Many companies outsourced their human resource functions in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the mistaken belief that human resources departments did not directly contribute to their organizations’ bottom lines. Lessons learned in that era likely have prevented businesses from taking HR departments to too-low levels in the economic chaos of the past several years. Senior managers and corporate directors have learned just how valuable the HR function is and that effective human resource management can be the difference between profitability and financial loss. The result for current or prospective students considering gaining a degree in human resource management is that the outlook is highly positive. The Arizona schools listed here all have consulted with industry leaders and professional organizations in designing their human resource degree programs, providing a broad range of choices for Human Resource degrees in Arizona.
DeVry University
A national university with campuses in several states and a strong online degree program, DeVry University maintains three physical campuses in Arizona. Those campuses are located in Glendale, Mesa and metropolitan Phoenix. Each campus offers the same degree programs, each of which delivers course content as a mix between onsite and online classes. All of DeVry’s Arizona campuses are in the Phoenix area and enrolled students can elect to take classes at any campus.
DeVry University’s human resource management degree programs are offered through the school’s College of Business and Management. Established in Chicago in 1931, DeVry University now operates nearly 100 campuses across the country and has a total national student population of 90,000. It is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Though the school offers degree programs to students of all ages, it is quite popular with older students, many of whom it actively courts by designing some of its programs specifically for working students and those who already have at least some college work behind them.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management Degree Specialization
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree offers a solid foundation in general business principles. Designed with input from current business leaders, DeVry’s Business Administration degree program prepares students in the competencies that employers most commonly seek. DeVry University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focuses on the needs of business in the global environment and introduces students to a wide range of industries. Concentration in Human Resource Management within the Business Administration degree program helps to prepare students to work in that area of a wide range of types of businesses and industries. The human resource specialization introduces students to the many areas of human resource management including recruiting and selection, general labor law, compensation, benefits administration, labor force planning and other areas of human resource management.
Bachelor of Science in Management, Human Resource Management Degree Specialization
This bachelor’s degree program is designed for those students who already have an associate degree or some prior college work that translates to at least 12 transferable credits that are applicable to the program. The management program also is designed primarily for those students who have prior work experience and favors those who currently are employed. Rather than providing a general foundational education in the management of human resources, the Bachelor of Science in Management with the Human Resource Management Degree Specialization is better suited to those students who already possess general knowledge and who seek to further their careers by positioning themselves to advance to management ranks within human resource management.
DeVry’s Bachelor of Science in Management, Human Resource Management Degree Specialization program requires some prior related education so that students can gain this bachelor’s degree in less time and at a lower cost. An added benefit is that working students have to focus on gaining the degree for a shorter period of time and are able to begin applying their new knowledge more quickly.
Bachelor of Science in Technical Management, Human Resource Management Degree Specialization
This bachelor’s degree program also requires prior educational or work experience. It is designed for students who either currently work in criminal justice or who hold an associate degree in health information technology or a closely related area of healthcare technology. Though the principles of human resource management are consistent across industries, its application varies within certain industries. Healthcare technology and criminal justice are two of the areas that require additional consideration within human resource management. This program is appropriate for other fields heavily dependent on digital information and its management but healthcare technology and criminal justice are its main points of focus.
Master of Human Resource Management
This degree is offered through the Keller Graduate School of Management, a division of DeVry University. The Keller Graduate School of Management is accessible at each of DeVry’s Arizona locations as well as online. Keller’s Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) program follows the academic guidelines established by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to the practice and advancement of the field of human resource management. What this means for employers is that they can be certain that the individual holding a Keller MHRM has a solid base from which to operate and bring value to their companies. One of the guidelines of the SHRM is that academic programs be reviewed and updated on a nearly continual basis so that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing international business environment. In addition to being regionally accredited as are all DeVry programs, the Keller MHRM program also is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) that also holds accredited schools to high standards.
Contact
2149 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 602-749-4500
Westgate City Center
6751 N. Sunset Blvd. Ste. E 104
Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone: 623-872-3240
1201 S. Alma School Rd.
Ste. 5450
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-827-1511
Grand Canyon University
Founded in 1949, today Grand Canyon University is one of Arizona’s leading private universities. It is a Christian school trained on Christian doctrine and biblical ethics in teaching, learning and application of the education gained at Grand Canyon University. Regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools overall, its Ken Blanchard College of Business also is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) that requires the schools it accredits to submit a Quality Assurance Report at prescribed intervals to ensure that the accredited program continues to meet ACBSP’s high standards. Located in Phoenix, Grand Canyon University has more than 31,000 students and boasts a student-faculty ratio of 16.1. More than a third of its classes have fewer than 20 students. U.S. News and World Report named Grand Canyon University to its 2014 list of Best Colleges and Regional Universities (West), Tier 2.
Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management
Grand Canyon University bases its requirements for its MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management on the academic guidelines set forth by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) to ensure that graduates are prepared to function effectively in the areas of human resource management of greatest interest to them. Graduates are prepared to function either as senior human resources specialists or as general managers well versed in human resource management, giving both graduates and employers a broad range of options.
A primary focus of the Grand Canyon University MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management is enhancing the effectiveness of any company in all matters related to human resources. This includes a broad range of topics, of course. To fulfill employers’ needs and to ensure the highest quality education for its MBA-HR students, Grand Canyon University’s concentration in Strategic Human Resource Management includes exploration of diversity in the workplace, talent management, workforce planning, employee development and other topics pertinent to the current and anticipated business environment. The program also examines business events such as downsizing, offshoring decisions, mergers and acquisitions as they affect human resource management.
Contact
3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-639-7500
kbcob@gcu.edu
Website
Northcentral University
There is an old saying that success lies in doing only a few things and doing them very well. The founders of Northcentral University took that sentiment to heart when creating the school in the mid-1990s. Northcentral University has only three schools: School of Business and Technology Management, School of Education and its School of Behavioral and Health Sciences. It ranks highly in all three areas, which is remarkable given that Northcentral University operates fully online and has no physical campus. It is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The business school also is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Northcentral University is a private, for-profit school that can claim several notable alumni in its relatively short history, including high-ranking government officials at the national and local levels and at least one college president. In 2011, the Open Education Database (OEDB) ranked Northcentral University at 29 among 65 institutions.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
Northcentral University’s approach to its Bachelor of Business Administration degree is that of beginning at the beginning and then applying an experiential learning approach that provides students with experiences that are close to hands on. The program does not assume that students know nothing at all but it still is able to supply a learning approach that prepares students to deal with real world problems as they occur. Within the concentration of Human Resource Management, Northcentral University continues in the same mode as the program focuses on human resource management rather than on general business management.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) gives formal approval to Northcentral University’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management program. SHRM’s approval of any program represents the pinnacle of achievement in education and training in human resource management. The program focuses on any issue that can affect employees or be affected by them. Every organization has a responsibility to develop the workforce it has and to provide opportunities for employee development to meet the organization’s future needs. Northcentral University’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management program approaches human resource management education in that way and with that overriding goal.
Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management
Northcentral University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program addresses several broad categories including global business considerations and effective organizational management. Within organizational management, Northcentral University’s MBA students gain practice in planning and managing projects, marshalling organizational change and directing organizational growth. The Human Resources Management concentration addresses all of these same issues, but from the perspective of the needs of matters associated with employees.
Expected learning outcomes in Northcentral University’s MBA program with its specialization in Human Resources Management include the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real world problems and interpret significant business principles as they relate to human resource management. Other expected learning outcomes include assessing ethical principles in a global environment and implementing the conclusions of current research in the business setting.
Contact
10000 E. University Drive
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
8667 E. Hartford Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-776-0331
admissions@ncu.edu
Website
Ottawa University
Based in Ottawa, Kansas, Ottawa University is an old institution that also maintains campuses in Arizona, Indiana and Wisconsin as well as online. It was founded in 1865 and has been serving Arizona since 1974, maintaining campuses in Phoenix, Chandler and Surprise. Ottawa University operates from a Christian perspective and as such places a high value on ethics and ethics education. Ottawa University strives to help working adults to complete their degrees as quickly as possible to save both time and money. The school assigns each student a personal Success Coach to be available for advising. Ottawa University also actively pursues its mission of preparing students for a lifetime of significance in the forms of faith, service and leadership.
Master of Arts in Human Resources Program – Adult, Professional and Online Studies (APOS)
Ottawa University was an early leader in focusing on adult education and altering academic offerings to meet the needs of busy working adults. The school maintains that perspective in its online Master of Arts in Human Resources. The program is designed to serve working adults who seek to enhance human resource skills acquired through current employment or through exposure to some business related form of human resource management. Goals of the program include preparing students to assume leadership roles in human resources functions as managers, counselors, consultants or trainers. The program seeks to educate individuals who then are able to apply theory, research and methods to positions and situations. Other goals are to prepare students to expect, plan for and implement change within their organizations as well as assess outcomes of human resource initiatives within the organization. Finally, the program strives to encourage continued professional growth in the human resource field. Ottawa University offers further concentration in healthcare management and leadership and the human resources needs in those areas.
Contact
10020 N. 25th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Phone: 602-371-1188
Email: admiss.az@ottawa.edu
1850 East Northrop Blvd.
Suite 130
Chandler, Arizona 85286
Phone: 602-749-5200
Email: admiss.az@ottawa.edu
15950 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, Arizona 85374
Phone: 480-384-9020
Email: admiss.az@ottawa.edu
Western International University
For most students, the days of being able to work your way through college to emerge debt free in a reasonable length of time are only a distant memory. Western International University believes that should not be the case, that everyone willing to work for a degree should have access to a high quality college education. Western International University accepts students of all ages but focuses most on the needs of working adults who want to complete earlier interrupted degrees. Currently accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the organization has placed Western International University on notice regarding its continued accreditation. What the “on notice” designation means is that the accrediting body has concerns about some course of action or trend at the institution. The “on notice” period is one in which the school and the accrediting body communicate to resolve conflicts and to satisfy the accrediting body that the school should remain accredited. The institution retains its accreditation during that communication period.
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
In keeping with Western International University’s appreciation for practicality, the school’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management program is steeped in the pragmatism that employers highly value. Western International’s students learn about theory and research but then have to put that knowledge to practical and real world application. Less academic and more practical than some other human resource management programs, Western International’s BA is designed according to the recommendations of the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Body of Knowledge so that students finishing the program can sit for and gain the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
Some of the program may be available at a physical location but the program is fully available online, allowing working adults to study and complete their degrees at times that fit in with their work schedules and family responsibilities. A Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from Western International University prepares students to take on varied roles in the field of human resources in areas such as government relations, behavioral dynamics, employment practices, labor relations, compensation and benefits and workplace safety and security.
Contact
1601 West Fountainhead Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (602) 943-2311
Toll Free: (866) 948-4636
Toll Free Fax: (877) 401-5707
Website
Leaders of all types of organizations understand that effective workforce management, training and planning is crucial in achieving and maintaining organizational efficiency. The programs listed above for Human Resource degrees in Arizona hold the study of human resource management in common but vary in points that meet students’ various needs. Whether the prospective student is looking for a highly academic program or one that is more practical in nature or seeking a fully online program, every student can find what s/he needs within Arizona.
