SHRLR Undergraduate Program Renamed from Human Capital and Society to Bachelor of Human Resources and Labor Relations
We are excited to announce that, effective Fall 2024, our undergraduate major has been officially renamed Human Resources & Labor Relations. Formerly known as Human Capital and Society, this new major name better aligns with the program's focus on the people side of business, preparing students for a wide range of professional careers in fields such as business, government, healthcare, education, labor organizations, and non-profits.
With instruction from faculty experts and thought leaders in the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations, students majoring in Human Resources & Labor Relations will learn to build motivating workplaces, foster diversity and inclusiveness, manage staffing and legal compliance, and analyze total rewards and labor market data. Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in recruiting and hiring, training and coaching, collective bargaining, HR and employment analytics, and compensation and reward systems. The new major name also reflects our intention to equip students not only with the skills to serve business needs, but also with the competencies to navigate the complex dynamics between employers and employees, including union interactions, collective bargaining, and advocating for equitable workplace practices.
Joining the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations was the best decision I could have made for my future, but it came with one problem: the undergraduate major title of Human Capital and Society. I found myself continually being asked what HCS means... Having the major title switched to Human Resources and Labor Relations felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I no longer had to try and 'convince' people that I was going to school to learn about Human Resources.
The demand for HRLR professionals is high, with recent graduates earning a median salary of $55,000 and securing positions at top companies like Amazon, Dell, Textron, General Motors, and PepsiCo. The degree also serves as excellent preparation for graduate studies, including our renowned Master of Human Resources & Labor Relations program.
If you are passionate about building positive workplace environments, motivating people, and leading teams, the major Human Resources & Labor Relations is for you!
In addition to our undergraduate major, we also offer the Minor in Leadership of Organizations, an interdisciplinary program that equips students to critically assess and enhance leadership effectiveness across various sectors, while aligning with the College of Social Science's focus on people and the environment.
For more information, please contact HRLR Undergraduate Major Advisor, Matt Hahnenberg at hahnenb2@msu.edu or Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs, Michelle Kaminski at mkaminsk@msu.edu.