College of Business announces new human resource management concentration
ECU and the College of Business have announced a new human resource management (HRM) concentration as part of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) management degree program.
Aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) competency model, the new concentration is designed to build expertise in key HRM processes, including attracting and selecting talent; compensation and benefits; organizational change and development; leadership, training and development; employment and labor law; and human resource management information systems. Additionally, courses will integrate exploration of critical variables influencing the management of employees, such as globalization and technology. This program also provides students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and earn entry-level professional HRM certification through SHRM, which will prepare them for careers in a rapidly growing field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that an average of 9% growth is expected in the United States across all reported HRM positions through 2026. BLS also reports an expected growth of 13% in North Carolina.
“Organizations must have leaders and human resource practitioners that excel in attracting, developing and retaining the best people available in a highly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace,” said Dr. Lee Grubb, chair of the management department in the College of Business (COB). “With this new concentration, we’ll continue to build leaders who can effectively evaluate and make decisions, lead employees and manage resources.”
The new HRM concentration also is fully aligned with the SHRM HR curriculum guidelines, which provide educational standards for universities offering degree programs. With this alignment, HRM students will be eligible to apply for the SHRM-Certified Professional exam if eligibility requirements are met. And, ECU’s program will be listed on SHRM’s HR program directory.
Dr. Lee Grubb (Contributed photos)
Dr. Craig Williams
“There is a growing demand for HR professionals in today’s fast-changing business environment,” said Grubb. “As one of the largest business schools in North Carolina, we’ll be able to cultivate the talent and leadership needed to meet that demand.”
Grubb said he appreciated the work of Dr. Craig Williams, teaching assistant professor in management, for spearheading the effort.
“Students graduating with both HRM experience through internships and certification will have a significant advantage in the job market,” said Williams. “Our reputation should be such that prospective students see our human resource management concentration as the ‘go-to’ and ‘best’ program in the state.”