UCO Becomes 11th University in the Nation and First in the State Recognized by The Society for Human Resource Management

The College of Business Administration (CBA) Human Resource Management degree program became the 11^th program in the nation this fall and first in the state to be recognized by The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for fully aligning with SHRM curriculum guidelines.

The curriculum guidelines, established by SHRM to serve as a resource in curriculum development for universities and colleges, ensures HR program graduates possess the minimum skill set needed by employers who seek to fill HR professional positions. Dr. Lee Tyner, assistant professor of management, worked closely with SHRM during the evaluation process.  

“By having this distinction, it tells the world what we already know at UCO; our HR graduates are well developed and highly prepared to enter the business world and bring value to the table.”

The SHRM guidelines provide a minimum level of standardization for HR courses while still allowing universities and colleges creative freedom in curriculum design.  Guidelines identify 13 minimum core HR topics that should be covered in core courses as well as 11 elective topics to complement required HR courses.  SHRM assessed both the teaching methods and curriculum used for HR degree program courses.

“The evaluation was a fairly smooth process,” said Tyner.  “We have an excellent program that was developed by Dr. Renee Warning with the input and involvement of community HR leaders; so, when SHRM announced they were going to recognize programs based on standards set by SHRM, it just made sense to apply.”

The SHRM recognition, which also aligns closely with standards set forth by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), is valid for two years.

For more information on the HR program or SHRM recognition, contact Dr. KJ Tullis at 974-2821 or Dr. Renee Warning at 974-5565.