McKendree University

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Bachelor’s and Master’s HR Degrees From McKendree

McKendree University appears in our ranking of the 25 Best Bachelor’s in Human Resources (Online).

At a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the School of Business grants a BBA in Human Resource Management for McKendree University undergrads to study enterprise strategies for personnel retention face-to-face on the Lebanon or Radcliff campus and online via Blackboard. Chaired by Prof. Donna Ulrich, the 121-credit, SHRM-aligned curriculum offers accelerated, eight-week courses like Talent Management, Organizational Behavior, and Corporate Responsibility. All courses would transfer from the 68-credit AS in Business Administration online under Dr. Rick Bonsall to unlock HR specialist jobs making $66,200 on average. Majors might attend the Belize Immersion, intern at Centene, declare the Minor in Leadership Studies, join Sigma Beta Delta, participate in the Emerging Leaders Retreat, and pursue HRCI certification.

In 18 months, post-grads can finish the MBA in Human Resource Management Concentration for advanced roles creating affable workplaces. Overseen by Dr. Jean Sampson, this 36-credit, IACBE-accredited track has online 500-level classes, such as Stakeholder Management and Global HR Strategy. Cohorts capped at 20 could also elect eight-week Monday and Wednesday courses starting at 6PM in Illinois or Kentucky instead.


About McKendree University

McKendree University originated on February 20, 1828, when Methodist settlers led by Edward Raymond Ames welcomed an inaugural class of 72 to the two-building Lebanon Seminary. In 1830, it was renamed for the first U.S.-born Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop, William McKendree. Three years later, the Bishop deeded a 480-acre tract in St. Clair County to Illinois’ oldest private college. In 1839, the Illinois Legislature chartered it for Christian liberal arts education.

During the Civil War, McKendree formed the 117th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers in 1862. Nearly 150 years later, the McKendree University name was adopted for growing advanced education. In 2011, the School of Business became an IACBE member. The next year, McKendree received the CIC/Walmart College Success Award to better support first-generation students.

Endowed for $41.7 million, McKendree University now educates 2,499 Bearcats as a GI Jobs “Military Friendly” school with 97 percent job placement and 75+ clubs like Phi Beta Lambda. On Niche, McKendree has America’s 252nd best athletics, 339th top education, and 396th most diversity. WalletHub recognized McKendree for the 272nd best faculty resources and 423rd most student selectivity.

McKendree University Accreditation Details

On January 18, 2019, McKendree University received an Institutional Status Report from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) Board of Trustees that extended the Level V accreditation through 2029 under its 32nd president, Dr. James M. Dennis, who received a J. William Fulbright Fellowship. Based 284 miles northeast via Interstate 55 in Chicago, this hefty 19-state Heartland Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to continually check McKendree’s one associate, 51 bachelor’s, 11 master’s, and two doctoral degrees. Particularly, the School of Business was reaffirmed by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) in July 2017. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also acknowledged the McKendree BBA and MBA concentrations on March 23, 2017.

McKendree University Application Requirements

Enrolling at McKendree University is labeled “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because only 1,361 of the 2,206 Fall 2017 applicants were chosen for a 62 percent success rate. First-year Bearcats hunting the BBA in Human Resource Management must verify a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Recommended college-prep courses include four years of English, two years of Math, and two years of Natural Science. Minimum grades aren’t listed for holistic review. However, there’s a test-optional route for GPAs above 3.0.

When submitted, the ACT score mid-range is currently 22 to 28. The composite New SAT mid-range is 980 to 1240. School of Business transfers need cumulative GPAs above 2.0 in 12+ credits. Core courses like Principles of Financial Accounting and Statistics are suggested. Articulation plans exist for AA graduates of Southwestern Illinois College with 2.0 GPAs or better. The MBA in Human Resource Management Concentration requires a regionally accredited bachelor’s with 3.0 GPAs for unconditional acceptance. No GMAT requirement is mentioned, but scores above 450 would aid applicants. The majority of post-grad Bearcats have at least two years of experience.

McKendree University, the U.S. News & World Report’s 65th best Midwest school, offers rolling admission. Future freshmen can apply to the BBA in Human Resource Management starting August 1st before their senior year. January 1st is the priority deadline for financial aid consideration. International students meeting the 6.0 IELTS, 520 TOEFL, 20 ACT English, or 500 SAT Reading score minimum should apply as early as possible. Completing the McKendree or Common Application online costs $0. Official transcripts and diplomas can be mailed to 701 College Road in Lebanon, IL 62254. If desired, test scores can be sent with SAT/TOEFL code 1525 or ACT code 1076. Additional documents include the one letter of recommendation, I-20 form, bank statement, vaccine record, work history, personal statement, and signed affidavit. Find more by contacting (800) 232-7228 or [email protected].

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2018-19, McKendree University charged traditional BBA in Human Resource Management majors flat-rate tuition of $29,420 annually. Full-time undergrads paid an activity and health fee of $1,100 per year. Living at the Lebanon campus’ dorms like Barnett Hall added $5,120 to $7,280 yearly. Standard 19-meal plans for Ames Dining Hall were $4,800 extra. McKendree budgeted $1,000 for books, $100 for loan fees, $1,200 for personal, and $1,250 for travel. Annual bachelor’s study was about $43,540 on-site and $34,070 if commuting. Online BBA students were billed $460 per credit, which equals $55,200 over four years. The School of Business priced the campus-based MBA at $510 per credit or $18,360 overall. Online MBA in Human Resource Management students added a $70 technology fee per credit to $580 for $20,880 total.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Office of Admission on the Marion K. Piper Center 2nd Floor gets 97 percent of incoming McKendree Bearcats enrolled with median $20,121 aid for $8.97 million combined. University funds include the Community Service Scholarship, Debate Scholarship, Model UN Scholarship, John Wesley Methodist Scholarship, YMCA Student of the Year Scholarship, Billy Hahs Scholarship, Leona Stanford Vollintine Scholarship, Marching Bearcat Band Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, and Presidential Scholarship. The Honors Scholar Program gifts $17,000 per year for freshmen exceeding the 3.6 GPA and 1280 SAT minimum. Church congregants should apply to the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation by March 1st. Illinois residents can utilize the Monetary Award Program for up to $4,968 until 135 credits are complete. Other state assistance like the Illinois Veteran Grant, Grant for Dependents of Correctional Officers, and Bright Start Program help. Human resource management majors also file FAFSA forms coded 001722 for federal aid, including the Pell Grant, Opportunity Grant, Work-Study Program, and Stafford Loan.

Continue reading about McKendree University at the School of Business website.