ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University is among the top 40 American universities offering a quality bachelor's degree in human resources, according to College Choice.

The Rock Hill-based university is listed as number 36 in the 2016 rankings for those schools with the Best Bachelor's in Human Resources Degree Programs. 

College Choice determined that the most important factors included a school's academic reputation, the program itself, student retention and employment rate after graduation.

College Choice officials noted the importance of human resource managers is today's business climate. Human resource managers have an incredible influence into how a business is actually run on a daily basis because they plan, manage, and enforce the policies and rules that govern a given organization. They are also responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring and terminating employees.

As a result, more businesses require that human resource professionals have, at the very least, an undergraduate degree in this area. These professionals need a strong foundation in business, analytics and behavioral science in order to learn how to create an effective and positive workplace for all employees. This necessity has led to the creation of this ranking, according to Christian Amondson, managing editor of College Choice, at the ranking's release.

"That's why it's so important for HR professionals to get an education that prepares them to help manage a company's employees with compassion and a strategy," Amondson said.

College Choice noted that Winthrop students are given a well-rounded business education that focuses on the effect that human resources has on business. Winthrop is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resources requires 120 total credit hours for completion. The Winthrop program includes a capstone course and an optional internship. Relevant HR internships and work experience are highly recommended by the faculty.

Malayka Klimchak, Winthrop associate professor in the human resources concentration, said: "Approximately 80% of our Winthrop human resource students graduate with direct human resources work experience, through a combination of internships, volunteer opportunities and other direct paid human resources opportunities. This direct application of course content prepares our students well for the challenges they will face upon entering the human resources profession."

For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, Winthrop news and media services manager, at longshawj@winthrop.edu or call 803/323-2404.