Human Resource Development Major

Human Resource Development Overview

The demand for skilled human resource specialists continues to grow as our culture evolves from a manufacturing to a service-oriented society. Companies of all sizes are shifting from traditional personnel management to more supportive, informative, humanistic approaches in the management of their human resources. Professionals in the field are charged with nurturing flexibility, creative and adaptability to change in their personnel. This major studies psychology, human behavior, the structure of organizations, policy, training and development, and compensation. HRD majors are also encouraged to develop an understanding of the increasingly multicultural workforce and an appreciation of the intercultural knowledge necessary for success in the global arena.

Requirements

The BS in Human Resource Development requires 32 course units (128 semester credits). Students may transfer up to 16 units toward degree completion.

The Major

The following eight courses are required for the major:

• HRD 2020 Organizational Behavior
• COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting
• HRD 1240 Human Resource Management
• COMM 2360 Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management
• Four additional major courses selected in consultation with your academic advisor.

Please note: any course substitutions must be approved by the Associate Dean.

Capstone Course

The Capstone project is the culminating experience for bachelor of science degree programs.  The final deliverable is a demonstration of the student’s professional competencies and evidence of a foundation of theoretical knowledge applied to “real-world” issues. SPS offers students various options for completing their capstone requirement.  Each option involves practicing their skills in collaboration, analysis, problem solving, research, writing and professional presentations.  Students work with their advisor to determine the Capstone option that works best for their professional and academic development.

Note that these requirements are the same for any B.S. major. Requirements for the B.A. majors are different.

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science degree. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs that are essential to be contributing citizens of the world.  Please note that required major courses may also satisfy a Distribution Requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions.  The 11 units must be distributed as follows:

• English/Verbal Expression- two units - ENG 1000 - Introduction to Composition  & ENG 1150 - Intermediate Composition  
• Humanities - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be met a course on ethics.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA.  Students may also take COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting.
• Science/Mathematics - two units. One in math; one in science.
• Social Sciences - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
• Technology - one unit.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CSCI, CSEC

Electives

Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Please consult your academic advisor with questions.