Office of Continuing Education

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 5% job growth for human resources specialists and a slightly higher rate of growth for those in management roles. This will equal an additional 33,000 job openings over the next 8 years. The median salary for those in a human resources specialist position is nearly $62,000 with top earners making more than $105,000 annually.

DO YOU NEED A CERTIFICATION TO WORK AS A HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST?

While a certification is not required to work as a human resources specialist, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is one of the most widely known and most respected credentials in the field of human resources. It is also a requirement by most employers before you will be considered for higher-level human resources roles.

DOES THIS COURSE PREPARE ME FOR CERTIFICATION?

Yes. This Human Resources Professional training course will prepare you for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). According to Payscale.com, those who have PHR certification get promoted faster and have a median salary that is $20,000 higher than those who do not.

IS HUMAN RESOURCES A GOOD CAREER?

Absolutely. Every organization, large or small, needs someone who can help them with employee relations. A career in Human Resources can be whatever you make it. There are dozens and dozens of specialties and career paths to fit almost anyone interested in helping others while improving relations between employers and employees.

Be fully prepared for the Professional in Human Resources certification from HRCI

Understand human resources practices, valuable skills related to recruitment and training

Gain foundational knowledge of employment laws and regulations

Develop retention initiatives and best practices for strategic decision making

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course. However, HRCI requires that you meet one of the following criteria in order to sit for PHR certification:

• Master’s degree or higher = 1 year of work experience in a professional-level HR role
• Bachelor’s degree = 2 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role
• Anything less than a bachelor’s degree = 4 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RESOURCES

Learn about opportunities in the HR field and the skills you will need for success.

HR’S ROLE IN STRATEGY

Learn how to create compelling vision and mission statements, policies, and metrics grounded in business strategy.

RECRUITING AND HIRING EMPLOYEES

Understand how to write a job ad that will attract candidates, effectively review résumés, properly prepare for an interview, and formally make a job offer.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Learn the basics of training, including the design, development, implementation, analysis, and evaluation of training programs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Understand all the things that must be considered when designing a compensation and benefits package.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Learn the ins and outs of complying with OSHA, protecting against workplace hazards, and investigating, recording, and preventing accidents and employee illnesses.

THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

Gain knowledge of employment law as well as an understanding of equal employment opportunity, avoiding discrimination, and what happens when an employee files an EEOC claim.

MAKING HR DECISIONS

Learn how to make decisions based on various company growth strategies and how to use HRIS Software as well as job analysis as a tool for decision-making.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Learn the full spectrum of affirmative action, how to create an affirmative action plan, and information on the AAP you will need to know.

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND DISCIPLINE

Learn the laws that protect employee rights and privacy and how to properly monitor and document behavior and discipline employees.

TERMINATION

Understand the alternatives to firing as well as how to prepare for termination, including proper separation agreements as well as what to do in the event of wrongful discharge.

INVESTIGATIONS

Learn why it is so important to investigate problems as well as the steps of an effective investigation including preparing, conducting, and wrapping it up.

MANAGING LABOR RELATIONS

Get a quick overview of the history of unions as you learn how they work and why employees join them.

CREATING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE WORKPLACE

Learn how to ask employees for input and act on it, delegate authority, keep communication open, and continuously ask for feedback as you strive to develop a high-performance workplace.

GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES

Understand the basics of staffing strategy, cultural differences, HR in other countries, choosing global employees, and issues faced by expatriates.

RETENTION

Learn the top reasons employees leave a company and how you can encourage them to stay as well as the importance of succession planning.

MOTIVATION, REWARDS, AND RECOGNITION

Find out fun ways to motivate workers and gain nine strategies for creating a great rewards program.

PREPARING FOR THE PHR EXAM

Gain information on externships and internships as you review the basics of the PHR exam and begin to study.

Anna Smith

Anna Smith has worked in the field of human resources for 30 years and has taught at the university level for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Spalding University, a master's degree in management from Webster University, and a Master Online Teaching certificate from the University of Illinois. She is also a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Her experience spans many areas of human resources, including recruitment, labor relations, and affirmative action plans.

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