The competitive nature of today's global marketplace and the increasingly strategic nature of the Human Resource (HR) profession demand a higher level of readiness for its professionals. Unfortunately, there is some disconnect between what is taught in schools and skills HR practitioners and organizations expect. The purpose of the study examined whether there are gaps between what is taught in undergraduate HR programs in academic institutions and an industry standard. This study explored whether there is an agreed-upon body of knowledge for new HR professionals among regional HR professionals and assessed the extent HR affiliate organizations prepared new entrants into the profession. The study utilized a mixed-method research design using both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis. The researcher surveyed experienced HR professionals using a researcher-developed questionnaire to measure attitudes on areas considered necessary to enter the HR field centered on the Human Resources Certification Institute's (HRCI) Guide to the Human Resources Body of Knowledge. In addition, course descriptions of seventeen area schools offering HR programs were examined if their content is aligned with HRCI Body of Knowledge targeted for new HR professionals. Lastly, the researcher reviewed descriptions of activities for HR students of HR member affiliate organizations. The findings revealed gaps in both content and delivery of courses in the identified knowledge areas. The findings also indicated that there were different levels of agreement for each knowledge area among the HR professionals surveyed and that there were only a few activities geared towards the preparation of new HR professionals among the HR affiliate groups. These findings may have negative implications for students, higher education institutions, organizations, and the HR profession if new HR professionals are ill-equipped to enter the field. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]