Human resources professionals are necessary to every organization, making candidates with a specialized degree highly sought after. This program prepares you for careers in this dynamic field by exploring how human resources influences every stage of employment from identifying business needs to managing the end of employment cycles.
You’ll graduate ready to lead organizational excellence across various industries and government sectors with abundant employment opportunities and the potential for a rewarding salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for this role is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The roles are well paid, too, with a median annual pay of $140,030 as of May 2024.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
This program begins by providing you with foundational business knowledge crucial for managerial roles. As you advance, you’ll focus on core human resources functions and develop the skills to handle the complexities of modern workforce needs, such as:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Global and cultural sensitivity
- Leadership
- Legal knowledge
- Personal ethics and integrity
- Relationship management
Through a curriculum that blends theoretical study with practical applications using traditional texts, real-world case studies and contemporary business literature, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge in assessing, selecting, developing, managing, compensating and guiding employees. This dual approach ensures you not only grasp the strategic importance of human resources management but also acquire hands-on skills to thrive in various organizational environments.
Mentorship and networking opportunities
This program offers ample opportunities to build a strong foundation in human resources management through mentorship and networking. As a student, you'll join the Society for Human Resource Management National Chapter, gaining access to invaluable resources tailored to your human resource concentration courses. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in HR mentoring workshops each semester featuring guest speakers who share insights on resume writing and interviewing skills, as well as conduct mock one-on-one interviews with industry professionals. Many students choose to enhance their studies with internships, gaining valuable mentorship from practitioners and faculty with real-world experience, including former HR executives from Basis Education and Employers Council.
Are you interested in learning about the people-side of business throughout the employment life cycle? Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in human resources equips you with the knowledge and skills to coach and support supervisors in talent selection, team management and driving organizational outcomes. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to excel in roles across a wide spectrum of organizations from multinational corporations to nonprofit agencies.
Courses delve into every facet of managing the employment cycle. This includes strategizing an organization's human capital needs; selecting, onboarding and training employees; developing compensation and benefits packages; and overseeing post-employment processes — all while ensuring legal compliance. You’ll also develop global competence and learn about cross-national differences in human resources policies and practices.
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members
- Renowned journal publications
- Speakers at national conferences
The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.
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All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman | Transfer | International | Readmission
Some programs may have additional requirements for admission.
Freshman applicants who meet the requirements for ASU freshman admission are eligible for direct admission to the W. P. Carey School of Business Bachelor of Arts in sports business program. To be admitted to ASU, you must be a high school graduate and meet one of the following criteria:
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1120* (March 2016 and after) or 1040* (prior to March 2016) for residents
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1180* (March 2016 and after) or 1110* (prior to March 2016) for non-residents
- ACT 22 (24 non-residents)*
- A high school class ranking in the top 25%
- An overall, unweighted high school GPA of 3.00 in competency courses defined by ASU (4.00 = “A”)
*ASU and W. P. Carey don’t require the writing portion of these tests.
If you’re a transfer student applying to the W. P. Carey School of Business Bachelor of Arts in sports business program, you’re eligible for direct admission if you have met the following requirements:
- ASU transfer student admission requirements
- 3.00 cumulative ASU GPA (if you've attended ASU)
- 3.00 cumulative transfer GPA (if you've attended another institution)
- Minimum grade requirements must be met for all critical tracking courses taken (applicable only if student falls under critical tracking requirements).
An ASU academic integrity violation may preclude a student from entering or changing W. P. Carey academic programs.
Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”