Professional in Human Resources (PHR™)

Human Resources (HR) departments are fast-becoming a significant player in organizations across the country. Previously, these divisions handled mainly administrative functions like managing employee benefits, recruiting, interviewing and hiring new staff as directed by management. Today’s HR professionals, on the other hand, are increasingly involved in company initiatives and strategic planning. With this evolving role, HR departments are now able to offers unprecedented opportunities for those entering the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of HR professions in the U.S. will rise faster than the national average over the next 10 years, making this a great focus for students looking to enter the business world.

The Human Resources Professional program introduces human resources (HR) functions and related elements and activities to learners interested in entering a career in this field or anyone who runs or may start a business of their own. This program will outline for participants the roles and responsibilities of members of a typical HR department, educating the staff that make up a particular firm in various corporate policies, rules and/or procedures as well as how their individual role will include HR-related activities, whether officially part of an HR department or not. Learners will move through the evolution of HR management through to the modern functions of most HR divisions from the perspective of both management and subordinate employees. Further, students will explore various compensation structures and gain an understanding of the importance of maintaining fair and equitable compensation and benefit programs.

As part of this program, learners will be exposed to real-world situations and conflicts that may arise ranging from compensation to employee counseling, conflict resolution, discipline and termination alongside the legal and ethical implications of all of these points with respect to Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. Other critical areas such as training and development of staff with regard to many of the above mentioned issues as well as staffing and strategy will also be discussed. This program focuses on human resource management skills used by business managers in day-to-day operations. While focusing on the different aspects of human resource management and practices, problem solving and critical thinking skills are applied.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Analyze the role of the HR manager as a strategic partner in managing organizational human resources.
• Develop strategic HR plans and determine job requirements.
• Establish pay rates and evaluate compensation strategies for managerial and professional roles.
• Identify and address legal, ethical, and workplace safety issues.
• Develop training and career development programs to enhance workforce skills.
• Navigate international HR challenges and inter-country differences in HR management.

This comprehensive program covers:

• Business management and strategy, including HR goals and change management.
• Workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employment laws.
• Compensation, benefits, and employee retention strategies.
• Legal and ethical aspects of employee relations, labor laws, and dismissals.
• Risk management, workplace safety, and employee privacy issues.

Real-World Application

Learners will gain insights into real-world scenarios involving compensation, employee counseling, conflict resolution, and legal/ethical implications. These experiences will prepare them to effectively handle workforce challenges and drive organizational success.

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. To be eligible for the PHR you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience: Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher, Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree, OR Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.

	Human Resources Certification Institution® (HRCI) Professional in Human Resources (PHR™)
	National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Human Resources (B-HR)

Job and Externship Placement Services

Regardless if you elect to pursue national certification or not, if you enroll and successfully complete this program, assuming you pass a background check and drug screen, you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement services. All students who successfully complete this program (and pass a background check and drug screen) will have access to the RTW Externship or Job placement services at no additional cost.