The Catholic University of America

"Professional Programs for Adults"

Certificate in Human Resource Management

Overview
The role of human resource management has expanded dramatically in both the public and private sectors, especially in large organizations. Driving the growing importance afforded the HR function are the increasing complexity of HR laws and employee benefits; the importance of effective employee recruitment, placement, and training to the organization's bottom line; increased use of arbitration and negotiation in labor relations; and the internationalization of the workforce. In addition to their more traditional role, HR managers are becoming much more involved in strategic planning for organizations and their component business units.

Who would most benefit?

This certificate program provides an excellent foundation in human resource management concepts, principles, and practice. Both HR veterans and those wanting to launch a career in human resources will find the program's content particularly helpful. HR professionals seeking to earn a professional certification awarded by the Human Resources Certification Institute -- e.g., the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) - will benefit greatly from the program, as well as from the exam certification preparation workshops that are offered.

 

Requirements

To earn the Certificate, students must complete seven core courses (21 credits) with a "C" or better. Students who have already completed similar courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, but they must complete at least five of the courses at CUA to earn the certificate. Students may take courses on a non-credit or for-credit basis. Free certification exam preparation workshops are offered to those completing at least three courses on a for-credit basis.

Schedule
Courses are scheduled on an accelerated basis, enabling students to complete the entire program in as little as one calendar year. Courses typically meet either:

  • One evening per week, 5:30 - 9:45 pm, for a half-semester, OR
  • One evening per week, e.g., 6:10 to 8:40 pm, for a full semester. Courses involving more complex concepts and quantitative courses tend to meet on this schedule.


To complete the Certificate in a calendar year, students would normally take, for example, one full-semester course (meeting, e.g., every Tuesday evening for the full semester) and two half-semester courses (meeting, e.g., on Thursday evenings - one in the first half of the semester, and another meeting during the second half of the semester). Typically, credits earned toward a certificate program may be applied toward CUA's bachelor's degree programs as well.

 

 

Interested in Learning More About MSPS Programs and Certificates?

 

Required Courses

Course #

Title

Description

MBU 361

Human Resource Management

This course provides an overview of the major topics in the management of human resources in organizations. It examines the major issues facing human resources management in the coming years to create a productive workforce and foster effective employee/management relationships. Specific topics include job design, recruitment and selection, skills training and management development, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits, and employee and labor relations.

MBU 201

Management and Organizational Behavior

Provides an introduction to the principles and practice of management, with an emphasis on individual and group behavior in organizations. Examines how members of organizations behave, behavior of work groups and supervisors, intergroup relations, and employees goals and attitudes. Explores methods for making organizations and individuals more productive.

MBU 465

Human Resources Development and Training

Introduction to the organizational practices related to developing and training employees to meet specific organizational goals and objectives. The course examines methods to determine training needs and to develop internal training and development programs or selecting outside sources for training needs. The course ends with exploring the techniques to evaluate training effectiveness.

MBU 328

Employee Compensation and Benefits

This course will cover the myriad of topics in the compensation and benefits for employees. It covers such topics as: economic factors affecting compensation (such as inflation, interest rates, and economic growth); compensation objectives (such as competition with the external environment and achieving organizational objectives); types of compensation programs; establishing compensation rates based on wage surveys and other factors; and types of benefit programs and how these programs are managed.

MBU 467

Employee and Labor Relations

An in-depth study of the requirements of Equal Opportunity Employment including programs that must be in place, reporting requirements, and independent internal EEO oversight. Also discusses the rights of employees to bring actions for wrongs and requirements to do so in the proper procedure and format.

MBU 365

Key Legal Issues in HRM

Discusses key employment laws affecting current HR practice, major legal issues affecting employees, and how to construct and implement employment policies. Topics include equal employment opportunity /affirmative action, OSHA, discrimination, and harassment.

MBU 324

Strategic Management Practices

A survey course that includes topics such as: the role of HR in organizations, human resources planning, organization design and development, budgeting, motivation and leadership. Course emphasizes strategic planning and policy making, with focus on ability to interpret knowledge of an organization environment and develop internal organizational structures, policies, evaluation techniques to be effective in a changing environment.

 

Admission

Anyone over the age of twenty-one years who graduated from an accredited high school, completed the General Educational Development Test (GED) successfully, or who has successfully completed some work in an accredited institution of higher learning may apply for admission to MSPS. Application to the undergraduate (for-credit) program includes the following:

1. Application with non-refundable fees.

2. Official transcripts from high school or the GED. You may use our Transcript Request Form (Adobe/PDF). Just complete it and send it to the high school you attended.

3. Official transcripts of previous colleges attended. You may use our Transcript Request Form (Adobe/PDF). Just complete it and send it to the college(s) you attended.

4. Current résumé of professional experience.

5. Brief description of educational and career goals. This requirement is addressed in the application that you complete.

6. Letter of recommendation if requested.  (Note: Candidates applying to the HR3 or MSM3 Scholars Programs are required to submit one professional or academic letter of recommendation.

7. A pre-admission interview with a counselor. You may e-mail us for an appointment.


Related Links
Academic Policies
Admissions
Certificate Overview
Financial Aid
MSPS: History, Mission, and Goals
Student Services
Tuition and Fees


Additional Information
Susan Scully * (202) 319-6667 * ScullyS@cua.edu