and specialists is expected to be 9% from 2016 to 2026. Advanced degrees, solid background and work experience, or a combination of the two, will give candidates an edge in landing more stable employment and advancement.

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey (2019), starting salaries for human resource management graduates was $42,277, and the median salary was $41,800. The median starting salary for 2019 human resource management graduates was $54,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2020)

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Human resource management majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: business administration (MBA), human resources management, and labor relations.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Effective negotiations
Employee benefits
Ethics and leadership
Managing behavior in organizations
Occupational safety and health
Training, development, and salary administration

Possible Careers

Consultant*
Human resources manager
Labor relations specialist
Mediator*
Organizational developer*
Recruiter
Generalist

*These career options require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Chamber of commerce
Indiana State Personnel Department
Financial institutions
Hospitals
Health care facilities
Higher education

Complementing Interests

SSocial

CConventional

EEnterprising

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

Kelley School of Business

Society of Human Resource Management

Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

Enterprise, Policy, and Planning Cluster

This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.

Learn about the EPP cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an Advisor or Career Consultant

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