Human Resource Development Advising

Our sample Plan of Study sequences classes from your first semester to graduation. Outlining all required courses in the Human Resource Development program including course type, required prerequisites, and minimum grade requirements.

BS in Human Resource Development

The School of Education and Human Services (Department of Organizational Leadership) offers minors in Applied Leadership Skills, Employment Systems and Standards, Lean Leadership and Learning and Development. A minor in Human Resource Development is also available for students outside of the HRD major. Students who would like to add one of these minors, can complete the SEHS Minor Request Form (students must log in with their Oakland University email to view and complete the form).

Our academic advisers are here to support your progress towards completing your degree. Our team can support you in:

• Credit Transfer Evaluations
• General Education Course Selection
• Access to University Resources
• Developing a Student Educational Plan

Our office is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. We are available for virtual and in-person advising appointments. When ready, you can contact us at (248) 370-4182 or via email at edadvise@oakland.edu.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development (HRD) degree will empower you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a successful career in corporate, public, private, government, or non-profit sectors. You can use your HRD degree to become an HR professional, school administrator, training supervisor, consultant, and so much more!

HRD Wage Information

• The median annual salary of human resource specialists was $72,910 in May 2024.
• See our alumni career outcomes at oakland.edu/post-grad-dsh

Career Paths for OU Human Resource Development Graduates

Top industries include business, manufacturing, health services, finance, information, hospitality, government, education, non-profit, and trades and transportation.

Job titles of recent graduations include:

• Administrative Services Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• EAP Coordinator
• EEO Representative
• Human Resources Associate
• Human Resources Coordinator
• Human Resources Manager
• Talent Acquisition
• Training Coordinator
• Training and Development Manager
• And more..

Local Employer Examples

• Allegis Global Solutions
• AT&T Inc 
• American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
• Faurecia
• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
• Spark Talent Acquisition Inc.
• Target
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield 
• Borg Warner 
• Brose
• Commoneo LLC
• DTE Energy
• Flex-N-Gate
• GKN Group
• Genisys Credit Union
• Kelly Services
• Magna International Inc.

Students enrolled as undergraduates in the HRD program must complete an internship to graduate. Below is a checklist with links to related documents and forms that you should follow when planning your internship.

Director of Experiential Learning, Engagement and Enrichment
MoNique Price
(248) 370-3063
price2@oakland.edu

Apply to take HRD 4950 (internship course)

1. Complete the twelve required prerequisite courses for HRD 4950 - Internship in HRD (see HRD Catalog Entry). The HRD internship is almost always in your final semester of the HRD program. To earn credit for your internship experience, it must be completed in the same semester you are enrolled in HRD 4950.
2. Complete the HRD 4950 (Internship) Application.
3. Complete the application by the appropriate deadline in the semester prior to your internship semester:
   • June 15 for a fall semester internship
   • October 15 for a winter semester internship
   • February 15 for a summer semester internship
4. Notification of application decision will be sent to your OU email account after the application deadline for your internship semester has passed. There are three possible decisions:
   • Approval: All prerequisite requirements have been met
   • Pending: You are currently enrolled in some internship prerequisite courses, but are on track to complete them prior to your internship semester
   • Denied: You are not on track to complete internship prerequisites by your intended internship semester
5. Attend the HRD 4950 orientation that will be held 4 to 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester of your internship (date will be included in the application decision email for all approved and pending students).

Notes:

1. INTERNSHIP SITE MAY BE SELECTED BEFORE OR AFTER THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED; HOWEVER, THE APPLICATION MUST RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE!
2. You must have your internship site secured by the first day of the semester you are completing your internship (see: Academic Calendar for exact date).
3. You can register for HRD 4950 like any other course when registration opens in March of each year.

Secure an Internship Site

1. Begin searching for internship opportunities at least one semester prior to the semester you plan to enroll in HRD 4950
2. Ways to search for an internship:
   • Online searches: Utilize sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed.com
   • Your network: Check with your family, friends, neighbors, etc. to see if the HR department at their company hires interns - and see if they'd be willing to connect you.
   • OU Network:
     • Director of Experiential Learning, Engagement and Enrichment, MoNique Price (price2@oakland.edu), for possible leads and to confirm whether or not a potential site will meet internship requirements
     • Career Services to work on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills. Appointments can be made with the SEHS Career Services liaison via Handshake.
   • Direct Contact: Contact companies or employers you want to work for to inquire about internship opportunities.
     • Suggestions for approaching internship sites:
       • Obtain site name, address, and contact person from site directories.
       • Send your targeted resume and cover letter
       • Follow-up with a courteous phone call about a week later.
       • Schedule an interview during the call.
       • After the interview (within 24 hours) send a brief thank you note.
   • Note: If you are not currently working in an HR position, or do not have a direct connection to an internship in mind, you will need to apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of securing a position! 3-5 submitted applications is a good goal to start.
3. Once you have decided to work with a specific internship employer, an internship placement confirmation form needs to be submitted. This electronic form will be routed to the Director of Experiential Learning, Engagement and Enrichment.

For frequently asked questions, and more information about the HRD Internship, check out our HRD Internship webpage