August 12, 2020
College of Business announces new human resource management concentration
COB’s new HRM concentration is designed to build expertise in all key HRM processes. (Stock photo taken pre-COVID environment)
ECU and the College of Business (COB) have announced a new human resource management (HRM) concentration as part of the current 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 all 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 talent, 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.
Dr. Lee Grubb
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 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 COB’s management department. “With this new concentration, we’ll continue to build leaders who can effectively evaluate and make decisions, lead employees and manage resources.”
The Past Looking Forward
“I can’t wait to see all the HR leaders soon to come out of this new degree program in the College of Business,” said Jessica McNulty, global programs manager, SAS.
McNulty received her BSBA in management degree from the COB in 2015. With her degree, she felt she was ready to hit the market. “Exposure to the real world and learning from professors with professional experience in the field set me apart from my peers when entering the industry.”
Jessica McNulty
When asked if she wished the HR management concentration was available when she was in college, she said yes. “Absolutely! As a student who was interested in a career in HR … it was initially challenging to find a clear path to my desired career through my course selection. It would have been beneficial to have had structured learning around each of the field areas to have a stronger foundation to start a career.”
McNulty says the new concentration will be a huge asset to COB students. “The HR industry is booming, and the job market for top HR talent is becoming more competitive and more lucrative than ever.”
Ready for the Market
COB leaders say the new HRM concentration will be fully aligned with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidelines, which play a role in defining HR education standards and helping universities develop degree programs that follow these standards. With this alignment, COB HRM students will be eligible to apply for the SHRM-Certified Professional exam if eligibility requirements are met. And, the new concentration program will be listed on SHRM’s HR program directory.
“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.”
Dr. Craig Williams
“I want to thank Dr. Craig Williams for spearheading this effort, which will prove beneficial for today’s and tomorrow’s students,” added Grubb.
“Students graduating with both HRM experience through internships and certification will have a significant advantage in the job market,” said Dr. Craig Williams, teaching assistant professor in management. “Our reputation should be such that prospective students see our human resource management concentration as the ‘go-to’ and ‘best’ program in the state.”
Added McNulty, “COB students with this new degree will be at such a great advantage to graduate with more foundational skills and hands-on experience on their resume than those graduates before them, and from other schools.”
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