Polk State HR Management concentration aligned to meet SHRM standards

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Polk State College students who graduate with a concentration in Human Resources Management through its Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management Program will have the skills necessary to thrive in the world of human resources – and employers will know that.

The concentration is officially aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards. This means the program is now designed to meet competencies and knowledge areas recognized by the leading professional association in the human resources (HR) field.

The effort was led by Business Program Director Maria Lehoczky, professors Matina Wagner and Jose Perez and Emmye Nold, Outreach Coordinator for the Business Program.

“This alignment reinforces Polk State’s commitment to providing students with a high-quality, workforce-focused education,” Lehoczky said. “By meeting SHRM’s nationally recognized standards, we’re giving our graduates a competitive advantage as they pursue HR careers, professional certifications and opportunities for advancement in a growing field.”

Benefits of the SHRM alignment include:

  • Academic Quality and Relevance: Curriculum is reviewed to ensure it covers the HR knowledge, skills and competencies employers expect, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, training and development, employment law and strategic HR management.
  • Industry Credibility: Alignment demonstrates to students, employers and stakeholders that the program follows nationally recognized HR standards and best practices.
  • Student Career Readiness: Students graduate with knowledge that aligns with current HR profession expectations, helping them transition more effectively into HR careers.
  • Certification Preparation: SHRM-aligned programs help prepare students for professional certifications such as the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, which are valued by many employers.
  • Employer Recognition: Organizations recruiting HR professionals may view graduates from SHRM-aligned programs as having received education consistent with industry standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: Colleges must periodically review and update curriculum to remain aligned with evolving SHRM competencies and workplace trends.
  • Competitive Advantage: SHRM alignment can differentiate an HR program from other business degrees by demonstrating a direct connection to the HR profession and workforce needs.

The Human Resources Management concentration prepares students for SHRM certification and careers or promotions as HR managers and specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR specialists earned a median salary of nearly $73,000 in 2024.

Employment of HR specialists is expected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034 – faster than the average for all occupations. HR specialists and HR managers consistently make the high-demand occupational list for Polk County.

“Our goal is to ensure students graduate with the knowledge and practical skills employers are looking for today,” Wagner added. “Aligning our Human Resources Management concentration with SHRM standards gives students confidence that what they’re learning reflects current industry expectations and prepares them to make an immediate impact in the workplace.”