Enterprise Leadership HR Concentration Aligns with SHRM Curriculum Standards
The School of Professional Studies Bachelor of Science in Enterprise Leadership (BSEL) major with Human Resource (HR) Concentration has recently been recognized as an academically aligned program by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
The alignment places Northwestern among more than 700 programs across approximately 582 educational institutions worldwide that have earned SHRM's acknowledgment for meeting its recommended HR education standards. First developed in 2006 and revalidated in 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2022, the guidelines are central to SHRM's Academic Initiative to shape rigorous, consistent HR education in university business schools.
The newly added SHRM designation gives SPS students majoring in Enterprise Leadership with a Human Resource concentration (coursework comprised of Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution, Managing Diversity and Inclusion, and Employment Law) a direct pathway to pursue industry credentials alongside their degree program.*
SHRM's flagship certifications — the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP — are held by more than 110,000 HR professionals in 105 countries and are accredited by the Buros Center for Testing. Students enrolled in an academically aligned program like Northwestern's may apply to sit for the SHRM-CP exam without an HR job title or prior HR experience, though a working knowledge of HR principles is recommended.
Details about the SHRM alignment are online. Applicants should be in or near their final year of study and in good standing with the University. Students seeking additional eligibility may strengthen their applications through HR internships, work-study assignments, directed research, or part- or full-time HR employment.
* Only students in the BSEL major and HR concentration will meet SHRM’s curriculum standards. This designation does not apply to undergraduate Human Resource certificate students.
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