HR Management & Development Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development, offered by Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business, connects core HR functions such as compensation, training and development, talent management, and labor relations to overall business strategy.

This program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to align human resources with organizational strategies, fostering competitive and global advantages. Designed for working professionals, this flexible, 100% online program focuses on practical applications, helping students develop leadership capabilities and strategic insights critical to success in modern organizations.

Who Should Register

This program is ideal for:

• HR professionals seeking to align HR practices with business strategies.
• Supervisors and managers aiming to refine their leadership and team management skills.
• Career advancers preparing for HR leadership roles.
• Business leaders looking to enhance their understanding of HR’s strategic impact.

About MSU’s Broad College of Business

• Reputation: MSU is an internationally recognized university known for advancing knowledge and transforming lives.
• Flexible Learning: Programs designed for working professionals with video-based e-learning and select face-to-face networking opportunities.
• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Learn practical skills directly applicable to HR leadership roles.
• Expert Faculty: Gain insights from thought leaders in HR management and business strategy.

Transform your career and excel in HR leadership with MSU’s Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Education and Experience:

   • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
   • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
   • At least three years of full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role is strongly preferred.
     
     

2. Application Documents:

   • Completed application and $100 nonrefundable application fee.
   • Official undergraduate transcripts.
   • Current resume detailing professional experience and accomplishments.
   • Three professional letters of recommendation, preferably from supervisors, emphasizing teamwork and leadership abilities.
   • Statement of intention essay (maximum two pages) detailing career goals and relevant experience.
     
     

3. Optional:

   • GMAT scores may be required for applicants with a GPA below 3.0 or from non-regionally accredited institutions.

Transfer Credit Policy:
Up to 9 graduate credit hours may be transferred toward master’s degree programs but not toward this Graduate Certificate.

Required Courses

The program includes 9 credit hours, focusing on:

• Strategic HR alignment with business objectives.
• Talent management and leadership development.
• Legal and regulatory considerations in HR management.
• Compensation, rewards, and performance management systems.

Cost per credit hour: $1,130

Total program cost: $10,170

What You’ll Learn

• How to leverage human resources and align with organizational strategies to create competitive and global advantages
• Ways to develop a learning organization that inspires and nurtures top talent, helping to retain the leaders your organization needs to succeed
• Management of labor, compliance and regulatory issues
• How theory, research and legal foundations impact staffing decisions
• Ways to link rewards and compensation packages with recruiting, employee selection, training and development, and performance reviews
• Methods for motivating, providing meaningful feedback and influencing change
• How to analyze the cost, benefit and ROI of training programs

Graduates of this program will be prepared for roles such as:

• Human Resources Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Employee Relations Manager

Job Outlook

HR management roles are increasingly critical as organizations emphasize strategic HR alignment and employee development.