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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2020-2021

Business

School of Business

Concentration(s):
Human Resources Management
Program description

The concentration in human resource management gives students a broad overview of the knowledge base and applications used by professionals in the field. Students receive exposure to a wide range of topics reflecting the body of knowledge recommended by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards for coursework in HR.. After graduation, students are prepared for employment in the public or private sector as human resource management generalists or as specialists in human resource management functions such as recruiting, compensation management or benefits administration.

Career opportunities

Human resource management is a major functional area of all businesses and includes employee recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and human resource planning.  Individuals working in human resources undertake a full range of activities related to attracting and selecting employees to work in an organization, motivating and facilitating high performance, and retaining employee talent.  Decisions made in organizations about how to structure jobs, who to hire, how to reward them contribute directly to organizational effectiveness and a firm’s competitive advantage.  These processes can be applied in small, medium, and large firms as well as non-profits.  Early career opportunities typically include compensation analyst, employee benefits specialist, human resource assistant, human resource manager, employment recruiter, employment interviewer, and training and development specialist.  Later stages may see transitions into senior management positions including chief human resource officer.

https://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/business/human-resources-major.htm

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Compensation Analyst
  • Benefits Counselor
  • Credentials Verification Assistant
  • Employee Training Specialist
  • Employment and Placement Specialist
  • Employment Services Manager
  • Human Resource Assistant
  • Human Resource Generalist
  • Job and Occupational Analyst
  • Recruiter
  • Retention Specialist
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
  • Mediator or Ombudsperson
  • Training & Development Manager
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
  • SCMA 302
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5 to declare major/2.0 to graduate
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Management
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B4106
Phone:
(804) 828-1530
Email:
mgmt@vcu.edu
https://business.vcu.edu/academics/management/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Join BizConnect and do an informational interview with a member of the Richmond community.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Take SCMA 301 in the spring semester
  • Make sure to take INFO 165.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Join professional organizations like Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Gamma Iota Sigma.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
  • Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with The International Consulting Program.
  • Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Consider joining the Business student organization: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
  • When involved in any student organization, work to chair be apart of recruitment, secretary, and fiscal management roles.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend 100 first days event hosted by OSE.
  • Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Take MGMT 331 fall semester.
  • Take MGMT 332 or MGMT 333 in spring semester.
  • Take BUSN 325, MGMT 310.
  • Earn grades to keep cumulative and major GPA above 2.0 for graduation requirements.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
  • Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to get a professional mentor through connect mentoring.
  • Attend panels presented by OSE consisting of alumni and/or Richmond business partners.
  • Consider joining the Richmond SHRM and volunteering at their events to network.
  • Wanting to develop your understanding of talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, etc. prior to internship searching/completion? Utilize LinkedIn Learning.
  • Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research professional certifications needed for your field such as SHRM.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, and MGMT 431 (note the prerequisites).
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Complete an internship during your senior year at an employer where you'd like to work.
  • Attend at least one employer sponsored networking event each semester.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Attend the School of Business Career Fair.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2020-2021

Business

School of Business

Concentration(s):
Human Resources Management
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Join BizConnect and do an informational interview with a member of the Richmond community.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Take SCMA 301 in the spring semester
  • Make sure to take INFO 165.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Join professional organizations like Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Gamma Iota Sigma.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
  • Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with The International Consulting Program.
  • Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Consider joining the Business student organization: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
  • When involved in any student organization, work to chair be apart of recruitment, secretary, and fiscal management roles.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year.
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend 100 first days event hosted by OSE.
  • Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.
Year 3
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Take MGMT 331 fall semester.
  • Take MGMT 332 or MGMT 333 in spring semester.
  • Take BUSN 325, MGMT 310.
  • Earn grades to keep cumulative and major GPA above 2.0 for graduation requirements.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
  • Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to get a professional mentor through connect mentoring.
  • Attend panels presented by OSE consisting of alumni and/or Richmond business partners.
  • Consider joining the Richmond SHRM and volunteering at their events to network.
  • Wanting to develop your understanding of talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, etc. prior to internship searching/completion? Utilize LinkedIn Learning.
  • Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research professional certifications needed for your field such as SHRM.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Take MGMT 332, MGMT 333, and MGMT 431 (note the prerequisites).
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Complete an internship during your senior year at an employer where you'd like to work.
  • Attend at least one employer sponsored networking event each semester.
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Attend the School of Business Career Fair.