7 Courses Required

Additional Details

Target Audience

  • Early-career HR professionals (i.e., fewer than 5 years of experience) looking to build a well-rounded foundation across core HR functions, including performance management, staffing, engagement, and compensation
  • Individuals transitioning into HR from other fields (e.g., management, administration, or operations) who want formal training to establish credibility and competence in the profession
  • Aspiring HR professionals, including recent graduates or career changers, who want a comprehensive introduction to the key pillars of HR practice before entering or advancing in the field

Accreditation

  • Human Resources Management Certificate from Cornell ILR School
  • 80 Professional Development Hours (8.0 CEUs)
  • 80 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification
  • 80 Credit hours towards HRCI recertification

Certificate Description

Organizations today expect HR professionals to drive business results, not just manage processes. As the workplace evolves, the ability to connect every stage of the talent life cycle to organizational strategy has become essential for those stepping into HR roles or expanding their responsibilities. Whether you’re new to the field, making a career change, or aiming to build your HR leadership potential, mastering the foundational pillars of human resources is the key to earning trust and accelerating your impact.

Through this immersive seven-course program, you will develop practical skills in talent management, staffing, and employee development. You’ll learn to design and implement recruitment strategies that directly support business objectives, create systems for high performance, and conduct needs analyses to deliver targeted training. The program also empowers you to cultivate a culture of engagement and coaching, leveraging proven methods to boost retention and continuous growth across your organization.

You will round out your expertise by exploring total rewards compensation strategies and the complexities of workplace relations. By applying evidence-based frameworks, you’ll be equipped to manage risk, resolve conflict, and balance organizational costs with employee motivation. Upon completing this certificate, you’ll be prepared to influence outcomes, foster a high-performing workforce, and contribute directly to organizational success.

This program includes two full years of free access to Symposium!

These highly interactive virtual events span multiple days and explore today’s most pressing topics. Symposium offers exclusive opportunities to engage in real-time discussions with your eCornell community, applying insights from your courses to real-world scenarios. Through reflections and small-group discussions, you’ll deepen your learning, broaden your perspective, and expand your professional network.

Symposium events are held throughout the year, providing ongoing opportunities to stay engaged, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen your skills. Once enrolled, you’ll receive access to the Symposium networking site and details about upcoming sessions. You can participate in as many as you’d like to make the most of your experience, though attendance is not required to complete your program.

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