Program Overview

Review details of our Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate online

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is a five-course (15 credit hours) curriculum designed to prepare professionals who understand and apply human resource practices and strategies in ways that lead to greater organizational effectiveness. Individuals entering the HR field or HR professionals changing from entry-level, professional, or technical roles to managerial roles will find this certificate program beneficial.

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Identify, plan, implement, and manage change as staff professionals or managers or external consultants
  • Match organizational and human resource needs and implement systems related to structure, process, and most important, the people in organizations
  • Implement processes to improve organizational effectiveness

Career Opportunities/Career Paths:

  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist/Recruiter
  • Compensation and Benefits Manager
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Employee Relations Specialist
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Compensation Analyst
  • Benefits Administrator

Also available:

Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of graduate programs and a post-master’s certificate online. Check out our other online programs.

Program Details

As few as 12-24 months 

15 Credit Hours

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Tuition and Fees

Find out how and when to pay for your tuition

At Eastern Michigan University, we believe in making quality education accessible and affordable. That’s why all students enrolled in our fully online programs pay in-state tuition rates—no matter where they reside! Whether you’re across the country or around the world, you can pursue your degree at a competitive cost. To explore financial aid options, visit our Financial Aid Office. For information on tuition payments, billing, and other student account services, check out the Student Business Services page.

Tuition Calculator

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Calendar

View the online dates and deadlines for EMU

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students may start the program in the Summer, Fall, or Winter.

Now Enrolling

May 5 - Start Summer 2025 Classes

August 25 - Start Fall 2025 Classes

Admissions

See the qualifications for our online Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate

The admission process is the first step to earning your Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate program online. Be sure to review all admission requirements, what additional materials you should send and where you need to send them.

Admission Requirements:

  • Earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program.

Conditional admission may be available to applicants not meeting minimum admission requirements.

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Courses

View the degree plan for our online Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate program

  • Core Courses Expand dropdown
    • MGMT 505: Organizational Theory and Behavior Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course provides a survey of relevant social science research and literature to provide the student with basic knowledge of organizational theory and behavior concepts, as well as the application of these. Cases and exercises are used to relate theory to applications, and practice assignments are given.
    • MGMT 509: Strategic Human Resource Management Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Current activities and theory relevant to human resource management function are described, including impact of changes related to government intervention and other environmental impacts.
  • Elective Courses  Expand dropdown

    Choose three courses from the following:

    • LAW 540: Employment Law Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      The course will focus on the law applicable to employment. Subject topics and laws covered will include: employment at-will, wrongful discharge, equal employment opportunity (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S. 1981, ADEA, Equal Pay Act, Elliott-Larsen, Family Medical Leave Act, American Disabilities Act, Michigan Handicapper’s Act, Executive Order 11246) health and safety (OSHA, workers’ compensation), compensation (ERISA, FLSA), unemployment compensation, personnel records, lie-detector tests, whistle-blower’s protection, labor law (National Labor Relations Act, as amended, etc.), the employment litigation process.
    • MGMT 548: International Human Resource Management Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course introduces concepts and trends in international human resource management (IHRM). Current and emerging issues in IHRM will be explored from strategies and tactical IHRM perspectives, including recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation/benefits and labor relations, in light of differing cultural and ethical values.
    • MGMT 600: Leading Innovation and Change Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Students learn about the process of innovation and the use of relevant data. Students will design a project management plan to implement a new product. Critical issues in innovation are discussed and practiced such as leadership, conflict resolution, and change management. Readings, case studies, oral and written presentations and exercises are used.
    • MGMT 611: HR and Technology  Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Focusing on the interface of Human Resource Management functions with technology, this course highlights the latest theories, practices and emerging issues in e-HR. Students apply electronic human resource techniques for using Web-based, online and traditional HR sources.
    • MGMT 618 Staffing Organizations Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course will train students to staff organizations. Students will obtain skills in human resource planning, recruitment, job analysis, selection techniques and evaluation (validation).
    • MGMT 620 Compensation Management Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Study of the concepts and practices of compensation administration with emphasis on current theories of compensation and motivation.
    • MGMT 621 Benefits Administration Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course provides students with an understanding of the concepts and practices of benefits administrations. Comprehensive discussion of all major employer-provided benefits programs including pensions, life insurance, medical insurance, and government mandated benefits are discussed. Emphasis is made on regulatory developments and the strategic role of benefits.
    • MGMT 622 Current Issues in Human Resources Management  Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course develops students’ skills in recognizing key contemporary human resource issues that impact organizational effectiveness and in applying Human Resource Management and Organizational Development skills to effectively deal with the source of these issues.
    • MGMT 625 Management in Unionized Settings Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Presents the background necessary to examine top management strategic decision-making regarding unions as well as day-to-day union worker-management interaction and introduces methods and skills necessary for change in management-union relationships.
    • MGMT 628 Human Resource Development Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      Course is designed to educate students in training-needs analysis and program design, implementation of training programs, training evaluation procedures, human resource cost-effectiveness plans and job design techniques.

Best in the Midwest

Designated a Best Midwestern College among the "2020 Best Colleges: Region by Region" (The Princeton Review web feature)

Careers & Job Market Outlook

Earning a Human Resource Management graduate certificate can lead to exciting careers as a Human Resources Specialist, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Manager, and more! Explore our interactive Career Pathways tool below to discover more opportunities and potential salaries by region.

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Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out to us at 734.487.8892 or email us at [email protected]

Call 734.487.8892

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more? Explore our academic resources for information about programs, calendars, academic support, and so much more. While you're there don't forget to visit our five colleges. Our Graduate School provides a wealth of information to help you navigate your graduate education journey. Ready to get started? Just click Apply Now to begin the application process.