Certificate in Human Resource Management - Graduate Level
Hours: 12 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University is designed for HR professionals seeking to advance their careers as well as individuals transitioning into the HR field. This 12-credit-hour certificate provides focused, in-depth expertise while building practical skills in employment law, employee relations, and performance management.
Available online and on campus, the certificate offers the flexibility required by working professionals. Whether a student aims to enter the HR industry or advance within an existing HR role, the curriculum delivers relevant knowledge and real-world application essential for success in the field.
Why pursue a Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University?
Students pursuing the Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level benefit from a curriculum tailored to the demands of today’s workplace. The certificate emphasizes the practical application of human resource principles, with coursework covering employee engagement strategies, labor relations management, and performance evaluation systems.
A significant advantage of this certificate is its flexible delivery format. Offered online and on campus, it accommodates working professionals and individuals balancing multiple commitments by allowing them to progress through coursework on their own schedule. Whether students aim to build a strong foundation in human resources or prepare for advancement into senior HR roles, this certificate provides the knowledge and skills needed to support their career goals in a dynamic and evolving HR environment.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is intended for professionals entering the human resources field or advancing their careers in HR. It serves individuals from diverse industries seeking practical skills in human resource management, employee relations, and organizational culture. It supports those preparing for a career transition or SHRM-CP/SCP certification.
- HR professionals seeking promotion
- Business owners or team leaders managing employees
- Bachelor's degree holders exploring HR careers
- Professionals preparing for SHRM certification
- Organizational leaders wanting to strengthen HR understanding
- Professionals entering the field of HR from other disciplines
Real-World Applications
Students gain the skills needed to navigate complex challenges in recruitment, training, and employee relations. The curriculum centers on real-world case studies and scenarios that reflect the issues HR professionals encounter in today’s workplace.
With instructors who bring extensive industry experience, learning goes beyond theory. Students become prepared to respond to shifts in human behavior and organizational culture, negotiate collective bargaining agreements with confidence, and analyze workforce data to inform effective HR decision-making.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University ensures that students gain experience aligned with current HR industry standards, including preparation relevant to SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect developments in employment law, total rewards, and HR analytics, helping professionals remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field.
Faculty also revise course content to incorporate technological advancements, labor market insights, and emerging trends in the workforce. Students explore topics such as digital transformation in HR, data-informed performance evaluations, and innovative talent development strategies.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level provides immersive, applied learning experiences. Students engage in practical assignments grounded in real-world HR scenarios, such as job analysis, compensation strategy, and internal policy development. Each course integrates these essential experiential components to deepen students’ understanding of the field.
Assignments may include creating training plans, drafting employee handbooks, or developing risk mitigation strategies for HR challenges. Through these hands-on activities, students gain confidence in applying HR principles and navigating complex employee relations.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand key HR principles
- Analyze job performance & labor statistics
- Design employee engagement strategies
- Navigate organizational behavior & culture
- Apply conflict management & employment law
How You’ll Learn:
- Online or on-campus flexible delivery
- Real-world case studies and simulations
- Instruction aligned with SHRM BASK
- Taught by experienced HR faculty
- Interactive projects in HR management
This certificate comprises four courses, totaling 12 credit hours, designed to deliver in-demand HR skills efficiently. Each course focuses on key HR disciplines, including recruitment and retention, training and development, and total compensation.
Students gain in-depth exposure to organizational development, collective bargaining, labor relations, and conflict resolution. Experienced faculty provide instruction aligned with the SHRM BASK model, making this certificate a strong foundation for HR professionals preparing for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.
MGT 611G: Human Resource Management
This course explores management theory and practice in human resources, covering recruitment, selection, testing, and employee development. It examines current laws, training methods, and organizational and government constraints affecting personnel issues. Graduate students complete all requirements plus additional assignments to deepen their understanding.
MGT 612G: Recruitment, Selection, and Retention
This course covers fundamental human resource management practices in staffing, including labor market dynamics, employment law, job analysis, recruitment, selection, testing, interviewing, and evaluation. Graduate students complete all course requirements plus additional assignments incorporating recent developments in the field.
MGT 613G: Total Compensation
This course examines the design and management of compensation systems designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees. Topics include job analysis, evaluation, wage surveys, merit pay, benefits, and executive compensation. Graduate students complete all requirements plus an argumentative paper on a current total compensation issue.
Discover the full Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
The Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level prepares students for diverse career opportunities in the private and public sectors. It equips them to enter HR roles or advance within their organizations by providing specialized knowledge and practical skills that enable them to contribute effectively to HR departments and support organizational success.
Human Resource Generalist
Human Resource generalists manage a range of responsibilities, including employee onboarding, labor law compliance, benefits coordination, and resolving workplace disputes.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
As organizations compete to attract top talent, talent acquisition specialists play a key role in strategic recruitment. They develop job descriptions, evaluate resumes, conduct interviews, and ensure compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.
Compensation and Benefits Analyst
Compensation and benefits analysts evaluate salary trends, benchmark compensation packages, and develop comprehensive total rewards strategies to attract and retain top talent. They analyze job roles and labor market data to ensure competitive and equitable pay structures that support a strong workforce.
Employee Relations Specialist
Employee relations specialists focus on fostering a positive work environment and addressing employee concerns. They conduct investigations, draft disciplinary actions, and develop policies to reduce workplace conflicts and enhance employee engagement.
Training and Development Coordinator
Training and development coordinators design and implement training programs that support employee growth and development. They develop learning initiatives designed to enhance organizational performance and improve employee satisfaction.
Applicants to the Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution. This foundational education ensures they are prepared for graduate-level study in human resources.
Academic Readiness
Although a specific GPA requirement is not mandated, students should demonstrate the academic ability to succeed in a fast-paced certificate. Previous coursework or work experience in business or management is helpful, though it is not necessary for admission.
Application Process
Prospective students must submit a graduate application and official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. Fort Hays State University reviews applications on a rolling basis, providing flexible enrollment options.
English Proficiency (For International Students)
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, or another recognized language assessment.
No GRE/GMAT Required
Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores for this graduate certificate. Admission focuses on academic and professional readiness, rather than relying solely on standardized test results.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students seeking to expand their HR expertise can explore additional programs offered by Fort Hays State University. These include master’s-level programs and undergraduate pathways that complement the Certificate in Human Resource Management – Graduate Level, supporting ongoing professional development and career advancement in business and human resources.
- Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
- Master of Professional Studies (Human Resource Management)
- Master of Business Administration (Operations Management)
- BBA in Management (Human Resource Management)
- Certificate in Leadership Studies
Students can complete this certificate in two semesters, making it an ideal option for working professionals seeking rapid advancement.
Yes. Courses are available both on campus and online. Many students choose the online option for maximum flexibility.
Students do not require prior business or HR coursework. Students from all backgrounds are welcome, provided they have a completed bachelor's degree.
Yes. The curriculum aligns with SHRM BASK and is helpful for those preparing for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exams.
Students engage in applied assignments, including case studies, policy writing, job analysis, compensation design, and conflict resolution simulations.
Information about the Department of Management
The Department of Management at FHSU offers both on-campus and online programs designed to prepare students to lead teams and manage resources effectively in today’s dynamic business environment. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, the programs equip students with the skills needed to handle daily operational challenges and engage in long-term strategic planning.
The curriculum focuses on critical areas such as decision-making, solution-oriented thinking, and team leadership, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of modern management roles. Each program is tailored to align with students' personal and professional goals, providing the tools necessary to succeed across a wide range of industries.
Through hands-on learning experiences, personalized mentorship, and a comprehensive academic approach, students gain the confidence and capabilities to thrive in competitive business settings. The department’s dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting each student’s journey, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Alpha Kappa Psi: Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional co-ed business fraternity dedicated to developing principled business leaders. Founded in 1904 by four students at New York University, the organization has grown into the oldest and largest co-ed business fraternity in the world, with over 298,000 initiated members across 219 universities in four countries.
With a strong network of alumni, Alpha Kappa Psi provides members with valuable professional connections and access to opportunities at some of the world’s most successful companies. The fraternity emphasizes leadership, professionalism, and career readiness, preparing members for lifelong success in the business world.
The Zeta Pi Chapter at FHSU, chartered in 1965, remains an active and engaged part of the campus community. Students interested in joining are encouraged to connect with the chapter’s leadership for more information. - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The SHRM student chapter at FHSU provides valuable resources, industry best practices, and networking opportunities for students interested in human resource management. The organization serves as an excellent platform for those pursuing careers in HR, leadership, management, training, and organizational development.
Through SHRM, students gain exposure to real-world HR practices, connect with professionals in the field, and enhance their academic and career development. Students interested in joining or seeking more information are encouraged to contact Dr. LeAnn Brown, the chapter’s faculty advisor.
- Certificate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
