Bachelor of Commerce (Strategic Human Resources Management) (Honours) (Co-Op)

This four-year bachelor’s honours degree prepares you for leadership responsibilities in the evolving field of human resources management. Strategic human resources management professionals are able to leverage employee talent and integrate business objectives to successfully manage and implement organizational projects, programs and initiatives. With human resources management and business knowledge, as well as the ability to communicate with leaders across the organization, strategic human resources management professionals play a role in shaping contemporary business strategies.

You develop critical-thinking skills and knowledge required to execute human resources management activities encompassing the employee life cycle – from effective recruitment and selection to employee relations strategies. There is an emphasis on teamwork, real-world simulations and project management skills throughout the program. The program’s capstone course involves an industry-based project where you will work in collaborative teams to research, design and create strategic human resources management initiatives for an organization. You gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term.

As a strategic human resources management professional, you may find employment in the private, public or non-profit sectors across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, technology and manufacturing. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue human resources management certifications or graduate study.

What You’ll Learn

• Solve business problems using strategic models to meet organizational goals and external trends.
• Compile financial reports to support decision-making that benefits the overall financial performance of an organization.
• Research, collect and analyze primary and secondary source data to support human resources and business decisions.
• Adhere to professional, ethical codes of conduct and relevant legislation.
• Implement project plans and schedules that efficiently use resources and achieve organizational goals.
• Support business objectives by leveraging the interdependency of functional business units, including marketing, accounting and operations management with human resources.
• Research and recommend human resources solutions to a variety of stakeholders through appropriate media to address business problems.
• Guide and lead individuals and teams to achieve desired goals.
• Develop and implement human resources strategies, plans, policies and procedures that address organizational goals and challenges in response to both current and future labour market conditions.
• Consult and advise on change management, employee and labour relations issues within the workplace.
• Develop and manage strategies for employee engagement.
• Create and maintain human resources programs and policies that support international business operations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of human resources programs and strategies in relation to business goals and objectives.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.