Gain practical knowledge in managing people and organizations to help you stand out in a competitive job market by earning a Certificate in Human Resources.
Overview
The Certificate in Human Resources (HR) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to enhance their current major of study and show future employers and potential graduate programs that they have the people management and workplace skills needed to succeed in and out of the classroom. Courses on the approved list for the Certificate include an introduction to human resource management, as well as more specialized courses on HR career planning and management, HR leadership and organizational development, and the role of HR in society. Although the certificate will not appear on a student’s transcript, students completing the certificate should include this credential on a resume or application for advanced study.
Why pursue a Certificate in Human Resources?
Who can earn the certificate?
The certificate is open to undergraduate students from any major and any college, reflecting the belief that people-management skills matter in every field. All undergraduates are eligible to pursue the certificate, with no prerequisites or major restrictions, making it a flexible and accessible option for students who want to strengthen their understanding of organizations, leadership, and workforce dynamics regardless of their academic path.
Certificate requirements
This certificate requires a minimum of 9 and no more than 12 credit hours. To complete the Certificate in Human Resources, students must take the core course, LER 182: Introduction to Human Resources, as well as two of the additional three courses offered within the certificate program.
No course substitutions will be approved.
Core Requirement (3 hours)
LER 182: Introduction to Human Resources
The course familiarizes students with the field of human resources and the trends in human resources management in today’s workforce. Students will learn an overview of key concepts in HR, including employment law; talent recruitment and selection, training and development; employee performance and evaluation; compensation structures and strategies; role and impact of labor relations and collective bargaining.
Additional Requirements (6 hours)
Choose a minimum of 2 of the following:
LER 228: HR Career Planning and Management
No matter what major you choose, understanding how organizations hire, motivate, develop, and retain people is a valuable and in-demand skill set. A certificate in HR helps you build competencies in people management, communication, teamwork, leadership, and ethical decision-making—skills that employers consistently say they want in new graduates.
LER 358: HR Leadership and Organizational Development
This course explores the role Human Resources leadership plays in aiding organizations to develop structures, form effective work groups and teams, and cultivate organizational cultures. The course also examines frameworks for Human Resources to help lead organizational change. Through this course, students will develop knowledge and skills related to organizational leadership development. Students will better understand strategies to organize and foster people-centered workplaces, manage and lead diverse teams, establish positive workplace cultures, and lead strategic change processes.
LER 423: HR, People, and Society
This course explores the evolving role of human resource management (HRM) in shaping and responding to broader societal trends. Students will critically explore and examine the intersection of HR practices with ethics, law, governance, culture, and technological change. Emphasis is placed on preparing emerging HR professionals to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace with integrity, inclusivity, and strategic foresight. The course fosters a deeper understanding of HR’s strategic role in promoting organizational effectiveness in the context of societal trends and challenges. By the end, students will be equipped to design HR practices and strategies that align organizational goals with social issues.
Requesting the Certificate upon completion
Students who have completed all certificate requirements, or are in the final semester of completing the certificate, can request an official certificate of completion from the School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER). While the certificate does not appear on your academic transcript, it can be listed on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or graduate and job applications as evidence of your knowledge, skills, and understanding in Human Resources.
Contact information
This certificate is administered by the School of Labor and Employment Relations. For more information about the HR Certificate, please contact the HR Certificate advisor, Dr. Brian Neighbors, for more information at bneig2@illinois.edu.