Human Resources Major Overview
Students who are thinking about majoring in human resources should consider the following questions:
- How can a firm attract, engage, and retain the right employees?
- On what basis should one employee be paid more than another?
- How should a manager give feedback to employees about their performance?
- How should an employer deal with unions?
These are just a few of the concerns of a human resource specialist.
Human Resources is about helping organizations succeed by managing employees and helping them reach their full potential. It serves a strategic function linking talented people with organizational success.
The major prepares students to handle human resource concerns in a timely and professional manner relating to all HR competencies including strategy, professional practice, engagement, total rewards, labour and employee relations, health, wellness and safe workplace, learning and development, workforce planning and talent management, HR metrics, reporting and financial management.
The human resources major requires 24 credit units with 5 required major courses (15 credit units) and 3 elective major courses (9 credit units). Required courses are in COMM 342.3 Organizational Structure & Design, COMM 343.3 Recruitment, Selection & Engagement, COMM 381.3 Industrial Relations, COMM 385.3 Training & Development and COMM 488.3 Strategic Compensation. In addition to the core and human resources major requirements, students who plan to pursue a designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) are strongly encouraged to complete specific electives that will assist you in preparing for the CPHR National Knowledge Exam.
To view the current degree requirements visit the USask programs page.
Featured Classes
COMM 343 - Recruitment, Selection & Engagement
Designed to help students identify and apply appropriate practices (which are valid, reliable, and legally defensible) for recruiting and selecting people who will contribute to the overall success of an organization, and for engaging those employees toward favourable organizational (and individual) outcomes. In so doing, the theoretical and empirical underpinnings for these practices are presented.
COMM 382 - Employment Law
Examination of the law relating to employment in the non-unionized sector, including the contract of employment, wrongful dismissal, and selected protective statutes such as the employment standards and human rights acts. Attention will focus on, but will not be limited to the law of Saskatchewan.
Careers in Human Resources
Career Opportunities
The field of human resources includes areas such as recruitment, training and development, salaries and benefits, health and safety, industrial relations, and performance management.
Students on their co-op placement and recent graduates have held positions like:
- Compensation Specialist
- Human Resources Generalist
- Human Resource Information System Specialist
- Mediator
- Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Specialist
- Recruiter
Professional Organizations
Looking to gain mentorship and add to your educational experience? Connect with a professional organization in human resources like:
