Business Administration & Accounting

Business Administration & Accounting Department

Melissa S. Oakes, C.P.A., C.F.E., M.B.A.
Department Chair

 moakes@thiel.edu
 724-589-2046

Academic Center 29

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  • Business Administration - Human Resources Management

    business administration hr management

    Major: Business Administration – Human Resources Management
    Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
    Total credit hours: 46
    Internship/Practicum opportunities: Available through Thiel College's Career Development Center.

    PDF Details / Downloadable / Print Format
    Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

    Build a Career Centered on People, Leadership, and Organizational Success

    Every successful organization depends on talented people—and skilled professionals who know how to recruit, develop, support, and lead them.

    At Thiel College, the Human Resources Management track within the Business Administration program prepares you to become a strategic partner in building strong workplace cultures and helping organizations thrive. You'll gain practical knowledge in recruiting, employee development, compensation, workplace policies, performance management, and organizational leadership while developing the communication and problem-solving skills employers value most.

    Through small classes, personalized faculty mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and professional networking opportunities, you'll graduate prepared to make an immediate impact in today's people-focused workplace.

    Whether you aspire to work in talent acquisition, employee relations, training and development, benefits administration, or organizational leadership, Thiel helps you build the foundation for a rewarding and versatile career.

    In this program, you'll learn how to:

    • Recruit, hire, and retain talented employees
    • Develop workforce training and employee development programs
    • Navigate employment law and workplace regulations
    • Manage compensation, benefits, and payroll systems
    • Strengthen organizational effectiveness and employee performance
    • Resolve workplace challenges through ethical decision-making
    • Communicate effectively with employees, managers, and stakeholders
    • Build leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
    • Analyze current trends and emerging issues in human resources
    • Gain professional experience through internships and networking opportunities

    Human Resources Management Curriculum

    The Human Resources Management concentration combines business fundamentals with specialized HR coursework that prepares you for careers in workforce management and organizational leadership.

    Coursework includes topics such as:

    • Employment Law
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Payroll Accounting
    • Risk Management and Insurance
    • Organizational Behavior
    • Human Resource Management
    • Workforce Development
    • Business Strategy

    Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship and participate in professional networking opportunities before graduation. For detailed course requirements, review the Academic Catalog (2026-2027).

    Human Resources Objectives

    • Learn by Doing. Human resources is a people-centered profession that requires both business knowledge and practical experience. Through coursework, internships, case studies, and real-world projects, you'll develop the skills employers seek in today's workplace.
    • Build Your Professional Network. Connect with successful alumni, business leaders, and industry professionals through networking events, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities that help prepare you for life after graduation.
    • Develop In-Demand Leadership Skills. Organizations need professionals who can lead teams, navigate change, and support employee success. The Human Resources Management program helps you develop the leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills needed across industries.

    Career Opportunities in Human Resources

    Human resources professionals play an essential role in helping organizations attract, develop, and retain talented employees. Graduates are prepared for careers across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and service industries.

    Potential career paths include:

    • Human Resources Specialist
    • Talent Acquisition Specialist
    • Executive Recruiter
    • Employee Relations Manager
    • Training and Development Manager
    • Benefits Administrator
    • Compensation Analyst
    • Workforce Development Coordinator
    • Human Resources Generalist
    • Organizational Development Specialist

    As you gain experience and professional certifications, opportunities for advancement into HR leadership and executive management roles continue to grow.

    Hands-On Learning and Professional Experience

    Classroom learning is only part of the experience. Human Resources Management students are encouraged to gain real-world experience through internships, networking events, leadership opportunities, and career development programming. These experiences help students build professional confidence, strengthen their resumes, and develop meaningful industry connections before graduation.

    Through Thiel's Career Development Center, students receive support with:

    • Internship placement
    • Resume development
    • Interview preparation
    • Career exploration
    • Networking opportunities
    • Graduate school planning

    Student Life Involvement

    Classes are just part of the college experience—community is just as important.
    At Thiel, 96 percent of students participate in one or more of our 100+ clubs, organizations, NCAA Division III athletic teams, and campus activities. These experiences help students build friendships, strengthen leadership skills, and develop professional connections that support future career goals.

    Human Resources Management students often participate in:

    • National Society of Leadership and Success
    • Accounting Club
    • Greenville Junior Chamber of Commerce
    • Chi Eta Sigma (National Commerce Honorary Society)

    Read the latest news on what Thiel students are up to.

    Scholarships and Financial Aid

    A quality private-college education should be accessible. Nearly 100% of Thiel students receive some form of financial aid, and business students may qualify for scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and other accomplishments.

    Business-specific scholarship opportunities include:

    • August and Susan Bamford Scholarship
    • Dr. Morrison H. Beach Scholarship
    • Roger '52 and Paula G. Blatter Scholarship
    • John T. Egbert Jr. and Phyllis Faries Egbert Scholarship
    • Daniel A. Hamo Scholarship
    • Huether Foundation Endowment for Business
    • David '71 and Deborah '75 Mogle Endowed Scholarship
    • Helen Patterson Hill Memorial Scholarship
    • Lend-A-Hand Scholarship
    • Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. May Scholarship Fund
    • Wise Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

    Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

    Learn More About Thiel

    At Thiel College, you'll find more than a human resources degree. You'll find a community that knows your name, supports your ambitions, and helps you build a future with confidence.


    Learn More About Thiel

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