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Why This Matters

  • FINISH YOUR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN UNDER ONE YEAR

    Certificate programs are narrowly focused and can be done within a shorter time frame than degrees. Most certificates require 12 to 24 credits, which can be completed in a year or less.

  • MORE THAN 12,000 ADDITIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERS ARE NEEDED

    Human resources manager jobs are expected to increase 7% by 2031. This will create another 12,600 jobs for HR managers.

  • EARN $62,000 OR MORE ANNUALLY

    The median annual salary of human resources specialists is $62,290, and managers in the field earn a median salary of $126,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Research

This list features some of the best human resources certification degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), both reputable organizations who assess business programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of  human resources certification degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 45 Human Resources Certification Degree Programs

Best Human Resources Certification Degrees 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Virginia
01
Best in the Northeast
Stony Brook University
01
Best Online Program
Penn State World Campus
01
Best for Networking
West Chester University
01
Best for Entry-level Professionals
OSU Spears School of Business
01
Best for Practical Experience
Central Michigan University
01
Most Customizable
IUPUI School of Engineering and Technology
01
Best in the Midwest
Ferris State University
01
Most Certificate Options
St. Joseph's University New York
01
Most Affordable
Pima Community College
01

Northwest Technical College
01

Saint Paul College
01

Joliet Junior College
01

DeSales University
01

Belhaven University
01

Inver Hills Community College
01

Wake Technical Community College
01

Grand View University
01

Normandale Community College
01

Great Basin College
01

Thomas Edison State University
01

Cedar Crest College

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Certificate programs provide a flexible way to advance human resources skills. Many of these programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, but others don’t require prior knowledge of human resources.

Programs that are for students who already have a degree can be used to develop advanced knowledge in a specific aspect of human resources. These certificates are useful if you’re trying to move up within the field, often to mid- or upper-level positions.

Programs that don’t require a previous degree might help you secure an entry-level job in human resources. If you don’t have a previous degree, however, you might want to consider a Bachelor’s in Human Resources instead. Evaluate your education level and future aspirations as you assess different certificate programs.

There are multiple credentials that human resources professionals can attain. The two main credentialing bodies are the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Certificate programs that comply with one of these organization’s requirements are generally the most respected in the field.

Online programs may have a brief in-person requirement, even though most work can be completed remotely. Make sure your schedule and budget will let you complete any in-person component.

Certificate programs aren’t always eligible for federal financial aid. If you’re planning to pay for a certificate with loans or grants, talk to a financial aid counselor about your available options.

What’s Next?

Here are two questions to help you further evaluate human resources certificates:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Many of these certificates are for degree-holding students, but not all are. Review a program’s eligibility requirements to be sure that you qualify before applying.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? These certificates tend to be between 12 and 24 credits, which normally takes one or two semesters to complete when studying full-time. The vast majority of these programs can be completed in a year or less.

When you find a program that you’d like to apply to, get the application details from the program’s webpage or by contacting the program directly. Find out what materials are needed and the applicable application deadlines.

Also consider the cost of a program. Talk with program staff about tuition assistance options. You may get tuition reimbursement from an employer if you’re currently working.


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