HR representatives work closely with all employees, ensuring appropriate compensation and support. For example, an HR specialist may hire new employees, train them, and complete regular performance updates to ensure they excel in the position. Human resources specialists continue to grow in popularity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030, adding over 70,000 jobs across the nation. HR professionals enjoy a diverse career that combines law, finances, leadership, accounting, and training. Specific roles include HR assistant, compensation analyst, HR recruiter, HR manager, and VP human resources. Explore the top online human resources certificate degree programs below to jumpstart an HR career.
Top 5 online schools for certificates in human resources
The best online human resources certificates
After analyzing federally-reported datasets using our ranking algorithm, we have compiled a list of top online human resources certificate programs. To learn more about how we rank these programs, see ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Rome, GA Application fee: $25 Vidalia, GA Application fee: $25 Charlottesville, VA Application fee: Free Indianapolis, IN Application fee: $60 LaGrange, GA Application fee: $25 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
What to expect in an online human resources certificate program
Human resources certificate programs generally cover various courses, including labor relations, accounting, compensation strategies, business law, occupational health, and employee training. These programs include practical assignments, often incorporating a capstone project or internship. Students may also choose electives to tailor the program to their specific HR goals.
Acceptance rate: 100% Graduation rate: 34%Net annual price: $2,148SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; hybrid
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 41%Net annual price: $2,556SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 24%Graduation rate: 94%Net annual price: $20,397SAT range: 1340-1520Minimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous or synchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 50%Net annual price: $11,285SAT range: 1000-1200Minimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 27%Net annual price: $1,665SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 87%Graduation rate: 57%Net annual price: $12,889SAT range: 930-1170Minimum GPA: 2.35Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; in-person
Acceptance rate: 100% Graduation rate: 14%Net annual price: $3,583SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 44%Net annual price: $11,783SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; hybrid
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 43%Net annual price: $7,201SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 26%Net annual price: $11,613SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; hybrid; in-person
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 61%Net annual price: $33,561SAT range: 1110-1320Minimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: Three; rolling transfersCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 20%Net annual price: $4,693SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; hybrid
Acceptance rate: 100% Graduation rate: 24%Net annual price: $6,876SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 25%Net annual price: $11,486SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 79%Graduation rate: 61%Net annual price: $28,309SAT range: 1030-1260Minimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous or synchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 35%Net annual price: $10,855SAT range: 990-1150Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; in-person
Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 47%Net annual price: $41,095SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 96%Graduation rate: 57%Net annual price: $19,826SAT range: 920-1120Minimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; in-person
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 12%Net annual price: $7,437SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 25%Net annual price: $7,718SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 40%Net annual price: $8,740SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online or hybrid; asynchronous or synchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 17%Net annual price: $7,117SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous; hybrid
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 46%Net annual price: Not publicly availableSAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 33%Net annual price: $13,844SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not required for non-degree-seekersEnrollment periods per year: Rolling Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 62%Graduation rate: 38%Net annual price: $25,268SAT range: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Students typically take 12-30 credits and graduate in a year or less. Some programs prepare students for human resources certification exams like the PHR, aPHR, SPHR, and SHRM-CP. Some universities also transfer credits earned in the certificate program to an associate or bachelor’s program should students wish to pursue a degree. As online courses, the above programs require significant self-motivation and organizational skills to meet deadlines and comply with distance learning expectations. Most programs incorporate flexible schedules so students can study while working.
Human resources courses
Each human resource certificate program includes unique courses, ranging from business classes to computing skills. Yet, most programs include similar core classes, such as the following courses. Human resources management As a core course in most HR certificate programs, this class covers planning and development processes. Students learn to partner with employees and managers and handle diversity, conflicts, and various workplace dynamics. Compensation and benefits This course prepares students to develop and manage employee financial packages. Most classes cover benefit packages, total employee rewards programs, and compensation strategies. Legal Environment Most HR certificate courses include at least one class about business law or the legal environment, covering topics like bankruptcy, intellectual property, dispute resolution, ethics, and consumer protection. Employee Training and Development This core HR course prepares students to design and implement an employee training plan. Coursework includes creating career plans, training philosophy, and analyzing company needs.
In conclusion
If you’re interested in HR positions like a human resources manager, generalist, or recruiter, you can develop the necessary skills for entry-level roles with an online certificate. Most programs require 12-30 credits, ensuring students can graduate from the program in about a year — much faster than earning a degree. By choosing any of the online human resources certificate programs above, you can prepare for a new management position while continuing at your current job.
