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B.A. Human Resources Management

Online Human Resources Degree

Build the foundation for a professional leadership career in human resources as well as further study at the graduate level. Emerge from the School of Business' online human resources degree program with an understanding of business, functional operations and decision processes as they relate to the management of human resources.

An important component of the curriculum is preparing and qualifying graduates to sit for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification examination, which is administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

Online human resources degree courses explore:

• Risk management
• Recruitment, selection and placement
• Training and development
• Compensation, including job evaluation, wage surveys, incentives, pay equity, benefits and strategy
• Interviewing and counseling
• Industrial and organizational psychology

In addition to the analytical tools and technologies necessary to solve complex management problems, the program emphasizes leadership skills within Saint Leo University's core values and traditions.

Saint Leo's online human resources management B.A. is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), a professional accreditor for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world.

The Saint Leo program has also been reviewed by the influential Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and has been confirmed to meet SHRM guidelines for undergraduate programs. SHRM is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management.

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Degree Requirements

General Education Core (48 credits)

• MAT 141 Finite Mathematics 3

  Topics in mathematics that are especially applicable to business such as linear models, mathematics of finance, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: MAT 003 or a satisfactory grade on the mathematics placement test.

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Basic Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• Aesthetic Perspective Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ART 123 Art Appreciation

    Basic terms, theories and techniques of the artist; major art movements; media in the visual arts.

    Prerequisites: FAS 101

  • ENG 202 Creative Writing

    Introduction to the creative process, analyzing creative writing in various genres, and the study of master writers. Offered annually.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122 and FAS 101

  • FAS 123 Introduction to Film

    A survey course treating film as a modern art form. Includes thematic content and aesthetic problems that face film theoreticians.

    Prerequisites: FAS 101

  • FAS 125 Introduction to Theatre

    Investigates the imaginative processes involved in creating theatre. Emphasizes the dramatic event, dramatic literature in performance. Examines the roles of audience, actor, playwright, director, and others who collaborate to create the theater experience.

    Prerequisites: FAS 101

  • MUS 123 Introduction to Music

    Develops an understanding of, and appreciation for, the most important composers and styles from music history and develops critical and intelligent listening skills.

    Prerequisites: FAS 101

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Human Behavior Perspective Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ANT 101 Introduction to Anthropology

    An examination of human, physical, and cultural development using evidence from archaeology, paleontology, genetics, ecology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics with emphasis on the historical, structural, and symbolic aspects of human culture.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

  • PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

  • SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    A survey of the major issues and ideas in sociology, including basic concepts and theories, as well as an examination of major social institutions, the dynamics and processes of social interaction, and the structure and organization of social groups.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

Business Core (27 credits)

• ACC 201 Principles of Accounting I 3

  An introduction to the preparation and use of accounting information found in financial statements. Topics include the analysis of transactions, and accounting for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Interpretations of financial statements for measuring performance and making business decisions are emphasized.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: MAT 141 and COM 140

• ACC 202 Principles of Accounting II 3

  An introduction to cost accounting concepts, budgeting, cost-volume-profit analysis, and managerial decisions.

  Prerequisites: ACC 201

• ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics 3

  An introduction to the economic analysis of the market mechanism. Emphasis on supply and demand, elasticity, cost analysis, market structures, externalities, and contemporary microeconomic issues.

• GBA 231 Business Law I 3

  The U.S. legal system (constitutional framework), the judicial system, the administrative agency system, the legal theory of the organization (agency law, forms of organization), an organization's legal obligations (torts, contracts, common law, and the Uniform Commercial Code), and public law (employment, securities, antitrust, consumer and environmental protection) are reviewed.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122

• GBA 334 Applied Decision Methods for Business 3

  This course explores the use of applied quantitative techniques to aid in business-oriented decision making. Emphasis is on problem identification and formulation with application of appropriate solution techniques and the interpretation of results. Included are probability theory, decision-making under certainty, risk, and uncertainty; utility theory; forecasting; inventory control; PERT/CPM; queuing theory; and linear programming.

  Prerequisites: MAT 201

• MAT 201 Introduction to Statistics 3

  Development of the fundamental statistical methods, including graphs, measures of central tendency, and variation. Inferential statistics includes the basic concepts of probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, sampling techniques, regression analysis and correlation, and other analyses of data. Use of statistical software packages. Applications to business, social science, education, and environmental science.

  Prerequisites: MAT 141 or a higher-level mathematics course

• MGT 301 Principles of Management 3

  An introductory course in management as a discipline and a process. Major topics include the evolution and scope of management, decision-making, planning and strategy, organizing and staffing, leading and control, and change. The importance of management in the global environment and ethical considerations of management decisions also are included.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

• MGT 325 Finance for Managers 3

  An introduction to the principles of corporate financial management. The principles apply also to other forms of business, governments, and non-profit organizations. The time value of money is emphasized in investments of real or financial assets. Planning for current assets and liabilities and long-range capital is covered. Risk and expected values (statistics) are used in the planning and assessments of investments. Also, the knowledge of different kinds of markets is described along with some financial theories.

  Prerequisites: ACC 202

• MKT 301 Principles of Marketing 3

  A basic course in the marketing of goods, services, and ideas including planning, pricing, promotion and distribution. Attention is directed to international marketing, marketing ethics, and managing the marketing function.

  Prerequisites: Prerequisites: ECO 201 and ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

Human Resources Core (33 credits)

• HRA 330 Risk Management 3

  The course is designed to identify key occupational health, safety, and workplace security theory and concepts. Legal and regulatory issues affecting health-related programs and policies and employers' liabilities. Current practices are reviewed.

  Prerequisites: MGT 331

• HRA 335 Selection and Placement 3

  Focuses on people as strategic resources whose availability and capabilities influence organizational effectiveness. Strategies for attracting, assessing, acquiring and withdrawing personnel are studied. Implications of planning and implementing staffing policies are discussed.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: MGT 331

• HRA 340 Human Resource Development 3

  Theory and technology of organizational training and development are studied. Learning theory and its applications to training, methodology for training evaluation and forces shaping future training and development needs are included.

  Prerequisites: MGT 331

• HRA 360 Total Compensation 3

  An examination of financial reward systems in organizations and the study of relevant theoretical and legal perspectives. Topics include job evaluation, wage surveys, incentives, pay equity, benefits and compensation strategy.

  Prerequisites: MGT 331

• HRA 425 Human Resource Internship * 3

  Provides students with an opportunity to work with professionals in the areas of human resource management. The faculty-supervised internship experience may take place in a wide variety of human resource settings where students will learn to address and overcome the many macro and micro obstacles that are a natural and integral part of the internship experience such as developing effective relationships and putting classroom theory into practice. Waivers may be granted for HRA 425 with the approval of the department chair. The student requesting the waiver must have significant human resource management or administrative experience. Such requests will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

• HRA 498 Human Resources Strategic Planning 3

  A capstone course designed to integrate previous core courses through a review of the HR body of knowledge. Course content analyzes the basic understanding and practical tools that HR administrators commonly use to meet an organization's employees' challenges. In addition, this course prepares graduating seniors to sit for "Professional Human Resources" (PHR) certification examination.

  Prerequisites: HRA 335, HRA 340, HRA 360, and senior standing

• Two upper-level (300- or 400-level) business courses ** (6 credits)

• MGT 331 Management of Human Resources 3

  This course is designed to identify and explore the various human resource functions that create a cohesive framework leading to the achievement of organizational effectiveness through enlightened human resource systems management. This is a basic course for "operating managers" as well as "human resource managers."

  Prerequisites: MGT 301

• PSY 331 Interviewing and Counseling Skills 3

  This course provides students with a basic framework of skills in the area of interpersonal communication for use in clinical settings and in a wide spectrum of human service settings.

  Prerequisites: PSY 121 and sophomore standing

• PSY 338 Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3

  This course examines both sides of industrial and organizational psychology to include an overview of legal issues in employee selection, job analysis, research design, selection tools, performance evaluation, designing and evaluating training, employee motivation and satisfaction, as well as leadership and other organizational development issues.

  Prerequisites: PSY 121

Electives (12 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 120

1. * Students may be exempted from the internship by the Department Chair.
2. ** GBA 335: Administrative and Personnel Law is strongly recommended as one of the two required upper-level business courses.