Human resources (HR) is a dynamic, fast-growing field that attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds like business, psychology, and communications. To succeed in this field, individuals must have strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of various HR areas like recruitment and hiring, training, conflict mediation, and more.
Whether you’re entering the HR field or looking to advance to higher-level positions, an online certificate in HR can be an efficient, affordable way to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Programs range from 9-33 credits; most are designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The average per-credit tuition for the online HR certificate programs on this list is $437.
HR certificate programs prepare students for jobs including human resources specialist, training and development specialist, and compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist — all of these occupations are expected to experience faster-than-average job growth in the next decade.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Human Resources Certificate degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 18 Accredited Online Human Resources Certificate Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Intelligent Score: 99.05In-state: $15,543
Out-of-state: $17,943
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $100
Out-of-State: $200
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
18
University of Virginia
Intelligent Score: 98.66In-state: $15,772
Out-of-state: $49,819
In-state: $17,076
Out-of-state: $17,076
SAT: 1320-1510
ACT: 30-34
Approved by the Society for Human Resource Management for over 45 recertification Professional Development Credits, the University of Virginia's virtual Leadership in Human Resources Management Certificate provides students with the needed skills for top leadership and management positions. This leadership certification consists of four required credits and one elective in Human Resource Management courses. To complete the Human Resources Management Certificate within a year, students take an average of two courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Both in- and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate, so this top online program is an excellent choice for students nationwide.
$611
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
15
Southeastern Technical College
Intelligent Score: 97.88In-state: $4,052
Out-of-state: $7,262
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$119
Online
Higher Learning Commission
18
Dickinson State University
Intelligent Score: 97.65In-state: $6,474
Out-of-state: $8,294
In-state: $6,060
Out-of-state: $6,060
SAT: 920-1082
ACT: 17-22
Resident: $249
Non-Resident: $319
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
16
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 96.55In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers both undergraduate and graduate human resource management certificates online. While enrolled in the certification program, students may enroll concurrently in another certification offered by SNHU's partner program, HR Certification Institute (HRCI). These certifications are designed to supplement students' portfolios upon completion of the program. Alumni of the human resource management certificate stand apart from their peers and have been hired in competitive roles. SNHU's human resource certification program is ideal for students who are not interested in enrolling in a four-year degree but still want education and training in human resource management.
$330 - $637
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
12
Pima Community College
Intelligent Score: 92.37In-state: $19,424
Out-of-state: $25,978
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $100
Out-of-State: $232
Online
Higher Learning Commission
19
Northwest Technical College
Intelligent Score: 92.12In-state: $28,490
Out-of-state: $28,490
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$211
Online
Council on Occupational Education
18
Champlain College
Intelligent Score: 92.09In-state: $64,010
Out-of-state: $68,575
In-state: $19,635
Out-of-state: $19,635
SAT: 1224
ACT: 28
$335
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
16
Joliet Junior College
Intelligent Score: 91.94In-state: $21,460
Out-of-state: $22,300
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 22 or higher
In-District: $116Out-of-District: $390
Out-of-State: $425
Online
Higher Learning Commission
18-30
DeSales University
Intelligent Score: 90.91In-state: $38,500
Out-of-state: $38,500
In-state: $20,520
Out-of-state: $20,520
SAT: 1010-1240
ACT: 22-28
$560
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
15
Inver Hills Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.68In-state: $20,523
Out-of-state: $20,523
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$180
Online
Higher Learning Commission
13
Wake Tech
Intelligent Score: 88.28In-state: $22,360
Out-of-state: $28,504
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 18 or higher
In-State: $76
Out-of-State: $268
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
15
Grand View University
Intelligent Score: 87.94In-state: $29,076
Out-of-state: $29,076
In-state: $9,000
Out-of-state: $9,000
SAT: 910-1120
ACT: 18-23
$491
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
18
Holyoke Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.7In-state: $20,870
Out-of-state: $25,814
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $24
Out-of-State: $230
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
24
Normandale Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.08In-state: $23,603
Out-of-state: $23,603
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18 or higher
$193
Online
Higher Learning Commission
18
Great Basin College
Intelligent Score: 84In-state: $15,343
Out-of-state: $24,607
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $131
Out-of-State: $193
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
31
Edison State Community College
Intelligent Score: 82.79In-state: $19,381
Out-of-state: $22,981
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $155
Non-Resident: $310
Online
Higher Learning Commission
32
Thomas Edison State University
Intelligent Score: 82.65In-state: $14,742
Out-of-state: $16,926
In-state: $22,623
Out-of-state: $22,623
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $419
Out-of-State: $545
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
18
How to Choose an Online Human Resources Certificate Program
Choose your area of study
The first step is to determine what type of skills you want to develop in your HR certificate program. Most programs focus on general HR concepts and knowledge, including performance management, employee training and development, labor relations and regulations, and organizational behavior. However, some may have a specific area of focus, such as leadership, international human resources, or training and development. Understanding your career goals will help you find the program that will give you the skills and expertise you need to achieve them.
Your current level of education and experience will also determine which type of HR certificate program you should seek. This list includes both undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Students who don’t have any post-secondary educational experience are eligible for undergraduate certificates. In order to be considered for a graduate certificate program, students must have a bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, professional experience.
You may also want to consider other educational options, including bachelor’s or master’s degrees in human resources. Some certificate programs may allow students to apply coursework completed through a certificate program to a full degree program.
Lastly, think about logistical needs. Do you plan to enroll in a full-time or part-time program? Are you interested in asynchronous programs, which have no pre-scheduled class meetings and allow you to complete your lessons and assignments at any time, or do you want a synchronous program with scheduled virtual class meetings?
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve established parameters for what type of certificate program you’re seeking, you can begin exploring your options. Asking the following questions during your research can help you find the program that works best for you:
- What does the curriculum cover? Are there options for electives or specializations?
- Can credits earned in this program be applied to an undergraduate or graduate degree?
- Can students receive credit for professional experience or credentials?
- How do online students interact with classmates and faculty?
- Is coursework delivered synchronously or asynchronously?
- What support services are available for online students, such as tech support, tutoring, academic and career advising, and counseling?
- Are there networking opportunities for online students?
- Is the program eligible for federal financial aid?
You can find a lot of this information by visiting the school’s website. You may also want to contact program representatives or admissions counselors for more information. Attending virtual open houses or information sessions and following schools and programs on social media are also great ways to learn more about whether a program is right for you.
During the research process, remember to verify the school’s accreditation status, as this affects the quality of its programs, financial aid eligibility, and your future employment and education opportunities. In addition to institutional accreditation, programs may have programmatic accreditation through organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Prepare for applications
The admissions process will vary depending on the school. Some programs require an application, while others allow students to enroll directly without applying first. Check with the admissions office at individual schools to confirm their admissions procedures and eligibility requirements.
For graduate certificate programs, students must have a bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, professional HR experience. Undergraduate certificate programs don’t require students to have previous post-secondary education experience.
Standard application requirements for HR certificate programs include:
- Completed application and fee
- Official high school or undergraduate transcript
- Resume or CV
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GRE or GMAT scores (graduate certificates only)
Select your program
Compare the information you’ve gathered about online HR certificate programs and determine which one best meets your educational and practical needs. If multiple programs appeal to you, submit applications to them and make your decision based on which schools accept you. Some things to consider when selecting a program include cost and available financial aid, curriculum, faculty areas of expertise, and completion time.
Determine how you’ll pay for your certificate
If you haven’t already, confirm the program’s cost and available financial aid resources. You can do this by speaking to a financial aid counselor in the school’s financial aid office.
It’s essential to determine if the program is eligible for federal financial aid, as not all certificate programs are. If the program isn’t financial aid-eligible, students won’t be able to use federal financial aid resources like student loans, grants, or work-study. However, students can use other sources of financial assistance, such as private education loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance benefits. If your program is eligible for federal student aid, the next step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this information to determine your eligibility for need-based aid like federal student loans, grants, scholarships, and more.
What Can You Expect From an Online Human Resources Certificate Program
The curriculums for online HR certificate programs cover essential skills for all HR professionals, including employee/employer relations, compensation and benefits, workforce planning, ethics, leadership, and more. They typically include a combination of required core courses and electives, allowing students to tailor the program to their own interests.
Some programs may include an experiential learning component, such as an internship. Students enrolling in a program with an internship should confirm whether they can fulfill this requirement online or if it requires in-person participation. If a student is currently working in an HR-related position, they may be able to use that experience to fulfill their internship requirement.
Courses in online programs are delivered either synchronously or asynchronously. In synchronous programs, students have regularly scheduled virtual classes, allowing for interaction with instructors and classmates. In asynchronous programs, there are no classes. Instead, students can access lessons and assignments online 24/7, giving them more flexibility.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online human resources certificate program
- Human Resource Management: Provides an overview of human resource management (HRM), with a focus on topics including contemporary issues in HRM; ethics, diversity, and globalization; job description analysis, development, and design; recruiting, interviewing, and selecting employees; performance management and appraisal systems; employee training and development; disciplinary action and employee rights; employee compensation and benefits, and more.
- Organizational Training and Development: Introduces students to the training and change management process associated with organizational development and planning and explores training needs and objectives, delivery approaches, levels of training evaluation, adult learning techniques, and coaching strategies.
- Workplace Laws and Regulations: Studies the legal issues surrounding the workplace, employment relationships, human resources, and federal and state regulation of employment, including topics like employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, health and retirement benefits, occupational health and safety, sexual harassment, and privacy rights.
- Compensation and Benefits: Provides students with a detailed understanding of the implementation of compensation strategies, benefits packages, work-life balance programs, performance and service recognition strategies, and career development strategies.
- Organizational Behavior: Covers the human relations aspects of the senior-subordinate workplace environment, including employee relations principles, problem-solving and decision-making, leadership techniques, and organizational and interpersonal communications.
What Can I Do With an Online Human Resources Certification Degree?
Human resources professionals play a vital role in nearly every organization across all industries, especially as increasingly complex employment laws and compensation options drive the need for skilled representatives and managers.
Graduates from human resources certification degree programs can leverage their skills for entry-level positions such as human resources specialists, assistants, and generalists. As they gain experience or pursue further education, such as undergraduate or graduate human resource or business programs, they may also qualify for roles as human resource or recruitment managers.
Career outlook
- Human resources specialist — Work in all aspects of the human resources department, such as recruiting, administering compensation and benefits, and training and development. May focus on specific areas, such as talent acquisition or employee relations.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 78,700
- Human resources manager — Lead human resources departments and serve as the link between executive management and employees. Coordinate and supervise specialists and other staff, oversee hiring and training, provide consulting for executives and department managers, and perform other duties to align employee and organizational goals.
- Median annual salary: $136,350
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 15,500
- Training and development manager — Oversee training and development of employees by assessing knowledge and skills gaps and implementing training programs in line with an organization’s goals. Often work with specialists to deliver training courses, content, equipment, and other details.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 3,500
Online Human Resources Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online human resources certificate program?
The application process for an online HR certificate program will vary depending on the school. For the most accurate information, contact the school’s admissions office to speak to an admissions counselor. Some programs require an application, while others allow students to directly enroll as long as they meet all eligibility criteria.
A standard application typically requires official transcripts from previously attended schools, a resume or CV, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
Be mindful of application and enrollment deadlines. Some certificate programs admit students multiple times throughout the academic year; others only enroll new students once or twice yearly. Missing application deadlines can delay the start of your program.
How much does an online human resources certificate cost?
The cost of an online HR certificate will vary depending on the type of institution you’re attending (private or public) and whether you’re considered an in-state or out-of-state student at a public university.
The average per-credit tuition for the programs on this list is $437. Students should contact their school’s financial aid office for specific information about tuition costs, additional fees, and financial aid options.
How long does it take to earn an online human resources certificate?
Most online HR certificate programs are designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study. However, the length of an HR certificate program is ultimately determined by the total number of credits required and the pace at which a student completes their coursework. Attending a program part-time will likely increase the program’s duration. Meanwhile, some schools offer accelerated programs that condense coursework into a short time frame.
Is a human resources certification worth it?
Education often correlates with increased earning potential. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree have a median weekly earning of $1,493, compared to $899 for those with a high school diploma.
Human resources is a rewarding field with consistent project job growth. A human resources certification can lead to advancement within the field, especially since large organizations often require at least a bachelor’s degree or certification for specific human resources roles. Certification programs frequently offer networking and internship opportunities that may provide helpful connections with potential post-graduation employers.
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