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Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

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Develop your potential with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

At the heart of a company’s culture, you’ll find HR professionals connecting talent to opportunity while creating a workplace that balances the needs of employees with the expectations of the organization.

At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, our Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management helps you gain the knowledge you need to start or elevate your HR career:

  • Learn leadership and management skills: Develop skills to help you become a leader in the HR world, including organization strategy, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision making.

  • Discover modern HR strategies: Explore how to research and recommend payroll systems, design compensation plans, and establish contract negotiation techniques. Plus, get hands-on experience with the AI tools reshaping human resources processes.

  • Build toward a master’s degree: When you earn your graduate certificate, you can apply qualifying credits toward a future Master’s in Human Resource Management or Master’s in Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization.1

Classes start on May 4, 2026

Your new beginning is just around the corner. Take the first step.

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Call 866.338.7934
  • 01 Curriculum
  • 02 Accreditation
  • 03 Careers
  • 04 Ways to save
  • 05 FAQs

Learn key human resources skills in an HR certificate program

If you see yourself as a people-person who can work with and lead others, then you might thrive within the human resources field. Here at Keller, you can fine-tune your skills and develop new ones to help you become the leader you were born to be.

AI’s role in HR

Explore how the latest artificial intelligence technology applies to human resources, recruiting, payroll, and more using real-world tools and scenarios that reflect today’s workplace.

Employment law

Support organizations and staff by developing an understanding of employee rights, employment laws, and other legal concepts.

Human resource leadership

Pave the way for change within an organization by overseeing middle to senior-level HR management functions, including employment regulatory concerns and employee legal matters.

HR information systems

Research and recommend turnkey payroll systems to help drive efficiency and streamline HR processes.

Performance measurement

Create metrics to help employers analyze employee performance while improving the efficiency of company culture, human capital, and workforce planning.

Recruitment and onboarding strategies

Develop best practices for designing compensation plans, crafting training assessments, and conducting contract negotiations.

Strategic HR management

Collaborate with organizational leaders to forge strategic plans and partnerships within the company.

HR certificate courses and credits

Classes

6

Credits

18

Semesters

2-32

Explore HR classes that help transform your skillset and prepare you for your future:
HRM531
Human Resources, AI and Technology
LEAD570
Leadership in the Age of AI
HRM587
Managing Organizational Change
HRM591
Strategic Human Resource Management

Explore all the courses and details of this certificate in our program guide.

 

View program guide
Your program perks
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Learn modern HR practices: We regularly refresh our courses with the help of industry pros to ensure your education is up to date and relevant to today’s HR landscape.
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Earn digital badges to showcase your skills: Complete Leadership in the Age of AI (LEAD570) to earn an AI and Leadership badge for your LinkedIn profile or resume to demonstrate your new skills to employers.
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Explore real-world HR principles: Experience a wide range of HR case studies and projects to develop key skills in attracting and developing talent while using AI-driven tools and technology to support your organization’s goals.
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Develop core tech skills: From learning how to research and use HR and payroll software to gaining familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite, you’ll build practical skills to thrive in the workplace.

Apply today’s skills to tomorrow’s goals

Did you know the skills you earn now are a great way to get a head start on the future? With our stackable education model,1 you can apply qualifying credits you earn in your certificate program toward a Master’s in Human Resource Management or Master’s in Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization when you’re ready to continue your education.

DeVry Stackable Programs
DeVry Stackable Programs

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): Our Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is accredited by the ACBSP, www.acbsp.org, demonstrating it has met standards of business education that promote teaching excellence.³ Learn more about program outcomes and student achievement.

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The Society for Human Resource Management has acknowledged that our Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate, when achieved within the MBA with Human Resources concentration program, aligns with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): DeVry University is accredited by HLC, www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. 

Explore all
accreditations

Human resource management jobs

Once you’ve developed the knowledge needed for the HR field, you’ll be ready to jump into the workforce in roles like:

  • Benefits coordinator

  • Human resources assistant

  • Human resources generalist

  • Workforce services representative

From the moment you enroll and even after graduation, you’ll have access to our Career Services team, who can help guide you through resume writing, networking, interviewing, and beyond.

Ways to save

We’re dedicated to ensuring your HR education is not only high quality, but also more affordable and accessible.

Scholarships and grants

Save money with a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities.4

Browse scholarships

Prior learning credit

Real-world experience counts — see how you can get credit for previous work, volunteer, or training hours.

Get an assessment

Employer reimbursement

Find out if your employer offers tuition savings or reimbursement.

Find your employer

Military and veteran benefits

Learn about savings for veterans, active-duty U.S. military members, and their spouses.

View benefits

Turn your passion into potential

Your future in HR begins here. Let’s get started.

Frequently asked questions

Which certificate is best for HR?

The best certificate for HR is one that can help you learn the specific skills you need to thrive throughout your career journey. Whether you’re looking to transition into HR or expand your skillset and opportunities within the field, an online human resources certificate can help you develop core HR competencies, including how to use AI tools to optimize HR processes.

How much does an HR certificate cost?

The cost5 of a human resources certificate depends on multiple factors, such as the length of your program, any qualifying transfer credits you may have, and any scholarships or grants you apply and qualify for.4 To learn more about our tuition cost per credit hour here at Keller, visit our tuition page. 

What HR roles can you qualify for with a graduate certificate in human resources?

When you earn your HR certificate online, you’ll open the door to pursue job titles like HR generalist, HR assistant, benefits coordinator, and workforce services representative. Earning your certificate can also make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and can help you prepare to move up in the world of HR.

Is an HR graduate certificate enough for HR management positions?

Yes, earning an HR graduate certificate is sometimes enough for HR management positions. Typically, human resource managers need a bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, our Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management can help you develop strategic planning and performance measurement expertise, along with skills in emerging AI technologies that support today’s HR practices.

How do I advance my HR career?

You can advance your HR career options by developing new skills, building your experience, and pursuing education. Earning a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management here at Keller can be a great first step, and you can apply qualifying credits from your certificate to a master’s degree when you’re ready to continue your education.1

You can also advance your career opportunities by expanding your professional network. Talk with our Career Services team to learn about networking opportunities, job fairs, and more.

How does an HR certificate enhance career opportunities?

Earning an HR certificate can enhance career opportunities by increasing your human resources knowledge, strengthening professional credibility, expanding networking opportunities, and opening doors to roles where certain levels of education are required — helping you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Here at DeVry, you’ll also build your AI fluency for the HR field to help you prepare for changing HR career needs.

What HR certifications can you pursue after a graduate HR certificate?

An HR certification is a professional credential verifying your skills in the HR field, typically offered by third-party organizations, such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). HR certifications you can pursue after earning a graduate HR certificate include:

  • HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®): For experienced HR managers with operational responsibilities
  • SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP): Designed for senior-level HR professionals in strategic and policy roles.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP): PayrollOrg’s senior-level credential for experienced payroll employees.
  • Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD): Offered by the Association for Talent Development and intended for talent development professionals with at least 5 years of experience.
  • ASA Certified Search Consultant® Certification: Designed for search and placement professionals with a focus on federal employment law.

What is the difference between an HR generalist and HR specialist?

HR generalists often work in small to mid-sized companies and take on a variety of responsibilities including:

• Benefits administration
• Compliance and policy enforcement
• Employee relations
• Onboarding
• Recruiting
• Training coordination

HR specialists are typically found in larger companies and focus on one major HR function. Some HR specializations include:

• Compensation and benefits
• Labor relations
• Learning and development
• People analytics
• Recruitment

How do I apply to Keller?

Applying is quick and easy:

  1. Talk to an admissions representative: Fill out a brief form, and we’ll reach out to walk you through the process.
  2. Submit your application: We’ll take you through the application over the phone. If you prefer, you can apply online. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
  3. Enroll in your first courses: Once you have applied and are accepted, we’ll help you build your schedule.

Learn more about admissions.

1At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program at Keller. Refer to the academic catalog for details.

2Normal time to complete: 12 months (3 semesters), assuming an average of 6 credit hours per semester and continuous, year-round enrollment. Accelerated time to complete: 8 months (2 semesters), assuming an average of 9 credit hours per semester and continuous, year-round enrollment. Program completion time assumes continuous, year-round enrollment and is expressed in calendar time.

3Conferral and assessment data is available for all DeVry and Keller ACBSP-accredited programs. For a full list of our ACBSP-accredited programs, visit our Accreditation page.

4Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Click here for more information, including any requirements or restrictions. Students may participate in only one DeVry University-based scholarship, grant or group tuition benefit program at a time. Those who qualify for more than one program will be presumed to accept the program with the highest reduction per session cost, unless the student confirms their desire to participate in a different program in writing prior to starting classes at DeVry. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility conditions are subject to change.

5The total cost to earn your Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management here at DeVry depends on several factors, including any qualifying transfer credits you may have as well as scholarships or grants you may qualify for. To learn more about our cost per credit hour, visit our tuition page. Our Admissions Team can help you develop a customized financial plan based on your individual circumstances and needs.