Human Resource Management
Graduate Certificate in Business

The online human resource management graduate certificate from Capella can boost your understanding of the principles and practices of the human resources profession. You’ll develop HR skills and knowledge to meet organizational needs, covering everything from effective onboarding and training practices and employee retention to ethical management and employment law. Your coursework will help you find new ways to meet the challenges and demands you may encounter on the job.

Specialized for HR professionals

Gain comprehensive knowledge of human resources principles and practices that can help you excel in your profession.

Aligned to industry standards

We partner with employers and the Capella School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Advisory Board to design programs that align to industry standards.

Refine your knowledge

Develop a strategic perspective to help guide human resource decisions and grow organizational effectiveness.

Classes start January 8

Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.

At a glance

100% Online
4 Core courses

Apply your credits toward a master’s degree.

By earning your graduate certificate in human resource management from Capella University, you may have already completed more than a third of the work toward earning a master’s in human resource management.

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This certificate requires a total of 16 program credits
You’ll need to complete four courses

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HRM5002	Survey of Human Resource Management in Practice This course is a survey of contemporary perspectives in the field of human resource management. Learners apply competencies developed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in order to support people, the workplace, and an organization. Learners integrate legal and ethical standards into human resource policies and practices. Learners also address the role of the HR practitioner in the alignment of operational and strategic approaches. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Human Resource Management degree program or Human Resource Management graduate certificate program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.	4 quarter credits
HRM5060 *	Sourcing and Managing Talent in the Workplace Learners in this course examine contemporary perspectives in recruiting, talent mobility, workforce planning, and performance management. Learners select and develop approaches which support employee mobility and performance to advance organizational goals. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in HRM5002; or HRM5310.	4 quarter credits
HRM5090 *	Retaining and Engaging Employees for the Modern Workforce In this course, learners apply models of employee motivation, thriving, and engagement in the workplace to create the employee experience. Learners also analyze the ways in which culture, employee and leader behavior impact strategic retention. Finally, learners assess the influence of technology and evidence-based practices on employee lifecycle, engagement, and positive employee and organizational outcomes. *Prerequisite(s): HRM5002 or HRM5310.*	4 quarter credits

In addition, choose one from the following courses:

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HRM5055 *	Comprehensive Reward Systems In this course, learners examine compensation models and their application in organizations, which includes both direct and indirect rewards. Learners also discuss compensation strategies and their link to designing an effective organization. Learners further explore how compensation structures are developed and applied as well as the different strategic roles of rewards in developing an effective workforce. *Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.*	4 quarter credits
HRM5065 *	Employment Law in the Successful Workplace Learners gain an understanding of the application of U.S. law and legislation to human resource management theory and practice in the modern workplace. Learners evaluate historical perspectives on law and labor relations and the impact of context on practice. Learners identify the value of aligning organizational mission, legal compliance, and ethical practices. Learners also assess methods by which the HRM professional can resolve conflict and defuse or mitigate potentially litigious situations while enhancing productivity. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.	4 quarter credits
HRM5070 *	Workplace Learning in the Digital Age Learners in this course gain an understanding of the role of the HR professional in talent development, theories and models of learning, learning styles, and ways to design and manage the learning process. Learners apply a strategic approach to workplace learning to align the organization’s strategy with learning programs and demonstrate learning strategies and practices which meet the needs of employees and the organization. *Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.*	4 quarter credits
HRM5075 *	Leading and Influencing for the Human Resource Practitioner This course helps guide learners through an analysis of their own leadership strengths and capabilities, preparing them to develop skills to become an influential HR practitioner. The course emphasizes understanding the human resource professional choices in leadership theories and models, awareness of the learner's leadership strengths, tools to build trust and relationships, and clarity of the learners continued need to develop as a leader. *Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.*	4 quarter credits
HRM5112	Certification Examination Preparation for the aPHR, PHR and SPHR In this course, learners review the current HRCI® Exam Content Outlines to prepare for the aPHR™, PHR® and SPHR® certification exams. Learners apply their critical thinking skills to scenario-based questions, and develop test-taking strategies for passing these exams. *Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.*	4 quarter credits
HRM5115	Certification Examination Preparation for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP In this course, learners review the current body of competency and knowledge in the HR management field and prepare for the SHRM-CPSM and SHRM-SCPSM certification exams. Learners apply their critical thinking skills to behavioral competencies in leadership and navigation, ethical practice, business acumen, relationship management, consultation, critical evaluation, and global and cultural effectiveness and communication. Learners also develop test-taking strategies to help aid them in taking these exams. Learners are encouraged to contact the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) prior to registration for specific eligibility requirements for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams. *Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.*	4 quarter credits

*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.

How much does a graduate certificate in business cost?

The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

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Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter

$5,960 MAX TRANSFER CREDITS

$11,876 AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS

$745 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 16 total quarter credits, 8 max transfer credits

*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.

Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.

Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.

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Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

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Military discount

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

Employer and association discounts

If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.

Employer reimbursements

Many employers offer affordable tuition and career-building opportunities to employees. Talk to your manager or HR department to find out if you’re eligible.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all our accreditations and recognitions.

What are the undergraduate certificate in business admission requirements?

Admission requirements

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Business, Human Resource Management program must provide the following information for admission:

Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions.

What support does Capella offer online students?

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your certificate with support from faculty, staff and online resources.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have practical expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.