Business - Human resources or employment law

Display Title
Human resources or employment law
Slug
human-resources-employment-law
interest area reference

Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Human Resources

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.

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Arts
Program Focus
Human Resources
Program Name Abbreviation
Business – Human Resources (BA)
Program Category
Degree Image
Human resources degree concentration students have a discussion outdoors.
Program Description Intro

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.

Plan Code
BABUSHRBA
Program code
UGBA
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

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.

Total Classes
40
Total Credit Hours
120
Program Fee Code
W. P. Carey School of Business - Undergraduate Programs
Courses Section Title
HR degree concentration courses
Title
Learn from human resources experts across many industries
Description

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
Accolade title
Study at one of the best business schools in the nation
Accolade Description

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.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

best online bachelor's in business programs

Accolades Title
#3
Accolades Description

best online master’s in business programs (excluding MBA)

Accolades Title
#3
Accolades Description

best online general management MBA programs

Accolades Title
Top 5
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Accolades Title
Top 5
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Accolades Title
Top 10
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Accolades Title
Top 10
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best online MBA programs in marketing.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online MBA programs.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement item
Title
General admission requirements
Description

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman | Transfer | International | Readmission

Some programs may have additional requirements for admission.

Title
Freshman additional requirements
Description

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.

Title
Transfer additional requirements
Description

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.

Title
Considering honors?
Description

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.

Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Title
Professional licensure and certification
Description

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.

Image
This is a gold and black badge for professional licensure and certification.
Program fee code for resident
UPO501
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO501
Program Description Title
Prepare for careers in human resources management
override admission requirement
On
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
bachelor-business-human-resources
Program Generated Code
UGBA-BABUSHRBA
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

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.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features

Online Master of Human Resources and Employment Law

In this program, you’ll build knowledge of employment law and human capital management, as well as how to navigate the local, state and federal laws that regulate labor markets. This knowledge becomes increasingly critical to support organizational operations as HR professionals advance to higher roles. Graduates will also acquire a deep understanding of U.S. law, legal structures and legal reasoning when making decisions about human resource problems.

In addition to learning about the metrics and measurements of HR, the role of HR in organizations and strategic HR, you’ll also gain valuable skills in areas such as:

  • Compensation and benefits.
  • Employee and labor relations.
  • Job analysis and design.
  • Performance management.
  • Training and development.
  • Workplace health, safety and security.
  • Workplace planning and talent management.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program offers non-lawyer human resources, recruitment and operations professionals opportunities to further their skills and credentials. Whether established or new to the field, ideal candidates are interested in employment law and seek advanced human resource management roles.

Additionally, this program is an excellent step toward becoming SHRM certified. The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), a premier HR professional organization, has recognized ASU Law as the first law school fully aligned with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. This paves the way for students who enroll in this program to apply for the SHRM Certification Professional (SHRM-CP) exam. This certification is a distinction that many employers recognize when hiring and promoting HR and employment law professionals. Those who already have SHRM certification can receive continuing education credit for completing courses.

Program Field of Study
Master
Program Focus
Human Resources and Employment Law
Program Name Abbreviation
Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL)
Program Category
Degree Image
Two professional women sit with laptops on their laps as they shake hands and smile at each other.
Program Description Intro

Are you interested in gaining expertise in the legal and regulatory aspects of recruitment, hiring, maintenance, promotion and termination? Earn a Master of Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University to learn how to identify and solve the employment-related challenges that face organizations across all sectors.

Plan Code
LWHREMHREL
Program code
LWLW
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

This program consists of six core courses, three electives and a capstone. In your core courses, you’ll delve into employment law and other HR topics such as workplace rights and obligations, employment discrimination and human resources fundamentals. Elective courses cover employment-law adjacent topics ranging from dispute resolution and contract law to conflict theory and immigration law. To culminate the program, you’ll apply your knowledge of how the law interacts with and impacts the human resources profession through a capstone course.

Total Classes
10
Total Credit Hours
30
Program Fee Code
GP0229
Courses Section Title
HR and employment law master’s courses
Program start date manual
Title
Learn alongside renowned faculty in human resources and employment law
Description

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.

Accolade title
Study at one of the best law schools in the country
Accolade Description

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description

in Arizona for bar passage

Accolades Title
7
Accolades Description

specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report

Accolades Title
Top 20
Accolades Description

best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

Accolades Title
#45
Accolades Description

best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description

Applicants who have received a bachelor’s degree from an institution in the United States can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MHREL program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Foreign-educated applicants must submit a full application.

Admission requirement item
Title
FastApp process
Description

Possible outcomes from FastApp submission may include:

  • Conditional admission.
  • A request for supplementary documents.
  • A request to complete the full MHREL application with accompanying documents.
  • Denial.

For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:

  • The complete MHREL FastApp application form and the following uploaded documents:
    • An Unofficial Transcript from all undergraduate institutions attended.
    • A resume that doesn’t exceed three typed pages.

If a decision cannot be made from a FastApp, our admission team may request additional information from an applicant, including any or all of the following:

  • Personal statement.
  • Writing sample.
  • Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing a bachelor's degree was conferred.
Title
Required admission materials
Description

A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of an applicant’s bachelor's program is preferred. Prospective students may earn admission with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 if the other assets included in the application package are strong, such as but not limited to:

  • A personal statement that addresses a low GPA or inconsistent academic performance.
  • Improved academic performance in subsequent degrees.
  • Significant work history since completing a bachelor’s degree.

All applicants must submit:

  • Graduate admission application.
  • Official* transcripts.
  • CV or resume.

*Transcripts can be unofficial through the FastApp process. Official transcripts reflecting degree conferral(s) will be required if an applicant is admitted.

Students are strongly encouraged to first submit the MHREL Fast App. This allows students to submit a much shorter application and the unit will ask for more information or materials as needed. The information below contains guidelines for items students might be asked to submit after completing the Fast App.

Applicants with degrees from foreign institutions must submit transcripts to Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI) and meet the Graduate College and Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law English proficiency requirements.

Title
Other admission materials
Description
  • Does the application require letters of recommendation? Maybe, upon request from the admissions committee.
  • Is a personal statement required? If so, what are the parameters?
    • Maybe, a statement of interest may be requested by the admission committee.
  • A writing sample — may be requested by the admissions committee.
    • A document, a personal, academic, or professional writing or report, produced by you (academic or professional paper is preferred). No less than two pages, no more than 10 pages, double-spaced and 12-point font.
    • The writing sample is different from the personal statement.
    • The name of the uploaded file must contain the phrase ‘writing sample’.
    • It’s preferred that an applicant submits a sample that cites other sources.
  • Graduate school entrance exams (e.g., GRE, GMTA and LSAT) aren’t required for admission.
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Law
Title
Professional licensure and certification
Description

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.

Image
This is a gold and black badge for professional licensure and certification.
Program fee code for resident
GP0229
Program fee code for non-resident
GP0229
Program Description Title
Become a leader in employment law
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://apps.law.asu.edu/Apps/Admissions/Application/MLS/Default.aspx
Slug
hr-and-employment-law
Program Generated Code
LWLW-LWHREMHREL
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

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.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program features
Program highlights