BBA in Human Resource Development and Change

The BBA in Human Resource Development and Change (HRDC) curriculum integrates core business disciplines with specialized coursework in organizational performance, talent strategy, and data-informed decision making. Students build foundational business acumen through the Dunham College of Business core and then advance into HRDC courses that address how organizations develop people, manage change, and sustain performance at every level.

The program combines classroom instruction with applied projects, case analyses, and experiential learning connected to Houston’s diverse business landscape. A capstone course synthesizes the full curriculum through a strategic HRDC project and professional portfolio — preparing graduates to enter the workforce with both analytical skill and practical confidence. Distinguished faculty with doctoral specialization in human resource development and organizational change guide students through navigating professional relationships and organizational change.

Courses

HRDC students take a range of courses that are designed to help them both master the people management skills and the business knowledge needed to drive change in their organizations. All of this coursework is synthesized in your Capstone project which will help you build out a professional portfolio, ready to take to the job market.

• Principles of Human Resource Development
• Organization Development and Interventions
• Strategic Talent Acquisition and Performance Management
• Human Resource Technology and People Analytics
• Total Performance Management and Analytics
• Strategic Capstone with Professional Portfolio

Career Benefits

HRDC graduates make an impact where organizations need it most. Graduates of the BBA in Human Resource Development and Change enter roles that sit at the center of organizational strategy — positions where talent decisions, change initiatives, and performance outcomes shape the trajectory of entire companies. Houston’s energy, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics sectors face continuous disruption, creating sustained demand for professionals who can develop talent, guide organizational change, and measure workforce outcomes.

The curriculum’s integration of people analytics, OD methodology, and performance systems gives graduates a skill set that extends well beyond traditional HR administration. As an HRDC major at HCU, you benefit from Houston’s position as the fourth-largest city in the United States and a national hub for energy, healthcare, and professional services. These industries employ tens of thousands of HR professionals and consistently seek graduates who can lead development programs, facilitate organizational change, and translate workforce data into strategic action. You’ll have access to tailored career services, career advancement programming, and events featuring visiting HR and business leaders.

Salary and Outlook

An HRDC degree prepares graduates for roles in talent acquisition, training and development, organizational development, people analytics, and performance management — fields with strong compensation and sustained growth projections. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Human Resources Specialists

• Median annual wage of $72,910
• Projected growth rate of 6% (faster than average) from 2024–2034

Training and Development Specialists

• Median annual wage of $65,850
• Projected growth rate of 11% (much faster than average) from 2024–2034

Human Resources Managers (with experience)

• Median annual wage of $140,030
• Projected growth rate of 5% (faster than average) from 2024–2034

Training and Development Managers (with experience)

• Median annual wage of $127,090
• Projected growth rate of 6% (faster than average) from 2024–2034

Internships, Career Fairs and Professional Experience

HRDC students access internship opportunities with Houston-area employers in healthcare systems, energy companies, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. These experiences provide direct application of talent development, change management, and people analytics skills in working environments where HR professionals shape organizational outcomes daily.

The Archie W. Dunham College of Business also hosts regular career fares featuring some of Houston’s top employers. Faculty connections and Dunham College career staff facilitate placement across industries, allowing you to build a professional portfolio that demonstrates capability before graduation.

Student Support and Services

Designated success specialists, faculty advisors, and Career and Calling staff provide consistent guidance from enrollment through graduation and beyond. At HCU, student support extends past the classroom to encompass career preparation, professional development, and personal growth within a community grounded in shared purpose.

SHRM Student Chapter

The Dunham College of Business maintains an active chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, recipient of the 2024–2025 SHRM Superior Merit Award. Online students have full access to the chapter’s resources, virtual networking events, and professional development programming. SHRM membership connects HRDC students with industry networks and alumni relationships that support career growth across geographic boundaries. Existing SHRM professional members can transition to student status for complete access to the HCU chapter’s resources and specialized student programming.

Accreditation

HCU’s Archie W. Dunham College of Business has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The DCOB now formally tracks outcomes such as retention, graduation, internships and job placement, strengthening both the student experience and the long term value of degrees earned by alumni.

Center for Christianity in Business

HCU’s Center for Christianity in Business connects students with professionals who integrate biblical values into their work.