University of Illinois Chicago Human Resources Degree Programs

Human Resources Degree Program at University of Illinois Chicago

The Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Business is designed to prepare students for successful careers contributing to organizational success through effective people management. Located in the heart of Chicago, students benefit from proximity to major employers across various industries.

The curriculum provides a focused and comprehensive education covering topics essential for managing strategic human resources and facilitating change. Key areas include building effective teams, strategic compensation, global human resources, personal leadership, diversity and inclusion, recruitment, training and development, labor laws, and consulting. The curriculum requirements can be explored further via the UIC Catalog.

Program Outcomes & SHRM Alignment

Upon graduation, students will be equipped to motivate, lead, and manage a diverse workforce, recruit and select top talent, develop and implement strategic compensation systems, create training programs, and apply consulting skills to solve organizational issues. The program is endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as meeting their curriculum guidelines. Qualified seniors are eligible to take the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) exam during their final year, offering a significant competitive edge in the job market, potentially leading to higher starting salaries and faster career advancement. More information is available via About SHRM Certification and Student SHRM-CP Eligibility.

Faculty and Learning Experience

Students learn from internationally recognized faculty. The program emphasizes supplementing academic courses with experiential learning and industry exposure, including guest speakers (some via Zoom) and hands-on experiences working with organizations on real-world cases, such as in the Managerial Consulting course (MGMT 486). All UIC Business students also participate in the Institute for Leadership Excellence and Development (iLEAD) Professional Development Program, focusing on developing key intangible skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving through interactive activities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles as HR Generalists or Specialists in areas like Workforce Planning and Employment, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, and Risk Management. Entry-level positions include Recruiter, Training Specialist, and Benefits Administrator. Mid and upper-level management positions require increasing levels of experience (typically 5+ years for mid-level and 10+ years for upper-level). HR professionals are in demand across all industries, with employers increasingly preferring HR majors. Top employers of UIC Business HR students include Aflac, IBM, PepsiCo, and Target. Career resources are accessible through the UIC Business Career Center site. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted above-average job growth (10-11%) for HR occupations from 2020-2030, with competitive average salaries reported for the Chicago area in 2020 (e.g., $66,760 to $76,060 for specialists and $125,380 to $135,870 for managers). The program notes increased demand for HR professionals due to recent workplace changes, particularly those requiring expertise in managing remote workforces and employee engagement.

Students can access internship opportunities through the UIC Business Career Center and the Chicago SHRM chapter website, with BCC staff providing assistance with career coaching, resume writing, and interviewing skills.

University of Illinois Chicago Human Resources Degree Program Highlights

• Located in the heart of Chicago, close to major Fortune 500 employers.
• Curriculum is endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
• Eligible seniors can sit for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) exam prior to graduation.
• Taught by internationally recognized faculty delivering a focused, comprehensive education.
• Develops skills for strategic human resource management and facilitating organizational change.
• Incorporates experiential learning, guest speakers, and a dedicated professional development program (iLEAD).
• Provides access to robust career resources through the UIC Business Career Center and Chicago SHRM chapter.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at University of Illinois Chicago on the NCES website.