Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Policy and Development
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Start learning how

The bachelor of science in human resources policy and development is a degree for the future, one designed to prepare students to work in one of the fastest growing new professions, helping organizations meet the challenges posed by a dynamic, knowledge-driven society.

The degree program

The interdisciplinary major in human resources policy and development provides a broad preparation in the growing field of human resources. Students obtain a basic introduction to the field from a common core curriculum, which includes courses on the career development process, human resources management and human resource development, along with a survey of social science research methods. An advanced elective curriculum permits more intensive study of specific aspects of human resources, ranging from human resources policies to training strategies to organizational management. More on the curriculum.

Career opportunities

If you like people, challenge and change, this degree program is for you. Graduates contribute to the learning of people and organizations in many different ways. Majors become human resource managers and trainers, designers of career development systems, and leaders in the development of human capital for public, nonprofit and business organizations. The degree in human resources policy and development also provides excellent preparation for master's and doctoral-level work in a number of disciplines, including public administration, business administration and human resource development, among other fields.

Walking the walk

At the Andrew Young School, students don't just learn by the book -- they learn by doing. Students are encouraged to undertake field instruction and action research as part of their degree. The Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies has an extensive internship program to assist students in finding applied work experiences with the many public, private and nonprofit agencies in metro Atlanta. Many of these internships eventually lead to full-time jobs for graduates of the program. Other hands-on experiences are available through the many research centers and community outreach efforts of the Andrew Young School.

We want you

At the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, we welcome diversity in student interests and backgrounds. A student body representing a wider variety of human communities and institutions is especially valuable in the study of human resources, where professionals help find ways to make lifelong learning a reality in a variety of settings.

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

The bachelor of science in human resources policy and development is offered through the Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. The school houses several academic departments and research centers, forming a leading regional and national think thank.

The research units operating within the college are the Domestic Studies Program, the Applied Research Center, the Fiscal Research Program, the Georgia Health Policy Center, the Environmental Policy Program and the International Studies Program. The college also has an affiliated research center, Research Atlanta, Inc., operating under its umbrella. As one of the six colleges of the university, the Andrew Young School also is home to the Department of Economics.

The faculty

The faculty of the Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies are among the best in the country. In addition to their extensive research involvements, the faculty are highly regarded by students, with PAUS courses receiving consistently above-average student evaluations. Degree programs in the Andrew Young School are also highly regarded nationally, recently receiving two top-ten national rankings from U.S. News & World Reports. The department's programs in human resource development were earlier ranked as the best in the country by the Academy of Human Resource Development. And you'll be learning from people who have walked the talk. In addition to their academic credentials, professors have extensive experience in the real world of work. They can -- and do -- offer practical insights for applying what they teach.

"What a rewarding career it would be to help a company, a nonprofit or a government organization create a setting where the skills and potentials of its employees could be fully developed. There is a great need for bright young people to get involved in the field of human resource policy and development."

Andrew Young
Statesman, Businessman, Humanitarian

Photo above: The Award for Distinguished Contribution to Human Resource Development Research is presented at Honors Day to students who have made or hold a clear promise for making a significant contribution to the knowledge base of the Human Resource Development profession through original research.