Human Resources Concentration in Business Administration
A human resources concentration focuses on how organizations recruit, develop, and support their workforce. Within a business administration program, this track emphasizes people management, policy development, and compliance considerations alongside core business principles.
Human resources concentrations are often chosen by students interested in employee development, organizational culture, and people-centered decision making.
Quick answers
What is a human resources concentration in business administration?
A human resources concentration is a focused set of courses within a business administration program that covers recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and HR policy.
What do you typically study in a human resources concentration?
Common themes include recruiting and talent acquisition, training and employee development, performance management systems, compensation and benefits fundamentals, employee relations, and an employment law and regulatory overview.
How does this concentration fit into a business administration degree?
A human resources concentration supplements the business core rather than replacing it. Students typically complete foundational coursework in areas like accounting, management, marketing, and operations, then apply those concepts to people-focused scenarios.
What degree levels commonly offer a human resources concentration?
Human resources concentrations are commonly available at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. At the associate level, HR topics are usually covered through general management or business courses rather than a formal concentration.
Is a human resources concentration available online?
Many programs offer human resources concentrations online, though availability varies by institution. Online formats may use discussion-based assignments, case studies, and applied projects, and terms may be standard or accelerated.
Does choosing a concentration change admissions requirements or accreditation?
Choosing a concentration does not change admissions requirements or accreditation standards. It is still important to verify institutional accreditation and confirm HR course sequencing and availability.
Back to Business Administration Concentrations
At a glance
- Focus on recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and HR policy.
- Builds on the standard business core.
- Course themes often include talent acquisition, training, performance management, and an employment law overview.
- Common at the bachelor’s and master’s levels; associate programs may cover HR topics without a formal concentration.
- Online formats often use discussions, case studies, and applied projects; pacing varies by school.
For an overview of all program pathways, see the Business Administration Program Guide.
What you typically study
Human resources concentrations combine policy, management, and employee-focused coursework.
Common course themes
Common course themes include:
- Recruiting and talent acquisition
- Training and employee development
- Performance management systems
- Compensation and benefits fundamentals
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Employment law and regulatory overview
Course depth and titles vary by school, but most programs emphasize applying business principles to workforce management.
To see how HR coursework fits into the overall program, review the Business Administration Curriculum.
How this concentration fits into a business administration degree
A human resources concentration supplements the business core rather than replacing it. Students still complete foundational coursework in accounting, management, marketing, and operations, then apply those concepts to people focused scenarios.
Most programs require several upper level HR courses completed after core business requirements.
Degree levels that may offer human resources
Human resources concentrations are commonly available at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
You may encounter this concentration in:
At the associate level, HR topics are usually introduced through general management or business courses rather than formal concentrations.
Online formats and pacing
Human resources coursework adapts well to online learning due to its emphasis on discussion, case analysis, and applied projects.
Online formats may include:
- Weekly discussion based assignments
- Case studies involving workplace scenarios
- Standard or accelerated term schedules
Compare delivery and pacing options:
- Online Course Formats
- Accelerated Business Administration Programs
- Part-Time Business Administration Programs
Choosing human resources vs other concentrations
This concentration may be a good fit if you enjoy:
- Working with people and teams
- Addressing workplace challenges and policies
- Supporting employee growth and development
- Balancing organizational needs with employee wellbeing
If you prefer financial or strategy focused coursework, you may also want to explore:
How to evaluate a human resources concentration
- Review typical course themes such as recruiting, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and an employment law and regulatory overview.
- Confirm how the HR track supplements the business core, including accounting, management, marketing, and operations.
- Check format and pacing options, such as discussion-based assignments, case studies, applied projects, and standard or accelerated term schedules.
- Verify institutional accreditation, then confirm HR course sequencing and availability.
Admissions and accreditation considerations
Choosing a concentration does not change admissions requirements or accreditation standards. Always verify institutional accreditation, then confirm HR course sequencing and availability.
Helpful pages:
Is a human resources concentration worth it
The value of a human resources concentration depends on your interest in people focused business functions. It can provide structured exposure to workforce management concepts, but it does not replace on the job experience.
For a broader fit discussion, see: Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It.
FAQ
What is a human resources concentration in business administration?
A human resources concentration is a focused set of courses within a business administration program that covers recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and HR policy.
What do you typically study in a human resources concentration?
Common themes include recruiting and talent acquisition, training and employee development, performance management systems, compensation and benefits fundamentals, employee relations, and an employment law and regulatory overview.
How does this concentration fit into a business administration degree?
A human resources concentration supplements the business core rather than replacing it. Students typically complete foundational coursework in areas like accounting, management, marketing, and operations, then apply those concepts to people-focused scenarios.
What degree levels commonly offer a human resources concentration?
Human resources concentrations are commonly available at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. At the associate level, HR topics are usually covered through general management or business courses rather than a formal concentration.
Is a human resources concentration available online?
Many programs offer human resources concentrations online, though availability varies by institution. Online formats may use discussion-based assignments, case studies, and applied projects, and terms may be standard or accelerated.
Does choosing a concentration change admissions requirements or accreditation?
Choosing a concentration does not change admissions requirements or accreditation standards. It is still important to verify institutional accreditation and confirm HR course sequencing and availability.