Lead workforce success as a human resource professional
In the BBA Human Resources concentration, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of key HR functions, including recruitment and selection, employee development, compensation and benefits management and performance management. They will also gain skills in organizational behavior, labor relations and HR policies, equipping them to effectively manage and enhance workforce productivity and foster a postive workplace culture. Students will develop skills and understanding in:
- compensation
- training and development
- occupational health and safety
- mediation
- conflict resolution
- performance management
Students will complete:
- 10 required Level 1 courses (required by all BUS-diploma/BBA students)
- 13 required BBA Level 2 Human Resource Management courses
- 12 required BBA Level 3 and Level 4 Human Resource Management courses
- 5 elective BBA courses from Level 3 and Level 4 (which can include BBA Capstone courses, an in-depth case study with an industry partner)
Program schedule
Our course delivery is flexible, allowing you to take your classes in the daytime, evening or online to suit your schedule. We also have transfer credit and prior learning assessments for those who have done prior post-secondary or other formal training experience.
Student engagement expectations
At NAIT, every 3 credits represent a total of 135 learning hours (note this does not include WIL Courses). This includes scheduled learning hours (classroom time, labs, shops, etc.) in various settings (face-to-face, blended, hyflex, remote-live, and remote on-demand) and student self-directed learning.
Common first year
In the first year of the program, all business students take common foundational courses in order to gain core business knowledge. This allows students to experience a variety of business fields in order to decide which is the best fit. In the second, third and fourth years of studies, you will take the required courses to pursue a concentration in Human Resource Management.
BBA degree with concentration
In the BBA career path with Human Resource Management concentration, you will earn a concentration on your transcript showing that you graduated in a specialized field of studies. This concentration does not appear on your graduation parchment, but will be noted on your official student transcripts.
Apply in APAS
Students applying to any business administration diploma program will choose Bachelor of Business Administration when selecting the program on the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS). More information can be found under How to Apply.
BBA Co-op
Students in this BBA concentration are also eligible to participate in NAIT's BBA Co-op program. Jumpstart your career by spending 3 semesters gaining valuable hands-on experience in real workplaces.
More information on the Co-op option can be found on the BBA Co-op page.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the BBA in Human Resources concentration are prepared for a variety of roles within the HR field, such as HR manager, recruitment specialist, compensation and benefits analyst and employee relations consultant. They are equipped with the skills to contribute to organizational strategy, enhance workplace culture and manage talent effectively.
Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
Duration |
45 weeks |
Compensation |
Yes |
International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
- Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
- Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
- Apply for positions on Career Connect
- Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
- Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
- Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
- Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
- Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 10 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of D in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses that available for PLAR credits in this program. Please click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.