Online Human Resource Certificates Undergraduate & Graduate HR Programs
Program Overview Why get an HR certificate?
In today’s fluid workforce environment, HR professionals are focused on strategic partnership. Whatever the trends – automation, artificial intelligence, financial literacy, remote work – HR manages the workforce needs of organizations in nearly every job sector, and their role in an organization's success only grows.
If you're looking to take your first step toward learning new skills in the HR industry, Southern New Hampshire University's Undergraduate Human Resource Management Certificate can provide you with a solid foundation.
However, if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field or earned a related degree and want an advanced credential, the Graduate Human Resource Management Certificate may be a good fit for you.
Skills you'll learn:
- Promoting positive company culture
- Recruitment and retention of talent
- Adherence to employment laws and regulations
- Employee motivation strategies
- Managing employee relations
- Effectively leading organizational change
Courses & Curriculum Human resources management courses for every step of your career
For those looking to join the human resources field, the undergraduate HR certificate offers the quick, hyper-focused point of entry you’re looking for with courses covering topics such as HR functions, employee experience and labor relations. You can also apply the credits from this certificate to SNHU's Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. If you're just getting started, no problem – there's no prior college degree required for admission to the undergraduate HR certificate program.
From compensation and benefits to long-term strategic planning, the graduate HR certificate covers many interesting facets of the field. If you think you'll want to continue your education in the future, the credits earned in this certificate can apply to SNHU's Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Applicants must have a completed bachelor's degree, whether in a related field or otherwise, for admission to the graduate HR certificate program.
Earn your undergraduate HR certificate online
The 12-credit undergraduate certificate is right for you if:
- You want to develop foundational knowledge of HR for entry-level positions
- You want an education in HR, but you're unsure if you're prepared for a full degree, like SNHU's online human resource management degree
- You have an associate degree, bachelor's degree or college credit in another field and you're looking to move into HR
- Your current career would benefit from gaining skills in foundational HR
- You are seeking some formal education to supplement your current role in HR
Courses may include:
Human Resource Functions
Course ID:
HRM 200
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of human resource management. Students will explore the various functions of the role, including sourcing and managing talent, promoting an organizational culture and analyzing how human resources impact important organizational decisions. Students will also be introduced to total rewards and how it is used within an organization. Tools relevant to the profession and how they are used to inform various functions of the job will be addressed.
Proactive Human Resource Strategies
Course ID:
HRM 225
This course will prepare students to take proactive approaches in addressing a variety of human resource challenges and situations. Students will explore laws, rules and regulations related to employment, learn strategies to identify and solve challenges before they happen, and how to communicate with stakeholders about compliance and noncompliance. Students will identify and interpret human resource data to make informed decisions and mitigate risk.
Creating the Employee Experience
Course ID:
HRM 300
This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore how to effectively utilize employee engagement and needs assessment data to determine appropriate techniques and practices for recruitment and motivation. Students will have the opportunity to study and recommend various practices, policies, and strategies to recruit, retain, and motivate talent. An introduction to the employee life cycle and how human resources use it to support organizational needs will also be addressed.
Employee and Labor Relations
Course ID:
HRM 310
In this course, learners will analyze the role of employee and labor relations in supporting management in developing, maintaining and improving employee relationships. Learners will explore strategies used to maintain relationships including performance management, processing grievances, and interpreting and conveying policies. The application of techniques used in interviewing, negotiations, and conflict management will be covered
Visit the course catalog to view the full Undergraduate Human Resources Management Certificate curriculum.
Earn your graduate HR certificate online
The 12-credit graduate certificate is right for you if:
- You are looking to advance your career
- You have a bachelor's degree in another field and are looking to move into HR
- You earned an HR or business degree and want an advanced credential
- You want to earn it on the way toward your MS in HR Management
Don't have a bachelor's in business? You may be required to take a foundation course, Human Behavior in Organizations, before beginning the program.Your admission counselor can help determine if this class will be necessary for you.
Courses may include:
Strategic Human Resource Management
Course ID:
OL 600
Examine key regulatory procedures and human resource requirements as they relate to applications in organizations. Analyze the strategic role of the human resource manager in performing functions of recruitment, hiring, training, career development and other contemporary processes within the organizational setting. Study concepts aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK).
Employee and Labor Relations
Course ID:
OL 610
This is a study of public and private labor relations and methods of dispute resolution that stresses labor agreement administration, grievance procedures and arbitration. It includes the examination of the history of union-management relations, bargaining and negotiation strategies. The limitations of the use of power also are studied.
Total Rewards
Course ID:
OL 620
This course examines the compensation and benefits functions within the organizational structure and ways they impact the management function. Topics include job analysis, surveys, wage scales, incentives, benefits, HRIS systems and pay delivery administration. Students design a compensation and benefits program as a course outcome.
Leading Change
Course ID:
OL 663
This course focuses on transforming organizations by introducing Kotter's eight processes by which leaders effect change. Because organizations, leaders, and employees differ, various techniques and strategies are examined. The course integrates Kotter's processes for leading change, organizational development and transformation theory and practice, and analysis of an organization which has effected systematic change. The use of work teams as a key change factor will have special emphasis.
Leading/Managing Not-For-Profit Orgs
Course ID:
OL 665
This course is a study of planning, budgeting, control and other management activities in the context of the not-for-profit institution.
Leadership and Ethics
Course ID:
OL 675
Leadership and Ethics is a course that focuses on the ways current and emerging leaders assess the values that influence their actions. The course draws on the rich tradition of great thinkers as well as the extensive body of leadership literature to examine the critical role ethics plays in leadership. The course, conducted in seminar format, is a process course. It is only through thoughtful reading, reflections, writing, and discussion that students are able to recognize and shape the qualities they see valuable for their own leadership roles, both personally and professionally.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Graduate Human Resources Management Certificate curriculum.
Online HR certificates aligned to industry standards
Our graduates can be assured that the HR skills they're learning are the most relevant to the field today. Whether you choose the undergraduate or graduate HR certificate, our programs are aligned to the Society for Human Resource Management's Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™). Developed through a series of large-scale research studies, the SHRM BASK incorporates global HR viewpoints to collectively establish a grouping of critical HR competencies and content areas.
The SHRM BASK is also used to define the content areas for SHRM's two main certification exams, the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®). Alignment within SNHU's program supports content preparedness for eligible individuals seeking either credential.
For the undergraduate certificate, embedded HRCI certificates in the courses will help promote your specialized skills to potential employers.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming undergraduate term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Upcoming graduate term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024
Next terms start:
Sept. 2nd | July 29th
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8 | 10 week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from experienced HR faculty
Our instructors are dedicated to your success, helping to provide you with the knowledge and skill set employers seek. And with real-world experience in human resources management, they bridge theory to practice so you can see how scenarios unfold for actual organizations.
Featured Faculty
With over two decades of teaching experience in higher education and 25 years of leadership in human resources at the C-suite level, Deborah Gogliettino brings a wealth of knowledge to the HR faculty at SNHU. Credentialed in executive coaching, Gogliettino enjoys mentoring emerging leaders. She also holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) from Human Resource Certification Institute® and has written about the value of continuous learning for the organization.
Position
Associate Dean of Business
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
- Master of Arts in Administration from Western Connecticut State University
- Master of Arts in Leadership from Grand Canyon University
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some of our SNHU instructors have to say about our online HR certificate programs:
Ahmir J. Kenyatta, MHREL, PCI, SHRM-CP, human resources faculty member
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online human resource management certificate?
Serving as strategic business partners across all aspects of an organization, today’s HR professionals are more valued than ever.
Since HR is a broad field, it offers ample opportunity to focus your career interests with your HR certificate. You might consider going into recruiting, workforce development training or compensation and benefits. With the graduate certificate, you might leverage your specialized expertise in leadership roles.
Occupations
Whether you choose the undergraduate or graduate HR certificate, you'll gain a solid grounding in human resource principles and practices.
With the undergraduate certificate, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge relevant to a variety of entry-level positions, including:
Human Resources Specialist
Help recruit, screen and interview job candidates. Once a candidate is hired, you may handle employee relations, training and compensation and benefits.
Human Resources Assistant/Coordinator
Responsible for maintaining personnel records, you might prepare reports, file employment records or maintain classified employee information.
Labor Relations Specialist
Help resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements and coordinate employee grievance procedures.
Employment Specialist
Recruit people with the right skill sets for roles at organizations that need specialized talent.
Client Services Representative
Take care of clients' questions and concerns.
If you choose to pursue the graduate certificate, you'll be prepared to search for more advanced roles such as:
Human Resources Manager
Oversee an organization’s administrative functions, including recruiting, interviewing and hiring of new staff. You'll also work with executives on strategic planning.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation managers oversee an organization’s pay structure. Benefits managers run employee benefits programs. In both roles, you'll work directly with senior staff and financial officers.
6%
Projected increase in human resources specialist positions through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
5%
Projected increase in human resources manager positions through 2032, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
The human resources management focus has greatly benefited my role as a leader.
Chase Thomas '21G
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my HR certificate online?
An online HR certificate is a great way to get your foot in the door – or advance your career in HR.
The best place to start is by finding an HR certificate program that matches your career aspirations. Ask yourself: what do I hope to learn through this program? How does it support my goals? If you plan to earn a bachelor's degree, ask if a certificate would position you to seamlessly transfer credits and continue your education.
SNHU's undergraduate certificate in HR will give you course credits that can easily be applied to a bachelor's in human resources. This means, if you choose to earn an undergraduate degree, you'll save time on the way. And even if you don't, you'll still have a credential that can help you stand out to employers.
Once enrolled in an undergraduate certificate program, you'll progress through a series of online learning modules with faculty support to guide you through projects, papers, discussion boards, video communications and more.
An undergraduate certificate in HR from SNHU is just 4 courses. And since being a full-time student here means 2 classes per term, you could finish in just three 8-week terms – about half a year.
Even if you work toward your certificate part time (1 course per term), you could finish it in a year. It depends on you and how you could be most successful in your program.
A graduate HR certificate at SNHU is only 4 courses, which could mean two (full time) or four (part time) 10-week terms. Again, your timeline is completely up to you and the good news is that no matter what pace works best for you, your tuition won't change.
Both levels of the certificate are available online at SNHU. The best part: You won’t need to be in front of your computer at a set time. You’ll still participate – only instead of in-person lectures, you’ll attend class through weekly online assignments and discussion boards. You can do your assignments when it works for you, turning them in at specified deadlines throughout the week – typically Thursday and Sunday nights.
SNHU’s admission process is as simple and straightforward as it gets – just complete our quick online application to get started. No SAT or GMAT scores required, no application fee and you can apply at any time and get a decision within days. Questions? Your admission counselor will guide you through the entire process.
What is an HR certificate?
Certificates in HR differ from degree programs in one basic way: They’re fast, immersive and efficient by design. That way, you can delve into the most relevant topics in the field, acquiring the skills and knowledge you need quickly and affordably.
Succeeding in HR starts with the fundamentals of HR. SNHU’s HR certificate online will build that foundation. Your courses will cover everything from staffing and talent development to compensation and benefits, labor relations, organizational behavior, HR strategy and more.
You’ll come away prepared to seek an HR position, with fresh skills and knowledge you can apply right away.
“I hope to achieve more cultural unity within organizations by using the skills that I have gained with the certificate,” said Tamara Dancy ’20. “I foresee myself being a visionary for any organization that I partner with and help trail blaze the conversations around diversity and inclusion, while maintaining respect for government regulations and the workers’ and organization’s needs.”
Which certificate is best for HR?
That's up to you to decide. At the end of the day, the HR certificate you choose should align with your goals and desired career path.
An undergraduate certificate in HR could be right for you if:
- You're not ready to commit to a bachelor's degree in human resources
- You entered an HR job without any previous formal education
- You're seeking to try your hand at an entry-level HR position
- You're currently employed in another field and looking pivot into human resources
A graduate certificate in HR could be right for you if:
- You're hoping to increase your HR skillset in an effort to advance your career
- You have a bachelor's degree in a different field and are looking to boost your HR knowledge and/or credentials
- You already have a bachelor's degree in human resources or HR management and would like to add an additional credential to your resume
- You're on the fence about getting a master's degree but want to take steps forward in your career. HR certificate credits can be used toward a master's degree in HR management, should you decide to continue your education.
How can I improve my career in HR?
If you’re already in the HR field, a human resources certificate can give you the academic credibility you may need to advance. You’ll have the opportunity to specialize in areas that can increase your professional standing, such as compensation and benefits, labor relations or compliance.
"As HR has been a field I have worked with closely over my career, working in the field is a goal of mine," said Robert Filipkowski '18, who had previously earned his associate and bachelor's degrees at SNHU. "So having the additional certificate and knowledge I gained for the program is invaluable to my personal and professional pursuits. The SNHU program was the best because of previous experience, affordability, quality and flexibility in the learning experience, and the SNHU name."
Filipkowski hopes to continue his education at SNHU by earning a master's in HR so he can move into a full-time human resources job.
With greater depth of knowledge and a broader skill set, you’ll make yourself more valuable. You may even find your job options expand to include roles like human resources manager and compensation and benefits manager.
Which areas of HR pay the most?
There are a variety of positions available to HR professionals, all with varying levels of compensation.
HR professionals provide a unique value to their organization and can support businesses in many different ways. Some examples of well paying HR positions and their median annual wages include:
- Human resources specialist, $64,2401
- Labor relations specialist, $82,0101
- Compensation and benefits manager, $131,2801
- Human resources manager, $130,0001
Like all positions, compensation can vary based on location, experience, and industry. When looking for well-paying HR positions, it's valuable to pay attention to both the job title and field you'll be working in.
What jobs can I get with an HR certificate?
A human resources certificate provides a solid grounding in HR principles and practices.
With an undergraduate certificate in HR – and usually paired with a bachelor's degree – you’ll be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, including:
- Human resources specialist
- Human resources assistant/coordinator
- Labor relations specialist
- Employment specialist
- Client services representative
Robert Filipkowski '18 earned his certificate to start expanding his career path, and he believes it's what opened the door to another opportunity: "Being part of the initial board that is creating the certification process for the National Association of Safety Professionals," he said.
With an online HR graduate certificate, you could position yourself for roles like:
- human resources manager
- compensation and benefits manager.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in employment of HR managers through 2032 – an addition of nearly 10,000 jobs to the industry.1
Is a certificate in human resources worth it?
There are many benefits to an HR certificate. You can use it to complement your bachelor’s degree or human resources work experience. Or you can take advantage of the immersive training it provides to earn a quick credential so that you can enter the HR job market more quickly than if you pursued a full degree.
Holly Sagers '21 felt her certificate was "100%" worth it.
"I would do it again just to gain the knowledge and confidence that this program has given me," she said. "It will challenge you and help you better understand the inner workings of an HR department and how to become part of one."
Maybe you have significant work experience and feel like you can place out of general education and business core courses. In that case, a human resources certificate might be your most efficient option.
Certificates in HR also offer a great way to build on a bachelor’s degree in business, project management or another related field. And should you plan to go for your bachelor’s, master’s or MBA in human resources, this program gets you one step closer.
"I love SNHU so much that I decided to continue on for my associate and bachelor’s degrees," said Sagers, regarding using the credits toward other programs at the university.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/compensation-and-benefits-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/labor-relations-specialists.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.