Harper College
Fast Track Program

Human Resources Management Certificate

Earn your certificate in about one year by taking all courses online

The 21-credit hour Human Resources Management Certificate can increase your success in any industry and positively impact your career goals. This certificate will enhance your ability to manage talent, an organization's greatest asset.

While pursuing the certificate, you will explore all critical human resources functions including HR planning, job analysis, recruitment and selection, employment law, training and development, performance reviews, and compensation and benefits.

This fully online program means you save time by not having to travel for class sessions.

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, see the Business Administration Program page.

Space is limited for the September 2026 program start.

Benefits of this Fast Track certificate

  • Full-time workers will enjoy a fixed schedule of one-at-a-time classes that map your path to a Human Resources Management Certificate.
  • Earn college credit that can be applied toward an accredited associate degree.
  • Get support from academic counselors throughout the program.
  • Apply concepts and ideas to your job instantly with activities and assignments on real-world applications.
  • Bring your current job knowledge to class interactions as you learn and work toward quick completion.
  • Learn from industry professionals with extensive experience in HR.

What you'll learn

  • Gain new knowledge and skill in numerous key areas of Human Resources Management.
  • Understand strategic human resources planning.
  • Review effective employee training and management development programs.
  • Create more effective job descriptions.
  • Identify key employment law issues including diversity and equal employment opportunity.
  • Explore recruitment and selection processes to ensure the hire of the best employees.
  • Understand effective employee termination practices.
  • Explore innovative compensation and benefit programs.
  • Critically analyze business and HR management issues.
  • Write and speak more effectively in business situations.

Sample course schedule - Human Resources Management Certificate

Your actual schedule may be different. Classes are online.

Job outlook and wage information

As a Human Resources Certificate graduate, there are plenty of career directions in the field for you to consider, such as:

  • Human Resources Assistant
  • Recruiter/Staff Trainer
  • Compensation/Benefits Administrator
  • Employment/Pay Equity Consultant
  • Health and Safety Coordinator
  • Labor Relations Coordinator
  • Employee Relations Specialist

You’ll typically begin your career as a human resources assistant, working as a generalist, or in one of the areas of specialization. You could be employed by a wide variety of organizations, ranging from financial services and manufacturing to government and education.

Next steps

For more information about Harper's Fast Track Program, please call us at 847.925.6438 or email us at FTSTUDENT@harpercollege.edu.

Last Updated: 4/16/26