Human Resource Management
What is Human Resource Management?
How an organization manages its human assets – its talent – may be the single most important factor in sustained competitive success. Human resource management (HRM) is about attracting, developing, and maintaining an effective workforce within an organization.
In addition to recruiting qualified employees, HRM professionals play a crucial role in enhancing workforce satisfaction and organizational efficiency by addressing employee needs and aligning talent strategies with company goals. HRM professionals develop training programs, performance appraisal procedures and compensation systems, and oversee labor negotiations. They also help foster inclusive workplaces.
Human Resource Management
Career Opportunities
A bachelor’s degree in human resource management prepares graduates for employment across a variety of business sectors—including manufacturing, retailing, banking, transportation, technology, health care, and hospitality, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations. If a business has fifty or more employees, chances are there’s an HRM professional on staff.
In addition to being represented in all industries, HRM professionals fill diverse roles within those industries. Human resources business partner, recruiter, HR coordinator, training and development manager, compensation and benefits manager, employer relations specialist, HRIS analyst, HR analyst, talent acquisition specialist—these are just some of the titles that HRM professionals hold.
94%
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
$62,637
Median human resource management graduate salary
Haslam Undergraduate Outcomes Report, 2022–2023
Job Examples
Human Resource Business Partner
Human resources business partners help align business objectives with the needs of employees and management within specific business units. They collaborate with senior leaders to develop strategic HR initiatives, oversee recruitment and talent management processes, address employee relations issues, and ensure compliance with labor laws. HRBPs facilitate training and development programs, lead change management efforts, and use data to enhance HR practices. As trusted advisors to both management and staff, they help create a positive work environment that promotes growth and efficiency.
Median Salary: $86,500*
Talent Acquisition
Talent acquisition professionals are responsible for identifying and attracting qualified candidates for open positions within the organization. They create job postings, source candidates, screen resumes, conduct interviews, and ensure a positive candidate experience. They collaborate with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, develop job descriptions, and create effective recruitment strategies. They also promote the company’s employer brand, assist with onboarding new hires, maintain accurate records of recruitment activities, and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Median Salary: $67,650 (human resources specialist)
Employer Relations
Employer relations focuses on fostering and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and its employees. This involves addressing employee concerns, managing conflict resolution, and ensuring effective communication channels within the workplace. Employer relations professionals help develop policies and practices that promote a healthy work environment, enhance employee engagement, and support organizational goals. They play a crucial role in compliance with labor laws and regulations, and if needed, negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements.
Median Salary: $89,980 (labor relations specialist)
HR Manager
HR managers oversee all aspects of human resources practices and processes within an organization. This includes recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees, as well as managing employee relations, performance management, and professional development. They ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, develop and implement HR policies and procedures, and handle compensation and benefits administration. Additionally, HR managers help align HR initiatives with organizational goals to foster a positive work environment and enhance overall employee satisfaction and productivity.
Median Salary: $136,350
2023 salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
* Based on data from Salary.com.
Majoring in Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management major equips students to assume positions as human resource generalists and specialists. The major develops students’ competencies in forecasting human resource needs, and in recruiting, selecting, training, and developing employees.
The HRM curriculum also addresses current labor force trends, treating employees fairly, encouraging diversity, and understanding the foundations of employment law. Two track options—Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness, or Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises—tailor the program to students’ career goals. All students in the program complete at least one internship.
Required Courses
- Managing Human Resources (HRM 360)
- Recruitment and Selection (HRM 481)
- Employee and Labor Relations (HRM 482)
- Compensation and Benefits (HRM 485)
- Internship and Career Development (HRM 492)
- Leadership Skills (MGT 331)
Major Requirement
HRM Student Spotlight
Mallory Redmond
Redmond is a human resource management major with a collateral in entrepreneurship.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Awards include college and departmental scholarships. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.