Whether you aspire to a career in human resource management or already work in the industry, the HR certification program gives you the foundation you need for designing, managing, and evaluating organizational programs. Our instructors work in the HR industry, and teach skills critical to recruiting and hiring, employee compensation and benefits, training and performance management. In the ever-changing HR landscape, stand out as a leader who can align your department to your organization's goals, and improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

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Become the type of human resource business partner that your employees can rely on by earning a Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management from SDSU Global Campus.

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About the Program

Whether you aspire to a career in human resource management or already work in the industry, earning your Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management from SDSU Global Campus will give you the foundation you need to design, manage, and evaluate organizational programs.

$4,575

Estimated Cost

1 Year

Min. Completion Time

Online

Course Format

In the ever-changing HR landscape, this program will show you how to stand out as a leader who can:

  • Align your department to your organization's goals.
  • Improve employee job satisfaction.
  • Implement guidelines based on local and national employment laws.
  • Create a workplace culture that will attract and retain top talent in your industry.

Is This Program Right for Me?

Human resource business partners are vital to the success of any organization. HR serves as the link between management and employees. They’re responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing a wide variety of employment functions — from hiring and training to managing benefits, strategizing with top executives, and handling staffing issues. They also ensure that their organization is in compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.

If you’re responsible for some of these roles in your own organization, or you’re interested in launching your career as an HR professional, SDSU’s Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management program can help you boost your résumé and enhance your career in as little as 12 months of online training courses.

  • Take online classes that are either self-paced or held via live evening Zoom sessions.
  • Earn your certificate without sacrificing your professional commitments.
  • Learn from a panel of seasoned human resource professionals with decades of career experience across a variety of industries.
  • Acquire the skills that today’s employers are looking for in their HR departments.

If you’re looking for affordable and accessible HR training that you can fit into your busy schedule and apply to your job the very next day, SDSU’s HR Certificate program can help you take your career to the next level.

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Luthern CarterDr. Lutheran M. Carter retired from the United States Navy after 23 years of military service. He earned his Associates in General Studies along with a Bachelor's in Workforce Education and Development (Emphasis in Training and Development) and a Master’s in Workforce Education and Development. As a senior enlisted leader in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Carter took what he learned in the Workforce Education Development Program and applied it throughout his naval career. In 2021, Dr. Carter graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development.

- Dr. Lutheran Carter, Performance Management
Learn more about Lutheran

What Can I Learn?

Our instructors work in the HR industry, and teach skills critical to recruiting and hiring, employee compensation and benefits, training, and performance management. Through their expertise, you’ll learn what today’s HR professionals are using to foster productive work environments in their own organizations.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the core competencies needed for a career in human resources.
  • Build processes and procedures for a diverse and engaged workforce.
  • Learn how to communicate processes and procedures to your workforce.
  • Create an environment that attracts, trains, and retains top talent.
  • Learn the fundamentals of performance management and developing your workforce.
  • Understand the role of Cal/OSHA, safety, and compensation issues in the workplace.

To earn your certificate, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 25 units of coursework. This includes:

  • Four required courses (10 units). We highly recommend taking Introduction to Human Resources as the first course.
  • 15 units of elective courses.

With nine elective courses to choose from, you’ll be able to tailor your Professional Certificate to meet your unique professional goals. Our elective HR course topics include:

  • Talent Acquisition
  • Training and Development
  • Performance Management
  • Compensation
  • Health and Safety Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Ethics in the Workplace
  • Business Writing for the Workplace
  • Organizational Behavior (New!)
  • Diversity and Inclusion

You can also take individual courses to gain new skills and knowledge that you can immediately apply to your human resources career.

Meet Your Instructor

More about Dawn MyersDawn has more than 30 years in Human Resources, including 20 years in hospitality, with an emphasis in employee relations and leadership development. For more than a decade, she has taught in the HR Certificate Program at SDSU Global Campus and owns her own business providing HR consulting, leadership training and coaching, as well as public speaking.

- Dawn Myers, Introduction to HR, Capstone
Learn more about Dawn

Career Outcomes

Labor Analysis
Human Resources Manager — Nationwide

 

161,700
Job postings in the last 12 months

 

+9%
Projected job growth in the next 10 years

 

$96,558
Average Salary (nationwide)


Source: Burning Glass/Emsi, 2022

The outlook for human resource professionals continues to improve. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources managers is projected to grow by about 1% over the next decade. As new companies form and existing companies expand, they’ll need competent, highly-trained human resources managers to help build productive work environments and stay up-to-date on local and national employment laws regarding compensation, healthcare benefits, and equal employment opportunity.

Meet Your Instructor

More about Jessica Ordonez-SteenblockReem Zaghal works for UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine. In her role, she supports the compensation team with the project implementation of Career Tracks. Reem has worked in Compensation, Benefits, and HRIS for more than 20 years, including the following organizations; George Washington University, The Salk Institute, Discovery Communications, General Dynamics, and Provide Commerce.

- Reem Zaghal, Compensation

Why Choose SDSU?

Accessibility

All courses are 100% online and accessible from anywhere in the world, which makes our online human resources classes ideal for working professionals and busy students. There’s no application required — simply choose your courses and start learning!

Expert Instructors

Learn from a panel of highly-experienced HR professionals, including business owners, managers, and directors who know what works — and what doesn’t — in today’s business world. Many of our instructors are also connected with local and national HR organizations, including the San Diego Hospitality Human Resource Association, Professionals in Human Resources Association, San Diego SHRM, and more.

Custom Curriculum

Build your own certificate to meet your needs as an HR professional. In addition to four core courses, you’ll be able to choose from nine unique elective courses that cover a wide range of human resource topics, from diversity and ethics to emotional intelligence and business writing.

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To earn your Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management, you’ll need to take 25 units including:

  • Four Core Courses
  • 15 Units of Elective Courses

Click the course names below to read the course description. Visit the How to Register tab once you’re ready to register.

Required Courses

Required Courses Units Cost Fall '24 Dates Day & Time Registration Period
BA 0020 Introduction to Human Resources 3 $549 09/09-11/18 M | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-09/16
BA 0021 Human Resource Management and the Law I 2 $366 09/04-11/6 W | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-09/11
BA 0028 Capstone: Applying Human Resource Management 3 $549 09/26-12/14 Th | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-10/03
BA 0029 Human Resource Management and the Law II 2 $366      

Dates and fees subject to change. All courses are in Pacific Time.

Elective Courses

Elective Courses Units Cost Fall '24 Dates Day & Time Registration Period
BA 0022 Talent Acquisition 3 $549 09/17-11/26 T | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-09/24
BA 0023 Human Resources Training and Development 3 $549 08/28-11/13 W | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-09/04
BA 0027 Performance Management 3 $549      
BA 0033 Compensation 3 $549      
BA 0035 Health and Safety Management 3 $549      
BA 0058 Emotional Intelligence 1.5 $275      
BA 0059 Ethics in the Workplace 1.5 $275      
BA 0060 Business Writing for the Workplace 1.5 $275      
BA 0061 Diversity and Inclusion 3 $549 10/03-12/19 Th | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-10/10
BA 0062 Organizational Behavior 3 $549      
BA 0063 HR Leadership 1.5 $275 10/08-11/12 T | 6-8 p.m. 06/05-10/15

Dates and fees subject to change. All courses are in Pacific Time.

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Registration Instructions

Continuing Students

If you have taken a course in your program within the past three terms, you are considered a continuing student. Starting in the summer 2024 term, continuing students can simply log into my.SDSU and register for upcoming courses in their program once the registration period opens. You’ll still need to complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted.

Please visit my.sdsu.edu for more information.

New Students

If you have not taken a course within the past three terms, you will need to enroll in the program as a new student to register for courses. Please complete the new student registration steps to get started.

  1. Once you’ve chosen your courses, click the Enroll button below to begin the registration process. Please indicate on the form that you’d like to register for courses.

  2. Once you’ve filled out the Enrollment form, you’ll receive a confirmation email from SDSU Global Campus within 2-3 business days with the next steps to complete your enrollment.

  3. Once registration opens for your courses, you can register in the my.SDSU portal.

  4. Complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted. Click here for more information on our payment and drop policy.

Please note that BA 0028 Capstone: Applying Human Resource Management is only open to those who have completed all other required courses. Registration instructions for that course will be provided separately.

Click here for more details on registration

Finished all the required courses?

Click the button below to receive your certificate.

REQUEST YOUR CERTIFICATE

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my courses once I’ve registered?

You can access your courses through Canvas, SDSU’s online learning management system. You’ll access Canvas using your SDSUid. Visit its.sdsu.edu/software/canvas to learn more about using Canvas.

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How can I check my progress in the program?

Students in our human resources program can check their progress by logging into my.SDSU. If you need assistance with your account, contact our Registration staff at 619-594-5152 or enrollment.global@sdsu.edu.

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Do I receive a letter grade at the completion of the course?

The Professional Certificate in Human Resources receives professional development credits which are reflected on an SDSU transcript. These courses will receive letter grades. 

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How is the program structured?

Our human resources certificate program is 100% online. The program consists of four required courses and 4-5 electives that you choose. You can complete the program and earn your Human Resources certificate in just one year.

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What is the program format?

Courses in our human resources certificate program feature a mostly synchronous virtual instruction learning modality. This means:

  • Courses with this modality feature more than 50% of the online coursework provided through direct faculty instruction and academic activities at the times and days listed in the Class Schedule, with additional time slots for office hours.
  • Live/synchronous instruction times and days will be posted to allow students to plan their work schedule, avoid class time conflicts, and allow instructors to schedule time slots for exams and quizzes in advance.
  • Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.
  • Students are expected to attend all live sessions.

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Is there financial support available for this program?

Not at this time.

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How do I receive my Professional Certificate once I’ve finished the program?

Once you’ve completed all the program requirements, fill out a certificate request form. SDSU Global Campus will verify that you’ve completed all the required courses and assignments. Once you’ve been verified, you’ll receive a digital copy of your certificate.

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I’m interested. How do I get started?

Ready to take the next step? Click on the Courses tab to browse our courses and register. If you have any questions about the program, our Welcome Center can help! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.

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Related Links

Request Your Certificate
Certificate Programs
Program Flyer
HRM Program Advisor
HRM Blog Stories

Request Your HRM Certificate

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Want to Learn More?

Submit this web form and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process. Or, you can reach a program recruiter by emailing outreach.global@sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-7700.

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Core Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
B A 0020 Introduction to Human Resources

HR professionals play a key role in making sure employees are individually and collectively able to achieve the goals and mission that define an organization – a broad mandate which covers a wide range of functions. This course will provide you a comprehensive view of HR responsibilities, including strategic and HR planning and international HR management. You’ll explore the connection between HR and organizational improvement, and learn foundational skills in policy formulation and handbook design and preparation.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
Dawn Myers
B A 0021 Human Resource Management and the Law I
This course will outline the legal environment affecting HR management. Students will learn from practical examples about the federal, state, and local laws which regulate and define the employment relationship. Areas covered include: laws governing union organizing; EEO and affirmative action law; health, safety and workers compensation regulations; leaves of absence and the ADA; and compliance with employee pay and benefit rules.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0029 Human Resource Management and the Law II
This introduction to California labor and employment law will cover a wide variety of workplace topics including wage and hour law, employee classification, minimum wage and overtime laws, meal and rest period requirements, and other Labor Code requirements. Additional topics include vacation, PTO and sick leave; personnel records and privacy; drug testing and background checks; and confidentiality and company trade secret protection.

In addition to understanding how California employment law interacts with the work environment, you'll learn how reduce the risk of employment-related claims and lawsuits. Guest speakers – specialists in California labor and employment law – will provide a broad perspective on how specific legal topics affect HR professionals, managers, and employees.

This course may be taken prior to HR Management and the Law I.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0028 Capstone: Applying Human Resource Management

Propose and carry out a guided project that will allow you to demonstrate the HR skills learned and create a tangible product that will be useful on the job. For example, students completing this course have drafted new policies and compliance plans for their companies, developed compensation programs to motivate sales people in their organization, planned new employee orientation programs, and created green plans to promote sustainability throughout their companies.



Approval is needed to enroll in capstone. Please contact hr.ces@sdsu.edu for more information.

Prerequisites:Must successfully complete all 7 of the Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management courses to enroll in this course.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
Dawn Myers

Elective Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
B A 0022 Talent Acquisition
The ability to recruit and retain talent is a key success factor in business today. This course will lead you through the three stages of strategic staffing, teaching you the practical, work-ready skills you need to accurately assess the needs of your organization, navigate the selection process, and lead interviews that allow you to identify and recruit the best candidate.

Prerequisites:B A 0020, Introduction to Human Resources is required prior to taking this course.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0023 Human Resources Training and Development
Maintaining a highly productive workforce through the use of training will be covered in this course. Students will learn about the training function and its relationship to a high performing organization. Also included will be an examination of teambuilding techniques as part of the human resource function.

Prerequisites:B A 0020, Introduction to Human Resources is required prior to taking this course.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0027 Performance Management
This course explores HR's role in establishing a credible performance management system to help an organization maximize productivity. Students will learn strategies and methods for developing assessment tools, evaluating performance, diagnosing performance problems, coaching and counseling, improving employee communication, and offering career guidance.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

B A 0033 Compensation
Each major foundational aspect of employee compensation will be reviewed in this class. Students will learn a practical approach to building a sound compensation program through lectures, case studies, and team projects. Topics will include job analysis, job descriptions, job evaluation, salary surveys, salary structures, pay for performance, benefits administration, and incentives.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0035 Health and Safety Management

Learn the fundamental components of a comprehensive health and safety program to protect the employees in your organization and avoid costly liability. You’ll learn about Cal-OSHA requirements, risk management and loss prevention, workers’ compensation claims, employee assistance plans, preventative health issues, ADA compliance, and more.

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
Lawrence Willis
B A 0058 Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence for Advanced-Problem Solving in the Workplace. In this interactive online course, learn the meaning and purpose of emotional intelligence (E.I.) with regard to personal and social competence. Through instructor mentoring, group discussions, in-class and out-of-class assignments, and personal journaling, you will learn:

  • The four critical skills of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.
  • How to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions; take an emotional intelligence test for a comprehensive view of your E.I.
  • How to identify behaviors that are hallmarks of high emotional intelligence, and explore its connection to advanced workplace performance.
  • How to increase your E.I. skills and your ability to influence others.
  • A variety of skills to address workplace conflict, and improve communication and interpersonal relationships.
  • How to be strengths-focused, and how character and competence build credibility and trust in the workplace.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0059 Ethics in the Workplace

HR professionals today are responsible for adding value to the organizations they serve and contributing to the ethical success of those organizations; HR professionals function as a key source of ethical awareness for managers and employees. This course heightens awareness of when integrity and an understanding of ethical issues are required, not only when advising others, but also when addressing the issues HR professionals face. Students learn to recognize the parts of their jobs in which ethical issues are most likely to be experienced, to develop solutions, evaluate their impacts, and decide on a course of action. Additionally, students understand the impact of cultural and organizational pressures to conform; identify when to escalate issues and to whom; know the early warning signals of conflict between personal and work values; and assess how to maintain personal integrity.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0060 Business Writing for the Workplace
The digital workplace is a writing intensive environment. From internal office email to building a social media brand, writing has become a leading form of communication across industries. Professional reputations are built on how effectively a staff member conveys ideas in writing. Learn the essentials of style, grammar, and diction; and how to craft clear and concise written communications for workplace success: emails, memos, reports, and presentations.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
B A 0061 Diversity and Inclusion
In today’s workplace Diversity and Inclusion is vital. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates means a more qualified workforce. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps businesses avoid employee turnover costs. Diversity fosters a more creative and innovative workplace. Businesses need to adapt to our changing nation to be competitive in the economic market. Studies show that teams or organizations made up of individuals with a more diverse mix of qualities, experiences and work styles tend to have available a richer set of ideas, perspectives and approaches to a business issue.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
Sharonda Bishop

Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
B A 0062 Organizational Behavior
This course introduces you to the study of human behavior (both as individuals and in groups) within the context of an organization. The primary goal of this course is to help you develop your potential to be an effective team member and manager of people. A combination of lecture zoom class discussion, and independent self-study will be utilized to facilitate learning and to encourage you to analyze, evaluate, and apply the course-related content. Course topics include:
  • Leadership & decision-making
  • Facilitating and maintaining work motivation
  • Developing and refining team processes
  • Managing individual differences
  • Understanding work attitudes and values
  • Understanding and creating organizational culture.
Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
Sharonda Bishop