Human resource departments are the driving force behind today’s workforce operations, and trained employees with human resource degrees in California are critical to the the Golden State’s economic success. With over 38,000,000 residents state-wide, California’s businesses and industries rely upon highly trained human resource employees to hire the most qualified individuals for available employment opportunities, supervise work programs for compliance and manage labor relations. For those advancing within the career field to management or administrative level positions, the most recent statistics indicate an increase of 13% in jobs nationwide between 2012-2022, with California being one of the top states to employ human resource managers across all industries.
Argosy University
College of Business
Argosy University has nine locations throughout California offering numerous degree opportunities for students interested in pursuing higher education goals. AU was formed in 2001 as a merger between three institutions that focused on business, mental health and medical health needs. Now, Argosy provides quality degree programs in these areas of study through campus locations in several states, as well as online distance learning coursework.
For students interested in the field of human resources, AU offers a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. The degree promotes learning the foundational skills necessary to analyze the needs the workplace, coordinate workforce services and encourage labor forces with ethical, caring management strategies. Argosy University in California is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Human Resource Management – Master of Science
California students can access this Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management at the following campus locations: Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay area. The program requirements are the same for all locations and students must hold a qualified bachelor’s degree to be enrolled. This 30 credit hours master is completed on average in about 17 months and covers:
- 12 credit hours in core human resource competencies of accounting, economics, finances and a capstone project on the contribution of human resource management to organizational success.
- 18 credit hours in specialty area classes of communication strategies, managing human diversity, legal and public policies, intrinsic work motivators and compensation, training and development applications and talent management.
Contacts
Argosy University, Inland Empire
3401 Centrelake Drive, Suite 200
Ontario, California 91761
866-217-9075 (Toll Free)
auie_isr@argosy.edu
Inland Empire Main Page
Argosy University, Los Angeles
5230 Pacific Concourse Drive, Suite 200
Los Angeles, California 90045
866-505-0332 (Toll free)
AUSM_isr@argosy.edu auie_isr@argosy.edu
Los Angeles Main Page
Argosy University, Orange County
601 South Lewis Street
Orange, California 92868
800-716-9598 (Toll free)
auoc_isr@argosy.edu
Orange County Main Page
Argosy University, San Diego
1615 Murray Canyon Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92108
866-505-0333 (Toll free)
ausd_isr@argosy.edu
San Diego Main Page
Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area
1005 Atlantic Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
866-215-2777 (Toll free)
ausf_isr@argosy.edu
San Francisco Bay Area Main Page
Master of Science in HRM Program — All Locations
Azusa Pacific University
School of Business and Management
Founded in 1899 as a Christian college, Azusa Pacific University continues its longstanding educational excellence today, coming in at 173rd on tier one in US News and World Reports 2014 Best Colleges and National Universities rankings. The university offers more than 63 undergraduate and 96 postgraduate degree programs, including a Master of Arts in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management. APU is accredited through several organizations, including the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Master of Arts in Management (MAM) concentration in Human Resource Management
The MAM with a concentration in Human Resource Management is offered through traditional on-campus classes with flexible scheduling that allows working professionals the opportunity to pursue a higher degree while working around busy career and family obligations. Degree holders will become experts in organizational change principles and learn how to lead dynamically in the workplace by creating a focus on teamwork. They can also expect career advancement and a higher earning potential commensurate with their increased human resource skills.
Candidates will complete core competencies for the Master of Arts in Management degree along with specialized coursework for the Human Resource Management concentration. The MAM-HRM program takes 12-30 months to complete depending on the chosen track option. Requirements include 39 credits in core business management classes, human resource development, organizational development and change, managing diversity and human relationships, and completion of a business management project. An additional nine credits are taken in the concentration area of human resource management principles.
Contacts
Azusa Pacific University
Graduate and Professional Center
901 E. Alosta Avenue, PO Box 7000
Azusa, California 91702-7000
(626) 815-4570 or (800) 825-5278 (Toll free)
gpc@apu.edu
School of Business and Management
(866) 209-1559 (Toll free)
sbmgrad@apu.edu
Master of Arts in Management with a HRM Concentration Program
Brandman University
Business and Professional Studies
Brandman University dedicates itself to helping adult learners start or complete degrees for immediate and advanced employment opportunities. They offer programs in traditional or online distance learning formats to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Over 12,000 students per year are enrolled in courses at Brandman’s campuses, located in Washington and California. All of Brandman’s human resource courses are offered in online formats. Brandman’s online programs have been ranked #41 for best undergraduate bachelor’s degrees and #106 for best graduate degrees by US News and World Report. BU holds accreditations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources
For students interested in beginning a career in the human resources field, this degree provides an innovative, relevant curriculum allowing for immediate employment in global settings. Students will learn strong foundational principles of business as they relate to human resource practices and management skills necessary for HR professionals to implement in the workplace. The BBA in Human Resources requires the following 120 credit hours of coursework:
- 48 credits in general education curriculum from humanities, math, science and social science classes.
- 18 credit hours in lower division classes of accounting, data processing, statistics and economics.
- 33 credit hours in upper division classes about business management and marketing principles.
- 21 credit hours of classes with emphasis in human resource management and principles.
Master of Business Administration – Human Resources
This extension of the BBA in Human Resources expands upon the HR professional’s expertise in all areas related to human resource management. It takes a more in-depth look at: Leadership within the organization; training and development programs; systems of compensation; employee benefits programs; and operational dynamics. Candidates for the program can apply for waivers for some courses if they have documentation supporting commensurate work experience or training in certain areas. Depending on those waivers, enrolled students will take 33-48 credit hours of coursework, including:
- 24-36 credits of core business classes in advanced business management theory including a capstone project.
- 12 credits with additional human resources emphasis and study.
Master of Science – Human Resources
The MS in Human Resources takes a theoretical and practical approach to managing human resources. It emphasizes HR professionals as agents of change who use strategic partnerships to engage workers as team units within an organization. The program is 36 credit hours divided into:
- 24 credits of core courses about human resource management theory and application.
- 9 credits in business related topics, such as finance, accounting, marketing or leadership.
- 3 credits of a capstone course in strategic management of human resources.
Contacts
Brandman University
Administration – Office of Admission
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, California 92618
Prospects: (877) 516-4501 (Toll free)
adminfo@brandman.edu
Deborah Ferber, D.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Business and Organizational Leadership
dferber@brandman.edu
(949) 322-4664
BBA in Human Resources Program
MBA in Human Resources Program
MS in Human Resources Program
California Polytechnic State University at Pomona
College of Business Administration – Management and Human Resources
Known by locals as Cal Poly Pamona, CPSU has 75 years of history supporting high quality academics for its students. Cal Poly Pomona offers diverse, creative curriculums to ensure its graduates are prepared for global workplace experiences. Its College of Business Administration programs have been cited for their excellence in both the US News and World Report, as well as the Princeton Review. CPSU at Pomona holds accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources Management Option
Graduates with this degree find employment in diversified business and industry settings starting at entry- and mid-level positions. Candidates enrolled in the BSBA with a Human Resources Management option will take the following units of study:
- 68 units of general education courses in humanities, math, science and social science courses.
- 48 units studying business management principles, finance, information systems and organizational behavior.
- 18 units of required classes in the concentration area relating to human resource management.
- 30 units of elective classes in the concentration area relating to human resource management.
- 16-20 units of required support classes
- 4 units of an internship or senior project.
Graduates emerge from this program with: Strong interpersonal communication skills; understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and its affect on positive team building experiences; and well-developed leadership and supervisory skills necessary for the 21st century workplace.
Contacts
Cal Poly Pomona
College of Business Administration
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, California 91768
(909) 869-2400
cba@csupomona.edu
Dr. James C. Bassett, Professor
Management and Human Resources
jcbassett@csupomona.edu
(909) 869-2419
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
California State University, Chico
College of Business
The Chico campus of the California State University celebrated 125 years of educational excellence to the community in 2012-2013. Started as a teacher’s college, Chico State is now part of California State University and a highly regarded comprehensive public university offering more than 100 undergraduate programs and majors. One of the largest programs is Business Administration, which has a variety of degree options within the major. CSU at Chico is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an option in Human Resources Management
Graduates holding the BSBA with an option in Human Resources Management will enjoy varied career choices working in personnel positions, overseeing labor relations, analyzing organizational behavior, recruiting and training employees,and managing compensation and benefits programs. These human resource management skills are developed through completion of 120 units of study, with 48 units coming from general education requirements and the remaining 72 coming from specialized courses concentrating in human resources fundamentals. The program is four years in length and students will also have opportunities for field experiences in job settings.
Contacts
California State University, Chico
College of Business
Tehama Hall 301
Chico, California 95929-0001
(530) 898-6271
Amy Lance
Director of Business Student Advising
arlance@csuchico.edu
530-898-4480
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
California State University, East Bay
College of Business and Economics – Department of Management
CSU at East Bay is proud to be recognized nationally for offering small class sizes, expert instruction and over 100 career focused majors. Classes are offered through traditional and online distance learning programs to accelerate student progress through their coursework. The East Bay campus of CSU is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools and its business programs hold program accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Human Resources Management Option
The BSBA with an HRM option is a degree that will give graduates a fast track in their careers by preparing them to manage human resource programs in government, business and industry settings. The credit requirements are typically for 180 units covered in a four year period with courses coming from: General education classes; lower-division pre-business courses in accounting, finance and economics; upper-division core classes in business management principles; advanced core electives in accounting, entrepreneurship, and finance; and specialized classes in the HRM concentration area.
Contacts
University of California, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, California 94542
(510) 885-3000
Trujillo, Paula
Administrative Coordinator
paula.trujillo@csueastbay.edu
(510) 885-3307
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
California State University, Fresno
Craig School of Business – Department of Management
Fresno State is CSU’s campus serving the central part of California. From its start as a teacher’s school in 1911, to the modern curriculum deserving of 21st century students, CSU at Fresno prepare its 20,000 plus students for careers in a global economy. Most majors, including those in business, provide options for earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. CSUF’s business programs are accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resource Management Option
The Human Resource Management program has received many recognitions for its active student involvement in scholarly excellence. The BSBA with the Human Resource Management option entails a minimum of 120 course units over four years of study. Coursework credits vary according to demonstrated student competencies in prescribed areas. Curriculum is divided into:
- 45-53 unit of general education classes in humanities, math, science and social sciences.
- 24-25 units of pre-business core classes in economy, accounting and computer literacy.
- 23-24 units of business classes in advanced accounting, English, and computer skills.
- 28 units of specialized classes in HR concentration.
Contacts
University of California, Fresno
Craig School of Business – PB 282
5245 N Backer Ave M/S PB08
Fresno, California 93740
(559) 278-2482
Julie Olsen-Buchanan – PB 289
Department Chair
julieo@csufresno.edu
(559) 278-2851
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
Department of Management Home Page
California State University, Long Beach
College of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Human Resource Management Concentration
The program emphasis of the BSBA with an HRM concentration is sustainability of a desirable work environment for employees. The framework of study involves correlating theoretical understanding of business management principles with practical applications. To this end, students enrolled in this degree program benefit from participation in a work shadow program with major area corporations, such as Wells Fargo, the Boeing Company, Long Beach municipal government, Target and American Honda. The program requires completion of 120 credits covering: Lower-division general education classes in humanities, math, social sciences and science; core business major requirements in finance, management principles, statistics, communications and marketing; and core HRM classes specializing in the concentration area.
Contacts
California State University, Long Beach
Management & Human Resource Management Department
College of Business Administration
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90840-8502
Dr. Judy Strauss, Chair
Management & Human Resource Management Department
Judy.Strauss@csulb.edu
(562) 985-4753
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
Management and HRM Department
California State University, Los Angeles
College of Business and Economics
CSU in Los Angeles is a thriving campus where thousands of students receive bachelor’s and graduate degrees in relevant majors each year. This branch of CSU opened its door about 50 years ago and since then has seen many of its students become well-recognized scholars in their fields. It offers 59 undergraduate and 54 graduate programs, including its prestigious business degree program. CSULA carries accreditation from both the Western Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an option in Human Resource Management
The BSBA with an HR management option is a total of 180 credit units covering lower and upper division level classes over four years of study. This degree prepares graduates for entry- and mid-level jobs in global businesses and industries in the human resource management field. Credits acquired come from:
- 80 units of general education classes in humanities, math, science and social sciences.
- 72 units of study in BSBA core courses.
- 28 units of study in the HR concentration area.
Contacts
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, California 90032
(323) 343-3000
Advisement Info: cbe.calstatela.edu
Angela Young, Chair
Management Department
ayoung3@calstatela.edu
(323) 343-2890
BS in Business Administration with an HRM Option
College of Business and Economics – Main Page
California State University, San Bernardino
College of Business and Public Administration
Located in the interior part of California, the San Bernardino campus of CSU educates over 20,000 students each year in its more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. SCUSB offers a diverse culture for students to learn 21st century global skills that will advance them in the workplace. The San Bernardino branch of CSU earned the ranking of 57 in US News and World Reports 2014 survey of best regional universities in the West. CSUSB holds accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Bachelor of Art with a Concentration in Human Resources Management
Multiple career opportunities within business await graduates from CSUSB who hold a BAM with a specialization in human resource management. The four-year program requires 180 unit credits which cover the essential general education, core business classes and specialization classes in HR concentration areas necessary to lead and manage others in the workplace.
Contacts
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino California 92407-2318
(909) 537-5000
Jenny Zorn, PhD
Associate Provost, Academic Programs
jzorn@csusb.edu
909-537-5024
BA with an HR Concentration
College of Business and Public Administration – Main Page
For those seeking exciting career opportunities across diverse industry and business settings,the field of human resource management will open many doors. HRM jobs are on the rise, due in part to the retirement of older workers along with the creation of new positions for 21st century workers. In fact, research on the top 10 trends in human resources from the Society for Human Resource Management indicates that developing the next generation of human resource professionals is a serious priority for businesses. At a time when job security and career advancement opportunities are declining in other professions, becoming trained in the field of human resources is a smart move. Start the career of a lifetime by finding out which educational opportunities for human resource degrees in California are the best fit for you.
