WKU News

Beginning fall 2026, Western Kentucky University in Owensboro will expand its academic offerings with the addition of a new bachelor’s degree program in Human Resource Management. The additional program will be the 14th program that students can complete entirely at the Owensboro campus. Registration for the program is open now.

Offered through the Gordon Ford College of Business, the program and the college are both accredited by the AACSB-International, the highest mark of quality a business program can be awarded. Human resource management is a high-demand field, and this program is designed to provide students with practical, career-ready knowledge aligning with workforce needs. The program is designed with flexibility in mind—allowing students throughout the Owensboro region to earn a high-quality degree close to home through a combination of online and face-to-face courses.

“The continued growth of WKU in Owensboro reflects a strong commitment to expanding access and opportunity for students in the region,” said Dr. Derick Strode, director of WKU regional campuses. “We are proud to bring the AACSB-accredited, internationally recognized Human Resources program to WKU in Owensboro so our students can train to become our area’s next generation of leaders without having to leave our community.”

According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, employment for HR specialists and managers is projected to grow faster than all other occupations.

To learn more about the Human Resource Management program, students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a WKU in Owensboro academic advisor or visit the WKU in Owensboro website.

With this addition, WKU in Owensboro continues to build on its mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education and to support the economic and professional growth of the region.