Human Resources
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Business
Human resources is the study of the role of the human element in the work environment. It analyzes the policies and techniques implemented for improving people’s effectiveness in the organization, as well as for increasing satisfaction levels achieved from these roles.
Human resource policy involves the development, allocation, maintenance and utilization of human resources. Activities include developing the skills of the workers to reach optimal efficiency and satisfaction; successfully matching workers' skills with their organizational roles; preserving the vigor of the working population through adequate support systems such as workers’ compensation and social security; and designing and implementing policies that help reduce inefficiencies, such as discriminatory practices that may evolve from the working relationship.
Students admitted to the Columbus campus are also admitted directly to the Fisher major program and the human resources specialization.
Principles courses
- Accounting Principles
- Economics Principles
- Statistics
Core courses
- Business Skills and Environment
- Business Law
- Finance
- International Business
- Logistics
- Management Sciences
- Management and Human Resources
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
Required major courses
- Compensation and Benefits
- Human Resources Management in Market Economy
- Human Resources Practices and the Law
- Selected courses in human resources
- Staffing
- Strategic Human Resources
- Training and Development
Fisher’s Office of Global Business provides students with a variety of options for putting theories into action in a compelling international location. Learn more at fisher.osu.edu/global-opportunities.
Though internships are not required for business students, more than 90% of students registered with the college's Office of Career Management have some kind of internship experience before they graduate. Many students receive an offer of full-time employment from their internship employer.
The Fisher Honors Program includes the Accounting Honors Program, the Business Honors Cohort Program, the Honors Contract Program and the Finance Honors Program. The Accounting Honors Program consists of a specific sequence of accounting courses that students complete beginning in their sophomore year and continuing into the senior year. The Business Honors Cohort Program consists of a set of sequenced business Honors courses that students follow beginning in the junior year. The Honors Contract Program consists of an academic plan designed by the student and detailed in an honors contract. The Finance Honors program prepares high-performing, driven, and ambitious honors students with the cutting edge analytical and quantitative skills sought by leading investment and commercial banks, private equity firms, consulting firms and non-financial corporations.
The Business Scholars Program is a community of talented students that participate in programs and activities designed to offer insight into business practice and environment. Business Scholars learn to understand the vital role of collaboration through teambuilding, leadership training and workshops. Additionally, Business Scholars can develop partnerships with Fisher College of Business faculty and alumni.
Students are also encouraged to get involved with organizations such as the Human Resources Association (HRA). Students can explore additional opportunities through Fisher’s Undergraduate Leadership and Engagement Office.
Human resources managers can find employment in both the public and private sectors. Some of the positions include human resource assistant or specialist, recruitment and placement, EEO specialist, training and development, orientation/on-boarding specialist, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, and health, safety and security positions.
Due to the increasing complexities within the work environment; the increasing societal concern for such problems as occupational safety, discrimination and unemployment; and the increasing diversity of the American workforce and the implications associated with such diversity, employment opportunities for the field of human resources are expected to grow. Consequently, this implies a growing demand for university teachers and academics and government researchers as well.
The average beginning salary for human resource management graduates in 2019-20 was $52,327.
At graduation, Fisher College of Business graduates:
- will have a working knowledge of accounting theories, concepts and methods and be able to explain how and why accounting is done
- will be able to solve problems by applying fundamental principles to a variety of issues
- will exhibit the oral and written communication skills needed by successful accounting professionals
- will be able to research issues and business decision problems by finding, analyzing and interpreting accounting, tax and other financial data
- will recognize ethical dimensions in accounting issues and practice in order to become responsible professionals and citizens
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Future students
Academic info
Fisher College of Business is ranked seventh among public university business schools (U.S. News and World Report).
Interested in a business career?
Check out the Business Pathway to discover the many majors Ohio State offers that can lead to a career in business.