Northwestern University Human Resources Degree Programs

Human Resources Degree Program at Northwestern University

The Human Resources Online Certificate program at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills essential for effective human resources management. The program focuses on balancing organizational interests with employee needs, helping students support strategic goals, enhance business results, and cultivate talented staff.

This certificate is ideal for professionals currently working in human resources or those aspiring to transition into the HR field, offering essential preparation and an opportunity to learn from a faculty of industry leaders.

Program Structure and Format

The certificate is delivered in a fully online, asynchronous format, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students typically complete the program in four quarters (one year), taking one course per quarter. Students may begin the program in any quarter. A total of four courses are required for completion.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of four required courses:

• ORG BEH 309-DL Human Resource Management
• ORG BEH 311-DL Conflict Resolution
• ORG BEH 312-DL Managing Diversity and Inclusion
• ORG BEH 321-DL Employment Law

Program goals include analyzing core competencies, explaining legal and compliance factors, developing DEI strategies, and applying conflict resolution techniques.

Tuition and Admission

Tuition for the certificate program is paid per course. The estimated cost is $2,300 per course. For detailed information on tuition and financial obligations, prospective students are directed to the official Tuition page.

Admission requires completing an online application along with submitting supplemental materials. Requirements, including application deadlines and tips, are available on the Admission page.

Registration and Credit Application

Course registration opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter through CAESAR, Northwestern’s online student records system. Instructions and timelines are provided on the Registration Information page.

A significant benefit of this certificate is the option to apply credit earned towards one of five SPS online bachelor’s degrees at Northwestern. Students interested in this pathway must submit an online application and required materials for the bachelor’s program. Contacting an admission advisor is recommended for details on this option.

Northwestern University Human Resources Degree Program Highlights

• Develop foundational knowledge and skills in human resources.
• Gain capability to support strategic goals, improve business results, and cultivate staff.
• Specifically designed for individuals currently in HR or seeking to transition into the field.
• Learn from a faculty comprised of industry leaders.
• Enhance professional skillset and advance career.
• Fully online, asynchronous format provides flexibility.
• Opportunity to apply credit earned towards one of five SPS online bachelor’s degrees at Northwestern.
• Complete the certificate program typically within four quarters (one year).

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Northwestern University on the NCES website.