Human Resources Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Sep 6, 2024

Human Resources is vital in any business; it concerns the management and organization of employees and oversees day-to-day personnel issues. HR is about managing people, and with those skills, you can work in many areas – for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

A career in Human Resources often needs education in specific areas and an understanding of the complex issues that HR professionals face. That's why you should consider earning an online Human Resources Graduate Certificate to excel in this vital area of employment and employee management.

What Are the Online Human Resources Graduate Certificate Requirements?

If you're looking to enroll in an online HR graduate certificate program, you’ll need to meet all the admissions requirements. These will naturally vary by school, but most will ask for the following:

Minimum GPA – usually 3.0 or above
For those who do not have a high enough GPA but passed the GMAT, the minimum requirement is usually the 75^th percentile
Bachelor’s/master’s degrees from accredited schools – official transcripts required
Your master's degree should be relevant – typically this means a business or communication-related degree
For non-native English speakers, you may be asked to prove English proficiency through formal certification like PTEA, TOEFL, and IELTS. Some colleges might also accept ELS 112
Most schools will ask for two letters of recommendation from former professors or employers.
Application fee
Personal statement of goals or essay outlining your desire to complete the certificate program

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Human Resources Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

HR graduate certificate programs are made up of courses that cover different aspects of the discipline, most of which can be completed over just a few semesters. While each school has its own curriculum, common course titles include:

Foundations of Human Resource Management
Performance Management for Individuals and Organizations
Employment Law & Regulations
Human Resource Data Analytics
HR Management for General Management
HR Strategic Analysis
Developing Reward & Compensation Methods
Fundamentals of Staffing
Diversity in the Workplace
HR Management Ethics
Managing Employee Development
Talent Management

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Human Resources Graduate Certificate?

There are many careers that a human resources graduate certificate will permit you to enter. Some popular pathways include:

HR Manager: Responsible for day-to-day organization of issues employees face. They may help employees deal with personal issues, workplace bullying, medical leave, etc.
Headhunter/Recruiter: These professionals find talent for businesses with vacancies. Recruiters are often self-employed but can also work as part of a firm.
Benefits Coordinator: Responsible for organizing, managing, and contracting benefits packages, and ensuring employees are aware of their benefit rights.
Employee Development Manager: These professionals are responsible for employee training and progress through the company.
HR Consultant: Working as an independent contractor, your job is to help businesses make the right decisions regarding most aspects of their employees’ work life.
Career Counselor: Your people skills and employee development background can help identify strengths and interests and make relevant professional suggestions to career-seekers.
Regulatory Compliance Officer: Working in an HR department, you could oversee issues such as safety in the workplace, as well as substance and material handling.
Volunteer Coordinator: Outside the business world, non-profit and charitable organizations need people with managerial and resource skills to best direct efforts.