As one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country, Human Resource occupations are in great demand, no matter what the industry! According to BLS, there are around 665,500 Human Resources jobs in the country as of 2019.
It must have to do with the important role an HR department plays in every company and organization, often partnering with the management to help motivate and retain staff. Furthermore, the field is constantly evolving and growing more complex just as the workplace undergoes its evolutions.
As a result, HR personnel must brush up on their knowledge and skills, and more importantly, keep up with the changing times. For one, most organizations and leadership teams started investing in HR. They want HR partners who are more strategic and advisory as opposed to simply dealing with administrative tasks.
What can HR specialists do to ensure that they are not being left behind in such a competitive field?
Further and continuing education is the key. Learning should not end once one leaves the university gates. It is just as essential to continue learning as one gaining experience in the workplace. While traditional advanced degrees beckon with more promising advantages, there is an easier and more convenient way to further education. A certificate program in Human Resources is just as good as a master’s in Human Resources. It is also an ideal choice for exploring another career field, helping them transition into Human Resources.
What more, most certificate programs in Human Resources nowadays do not even require face-to-face classroom attendance. It’s the ideal work-studies arrangement for those trying to strike a balance between career-related and personal responsibilities. Pursuing an online Human Resources certificate program gives working professionals the flexibility to further their education while thriving in their jobs. They can take their coursework anytime and anywhere, often at their own pace.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com commits to assisting HR professionals and future HR personnel on the quest for the most suitable Human Resources certificate programs! We have taken a look at some of the best Human Resources programs offered fully online by prestigious US universities.
Our profiled list of the 12 Best Online Human Resources Certificate Programs in 2021 all excel in all areas that pertain to academic standards, online support, and student experience. In particular, the schools on our list all share these salient Online HR Certificate Program characteristics:
- Emphasis on flexibility and convenience with 100% online classes,
- Delivery of academic courses and training that drive better HR performance and practices in the workplace,
- Availability of online resources and support from academic personnel,
- Financial aid options for eligible students,
- Full recognition from accrediting agencies,
- Favorable reviews from academic resources and reputation among the academic community
Please visit our Methodology page to find out how we picked the 12 Best Online Human Resources Certificate Programs.
Explore your Online HR Certificate Program options with ease! Use these quick links:
- Cornell University
- University of Redlands
- Villanova University
- University of Richmond
- California State Polytechnic University Pomona
- University of Washington
- University of California San Diego
- Montclair State University
- Northeastern University
- University of Illinois
- Saint Paul College
Cornell University
Tuition: $1,260 to $9,800
With more than 120 online programs on offer, Cornell University is an ideal choice for those looking for flexibility and convenience. One of their online offerings is a human resource certificate program that every HR professional can take advantage of. This program covers various core competencies of a human resource profession, including the foundation that one needs to stay competitive in the field.
The program focuses on teaching students the best ways to keep the HR department and its goals constantly aligned. It has a total of 9 courses, all of which are result-oriented and practical. They offer real-world examples and exercises that will impart to students more than just theoretical knowledge. More valuable of all are the real-life implications that these classroom lectures could impart. Students are expected to gain essential skills that are instrumental in developing and implementing successful HR practices. These skills will be able to help them manage their people and improve their performance.
Some of the core lectures included in the curriculum include Total Rewards Compensation, Navigating Labor Relations, Facilitating Staffing Decisions, Employee Training and Development, and Consulting Skills for Internal HR, among many others.
Overall, each course will take two weeks to complete, allowing the students to render just about 3 to 5 hours every week. Most students can earn their Certificate in Human Resources within 45 months. This certificate program is most suitable for global professionals for nonprofits, NGOs, governmental agencies, HR professionals with less than a five-year experience, and even aspiring HR professionals who want to enhance their portfolio.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Scholarships, Military Discounts
Admission Requirements:
- Enroll online and select the payment plan
- No prerequisites needed
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Find more information on Cornell University’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
University of Redlands
Tuition: $425 Per Credit Unit
Those who want to gain ample knowledge of HR managers’ roles, key responsibilities, and technical requirements can consider earning an online Human Resources certificate from the University of Redlands.
The Human Resources Management certificate program emphasizes the understanding of strategic performance management and employee engagement, both of which are vital in building a successful, diverse, and collaborative team. HR professionals who wish to advance their roles as generalists and specialists can fully utilize this program. It covers the disciplines that certification examinations like Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources Management require.
Since the program is designed with working professionals in mind, it gives students the freedom to take the courses in any order. The frequent start dates allow them to pursue the certificate program at any point of the year. They are also free to take the courses, whether in person or online, at any schedule to fit their needs. Some of the required courses include Human Resources Management, Employee Recruitment and Selection, Compensation and Benefits Administration, Performance Management, and more.
Students who have completed coursework from this program may be able to use it as a credit toward a degree in other colleges or universities.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Federal Direct Loans, Early Bird Discounts, Employer Reimbursements, Partner Employer & Association Discounts, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- No application and admission requirements
- Students can choose the program and enroll right away
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Find more information on the University of Redlands Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
Villanova University
Tuition: $5,883 (estimate)
Villanova University offers a certificate program in Human Resource Management that can help one gain a thorough understanding of complex concepts like workforce planning, business management strategy, and many others. This program is also 100% online, which means working professionals can juggle their career and educational pursuits without sacrificing one over the other.
The program, overall, blends advanced HR concepts and situational skills. In this program, students will learn how to set out a sound organizational structure and design. They will master the eight competencies required from HR professionals, which are valuable in applying what they learn in the real world. Some courses tackle the organizational principles that are integral in achieving the organization’s strategic goals.
The program requires three courses that students must complete. It includes Human Resource Management, Mastering Organizational Effectiveness, and an elective (Essentials of Project Management, Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager, Foundations of Agile Methodology, Maximizing Team Effectiveness, and Strategic Organizational Leadership).
Types of Aid: Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Corporate Tuition Assistance, Scholarships, Military Tuition Assistance and Discounts
Admission Requirements:
- Online enrollment, no requirements needed
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Find more information on Villanova University’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
University of Richmond
Tuition: $665 Per Credit Unit
A Human Resources certificate is also available at the University of Richmond. Offered online, the graduate certificate in Human Resource Management will suit professionals who want to transition into the HR field, HR professionals who seek professional development, and students who want to see if a master’s degree in HRM is a good fit for them.
The program covers everything from theory and research to knowledge and procedures essential in the executive arm of Human Resources. Students can expect to explore the emerging disciplines in HR, such as the growing role of information systems and leadership theory in the era of globalization and workforce diversity. The program requires 18 semester hours.
Some of the course offerings include Human Resource Management, Legal Issues in Human Resource Management, Strategic Human Resource Development, Managing Compensation and Benefits, and Human Resource Management in the Global Environment.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished online registration
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Find more information on the University of Richmond’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Tuition: $410 Per Credit Unit
Productivity is one of the benchmarks of a successful organization. This can be achieved if the right people are employed and retained. HR professionals who want to enhance their resume and learn the best practices of personnel management and human resource development can consider earning an online certificate program from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.
The school’s Human Resources Management certificate program is available online. It follows an asynchronous format that allows students to access the courses at a time most convenient for them. Some of the courses required to complete this certificate program include Human Resource Development and Training Techniques, Talent Acquisition and Recruitment, Human Resource Management: An Overview, Labor and Employee Relations, and many others.
This certificate program is specially designed for current HR practitioners, professionals looking for a career shift into the HR field, and managers assuming human resource roles.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Employee Reimbursements
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
Accreditations:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Find more information on California State Polytechnic University Pomona’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
University of Washington
Tuition: $4210 Per Credit Unit
Confident HR leaders are integral in every organization. Without them, the process of recruitment for the best talents, coordination of staff training, development of employee policies, and shaping of compensation and benefits will not be as efficient and effective. The University of Washington ensures that HR professionals will gain the knowledge and skills they need to go from process-focused practitioner to a business-enhancing partner will come into fruition through their online certificate program in Human Resources Management.
The program comprises five courses covering everything from identifying and managing the workplace challenges to developing strategic thinking and planning abilities. It is also an excellent way to prepare for industry certification, allowing students to increase their value and advance their careers by networking with industry leaders. The certificate program is most beneficial to HR professionals and others with managerial experience. It will help them prepare and advance into their roles as Human Resources managers.
Graduates of this certificate program are expected to master employee relations management by shaping methods and policies. They must be able to learn the best practices for training and developing staff. Even better, they will be well prepared to take the Professional in Human Resources certification exam, as the program covers the material required for it.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Two years of college education
- Two-year work experience in HR management, or
- Five-year work experience in any field with supervisory responsibility
- Completion of the University of Washington – Certificate in HR Essentials
- English proficiency for international students
Accreditations:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Find more information on the University of Washington’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
University of California San Diego
Tuition: Varies Per Credit Unit
A dynamic and evolving field, human resource management is as important as ever. The University of California San Diego extends their help to HR professionals looking to take on more proactive roles at the highest levels of their organizations through offering a certificate program in Human Resource Management. It is designed to provide the latest information and practical insights that will help them become effective HR professionals and advance their careers.
In this program, students will learn how to make a career transition into HR. They will tackle several courses, including Employee and Labor Relations, Strategic Talent Acquisition, Components of Workplace Compensation, Fundamentals of Employee Benefits, Training and Development, and Performance Management. The program can take 12 to 36 months to complete. It is also fully online, which means students mostly have the flexibility to take their courses as their schedules permit.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Scholarships, Grants, Discounts, Workforce Partnership
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Application fee of $95
Accreditations:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Get information on the University of California San Diego’s Online Human Resources certificate program.
Montclair State University
Tuition: Varies Per Credit Unit
A non-degree professional certificate in Human Resources Management is offered at Montclair State University. It is designed for working professionals with undergraduate or postgraduate degrees who wish to gain critical knowledge and skills to advance their Human Resources management careers.
In this program, they will learn how to become business partners with their organization, formulate and achieve organizational goals. The focus areas include strategic planning, employee development, talent selection and acquisition, and global workforce management. There are six graduate-level courses in the program, each taking 7 to 8 weeks during regular academic semesters.
Some of these courses include Strategic Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Managing Global Workforce, and Human Resource Analytics, among many others.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Partner Employer & Association Discounts, Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Complete online application
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Resume
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Find more information on Montclair State University’s online Human Resources Certificate Program.
Northeastern University
Tuition: $13,600
Designed to enhance students’ understanding and insights into Human Resources management, the certificate program offered by Northeastern University is a good start for HR professionals who want to advance their careers in their chosen field.
The Human Resources Management certificate provides students a full introduction to the field’s principles, strategies, and techniques. They will be able to understand how the organization develops and how to implement changes effectively. They will also tackle workforce planning and strategic recruitment as well as training and performance management. More importantly, the program offers a special look into effective change management, a skill which is given importance in the demanding employment environment.
It is good to note that the credits one earned from completing this Certificate can be directly applied toward some of the university’s master’s programs, including MS in Leadership, MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication, and MS in Human Resource Management.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- Undergraduate transcripts
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Find more information on Northeastern University’s Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
University of Illinois
Tuition: $740 Per Credit Unit
Professionals taking the next important step in their career or transitioning into the field of Human Resources can consider earning the online Human Resources certificate program offered by the University of Illinois. This program has three tracks: Fundamentals of Human Resources, Compensation Best Practices, and Human Resources Management.
Each of these tracks requires the completion of three courses, with each course composed of four credit hours. Every track can take between 7 to 10 months to complete. Students can personalize their tracks. However, they have to remember that each course in the Certificate is only offered once a year. Students pursuing a master’s program may transfer their credits as soon as they have obtained the Certificate.
Some of the program courses include Employment Relations Systems, Compensation Systems, Economic of Human Resources, Employee Motivation and Performance, Fundamentals of Business and Management, among many others.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Employer Reimbursements, Partner Employer & Association Discounts, Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Phone interview
Accreditations:
- Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on the University of Illinois’ Online Human Resources Certificate Program.
Saint Paul College
Tuition: Varies Per Credit Unit
Saint Paul College offers a certificate in Human Resources program that can be completed fully online. The program imparts the skills that allow students to create meaningful workplace relationships and address the challenges faced by businesses and employees.
Since it is online, students can expect flexibility in terms of their budget and schedule. They can choose to complete the program within eight months or take the courses at their own pace. They can even pursue an associate degree using the credits they earned from the program. It is designed for gaining the academic qualifications for entry-level positions in Human Resources in as short a time as possible.
Students can be an HR specialist, benefits specialist, compensation analyst, recruiter, human resource generalist, or training and development coordinator.
Types of Aid: Private Educational Loans, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Reading Score 250+ or grade “C,” better in reading 0722
- Arithmetic Score of 225+
- Complete online application
Accreditations:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Find more information on Saint Paul College’s Online Human Resources Certificate program.
What can holders of a Certificate in Human Resources expect as far as their careers are concerned?
There are many kinds of certificates in Human Resources. Some of them can open the doors for those who want to enter the workforce and gain entry into human resource positions without taking twice as much time as earning a degree. A certificate program takes much less time to complete than a degree program, allowing graduates to pursue employment in as little time as possible.
It is also beneficial for working professionals who want to explore and transition into Human Resources. They will have a deeper understanding of Human Resources’ fundamentals and learn the best practices expected from this role.
Can an online HR Certificate program further your career?
The field of the Human Resources is ever-evolving. While the HR of old is limited to administrative roles and responsibilities, the modern employment setting requires more than that from them. They are expected to participate in high-level planning, with their responsibilities expanding to consulting with top executives, charting strategic direction, and shaping key policies.
A Human Resources certificate can be a huge boost to advancing their careers and assuming management roles. Students’ skills and knowledge from the advanced programs could be a great foundation for them to be more successful in what they do. Most of these certificate programs are geared toward management and leadership roles.
How long does it typically take to earn an online HR Certificate?
Most certificate programs in Human Resources can be completed within 7 to 8 months. However, this duration varies depending on the number of credit units required and the delivery method. Online programs can typically last longer because most give students flexible schedules, allowing them to take the courses at their own pace. At most, a certificate program in Human Resources can be earned in two years.
