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Human Resource Management
Graduate Certificate in Business
Building a strong HR career starts with the right foundation. Capella’s Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate focuses on the essential building blocks of HR management, from onboarding and training practices to employee retention and ethical management. Invest in yourself and build skills that support the people at the heart of every great organization.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 4 Core courses
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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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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 of 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 Strategies for the HR Professional
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the role of the HR professional in applying theories and models of learning, learning styles, and ways to design and manage the learning process and programs to develop talent. Learners apply a strategic approach to workplace learning to align with an organization¿s strategy that will meet the needs of individual contributors, managers, and senior leaders in the organization. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.
4 quarter credits
HRM5075
Leading and Influencing for the Human Resource Practitioner
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners review the current body of competency and knowledge in the HR management field and prepare for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP 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.
- 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
- $770 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 16 total quarter credits
- 8 max transfer credits
$12,320
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 12 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
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.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
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Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the graduate 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
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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.