Program at a Glance
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Human Resource Management: Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration program with an emphasis in Human Resource Management at Warner Pacific University teaches you the foundations of human resource (HR) management as well as practical business and leadership skills.
Geared toward working adults who have completed some college-level coursework, this accelerated bachelor’s degree in business and human resources program blends theoretical instruction with real-world examples. Students can apply these concepts directly to their existing careers.
With the choice of an online or hybrid learning model, the program enables you to develop specialized business and HR expertise in a format that fits your schedule. A minor is also available in human resource management.
What Skills Will You Learn in the BA in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Program?
WPU’s BA in Business Administration program with an emphasis in Human Resource Management provides students with the professional preparation they need to take the lead in human resources. In addition to teaching core management and human resource skills, the program focuses on helping you expand your understanding of multicultural perspectives and ethics in a worldview context.
The program allows you to build your skill set incrementally, with just one accelerated course every five weeks. All instructors are professionals in the field, ensuring courses cover up-to-date best practices and methodologies.
As a part of this degree, students will prepare to sit for one of the applicable HR certification exams — the certified professional (CP) or senior certified professional (SCP) exam from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the associate professional in human resources (aPHR) exam from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) — as part of their final capstone project.
Upon successful completion of the BA in Business Administration program with an emphasis in HR Management, graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- Fundamental knowledge of the core functions in the human resource field, including staffing, employee benefits, training and development, and technology
- An understanding of factors that impact HR decision-making, including the theoretical framework of leadership and HR management principles, and how to apply the concepts in the workplace
- Proficiency in basic concepts of professional demeanor, problem-solving leadership, human behavior, communication, administration, and technology to engage ethically and with integrity within a constantly changing world
- Proficiency in the broad business concepts of strategic and critical thinking, industry and sector perspectives, management, legal and regulatory environments, marketing, and technology in business
- Foundational knowledge and integration of cultural competence in diverse world issues, with enhanced ability to communicate, network, and collaborate effectively
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resource management prepares you for career success as an HR professional. The program helps graduates qualify for numerous roles such as human resource specialist, human resource manager, administrative services manager, and labor relations specialist.
Demand for human resource professionals is strong, with higher-than-average job growth of between 5% and 11% projected for occupations in the field from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Following are the median annual salaries for a few specialist and manager roles related to human resources, according to the BLS:
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist
$77,020 |
Compensation and Benefits Manager
$140,360 |
| Human Resources Specialist
$72,910 |
Human Resources Manager
$140,030 |
| Training and Development Specialist
$65,850 |
Training and Development Manager
$127,090 |
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, program is designed to enable students to increase their understanding of key human resource and business subjects as they prepare for leadership and management positions in the field of human resources.
The major includes 24 required major course semester credits, nine required WPU core course credits, and 18 required emphasis course credits (51 total credits). Including all major course credits, core course credits, emphasis course credits, elective course credits, and transferred college-level credits, all students must earn a minimum of 120 semester credits to graduate. Courses are each three credits and five weeks in length.
Insight From a WPU Graduate |
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| “WPU has given my education and career a purpose in which it’s not about making a living, but about building for others.”
—Ivan Gonzalez Cisneros, 2025 WPU graduate |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Discover Your Purpose With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management
United under the university’s Christ-centered mission, WPU’s business programs create space for students of all cultural and professional backgrounds to take a purpose-driven approach to their career advancement.
The accelerated business administration bachelor’s degree program with an emphasis in human resource management from WPU Online prepares students with well-rounded skills and knowledge in accounting, marketing, and finance, as well as in organizational, leadership, and management principles relevant to the top needs in human resources.
For questions about this program or its format options, contact the admissions team at 800-804-1510, or fill out the form below.
Explore Related Programs
| Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics | Master of Business Administration | Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership |
Questions?
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