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Associate in Science in
Labor and Human Resources

Courses

To earn this degree, you must successfully complete a total of 60 credits (or more). A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Requirements for the Associate in Science in LHR include:

  • 21 Requirements for the Major credits
  • 8–9 Supporting and Related Areas credits
  • 9–15 Elective credits
  • General Education credits

Online Learning Experience

Courses are structured to allow you to complete assignments when and where it's most convenient for you. While our 100% online courses are autonomous and asynchronous, you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with fellow classmates through integrated experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction enhances your learning experience while strengthening your professional network on a global scale.

Prescribed Courses (15 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introductory analysis of the employment relationship and the interrelated interests of management, workers, unions, and the public.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of basic legal principles underlying the employment relationship, and their social, political, and economic bases.

  • 3
    credits

    The course surveys the main elements of modern labor and employment relations systems in the U.S. and beyond.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to understand and apply important concepts concerning human resources in the workplace.

  • 3
    credits

    The objective of this course is to enhance students' abilities to use a range of methodologies to evaluate and conduct research in the field of employment relations and human resource management.

Additional Courses (9 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

    • 3
      credits

      Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877.

    • 3
      credits

      The course will be offered at an introductory level. It is designed to encourage students to explore individual and group behavior at work.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Personnel selection, training, accident prevention, morale, and organizational behavior.

Supporting Courses (3 LHR credits)

LER courses that are used in the Additional Courses category may not be double-counted to satisfy this requirement. Some courses in this category have prerequisites that are not included in the major.

Related Areas (select 3 credits)

Choose any 3-credit, 400-level AFAM, CAS, ECON, HIST, LTNST, MGMT, PHIL, PSYCH, SPAN, SOC, WMNST course (Sem: 5–8) OR

  • 4
    credits

    Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 21 or a higher math course or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination

  • 3
    credits

    Explore what it means to be Black in America by engaging with questions about identity and authenticity, freedom and unfreedom, radicalism and reform, gender and sexuality, and the role of music in African American life.

    • GS and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 4
    credits

    Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.

    • Note

      A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.

  • 3
    credits

    An overview of a body of knowledge that exists concerning the management of modern organizations.

    • Prerequisite

      ECON 102 or ECON 104

  • 3
    credits

    Social control through law: courts, basic policies underlying individual and contractual rights in everyday society. May not be used to satisfy Smeal College baccalaureate degree requirements.

  • 3
    credits

    This class is designed as an opportunity to explore the complexities of interpersonal communication and to develop a repertoire of interpersonal communication skills.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the function and structure of communication in both formal and informal situations.

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on the study of markets with imperfect competition.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines major developments in the history of modern American business and industry from the colonial period to the present.

    • GH and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Humanities (GH) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to organizational factors relevant to management processes, including leadership, motivation, job design, technology, organizational design and environments, systems, change.

  • 3
    credits

    Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)

  • 3
    credits

    Applies organizational behavior theories, concepts, and skills to leading and motivating individuals and groups.

  • 3
    credits

    This course introduces key leadership concepts and practices based on current theory and research. It is designed to help students to discover the knowledge and skills that are characteristic of effective leaders.

    • GS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    The course examines the continuing influence of social and environmental factors in shaping leadership and leadership development.

    • Prerequisite

      Sixth Semester Standing

  • 3
    credits

    Theory- and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Application of theories of decision-making to work-related issues in groups and organizations requiring collective resolution and action.

  • 3
    credits

    This survey course examines racism and sexism as cultural, political and economic processes that shape contemporary social life in the United States.

    • US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Changing sex role expectations and behavior for men and women in contemporary society.

    • GS and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 3–4
    credits

    Focuses on historical patterns and current status of racial, ethnic and cultural groups and issues locally, nationally, and internationally.

    • GS and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits
  • Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
  • Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses): 3 credits
  • United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.
  • Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X, Y): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.

Elective Courses (select 9–15 credits)

Courses chosen in consultation with an adviser.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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