• Total Courses
    9–10
  • CEUs | Contact Hours
    6.0 CEUs | 60 contact hours
  • Cost
    $4,400–$4,580
  • Format
    Primarily online
  • Time to Complete
    As little as 5 months
  • Funding Resources
    Discounts & Scholarships

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest HR practices.

Our comprehensive human resource training program equips you with the essential skills needed to excel in today's dynamic workplace. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to brush up, our expert-led courses will help you master the technical, operational, and strategic aspects of HR management.

Key learning objectives include:

  • Designing effective recruitment, selection, and staffing strategies
  • Understanding current benefit practices and industry trends
  • Applying practical skills to lead organization development initiatives
  • Building positive employee and labor relations

Why choose the University of Minnesota Human Resource Generalist program?

  • Expert-led instruction: Learn from experienced HR professionals with real-world expertise.
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  • SHRM-approved: Our courses qualify for Professional Development Credits (PDCs) towards SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
  • Career-boosting curriculum: Gain the essential skills and knowledge you need to advance your HR career and make a meaningful impact on your organization.

Ready to take your HR career to the next level?

Human Resource Generalist Courses

Choose 9–10 courses to complete 60 required contact hours for the Human Resource Generalist Certificate.

Career Outlook

Funding and Discounts

The University of Minnesota's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.

Funding

  • CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $2,500 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
  • If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
  • Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.

 Discounts

  • When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
  • University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
  • UMN staff get 50% off most professional development programs.

See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.

Enroll

The cost of the Human Resource Generalist Certificate program is $4,400–$4,580, depending on your course choices. If you register and pay for all the courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount! (Discount may vary depending on your course selection.)

If you are registering multiple people from your organization, use this form (See available discounts).

If you have questions about the registration process or payment options, or you need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:

612-625-2900 | [email protected]

Option 1

Enroll and Pay for All Courses Now

  • Earn up to a 10% discount

Register and Pay Now

Option 2

Enroll in Certificate Now
Register and Pay for Courses Later

  • U of M employees: choose this option to receive your discount

Enroll in Certificate Now

Your Enrollment Advisor

Shanta Bhoelai, enrollment advisor

Shanta Bhoelai

I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind. 

Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!

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Stories from the Field

Human Resource Generalist Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Human Resource Generalist?

A human resource (HR) generalist manages daily operations in an organization’s HR office. These responsibilities typically relate to staff training, benefits, recruiting and hiring, and other areas of employee relations. HR generalists are also responsible for carrying out HR policies and procedures and administering HR programs.

HR generalists deal with all aspects of their company’s human resources department. They play an important role in ensuring that a company’s HR department runs as smoothly as possible. HR generalists usually work under the supervision of an HR manager or director.

What Does a Human Resource Generalist Do?

An HR generalist has a wide range of tasks and duties to perform on a day-to-day basis, including:

  • staff orientation and training
  • employee recruitment
  • administration, benefits, and compensation
  • regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels

HR generalists also handle tasks related to ensuring workplace safety, such as posting signs or holding training or information sessions on safety issues. These HR professionals have other responsibilities as well, like developing company policies and handling conflicts or disputes between employees or between employees and employers. In some cases, HR generalists assist with other duties, such as processing payroll, or doing strategic planning for an organization or company’s development.

What Is the Human Resource Generalist’s Career Path?

Many organizations require their HR professionals to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field. However, it's possible to become an HR generalist without an HR or related degree. The U’s Human Resource Generalist Certificate is a path for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field to get foundational education in essential HR topics like on-boarding, compensation, and employee benefits.

How Can I Become a Human Resource Manager or Director?

HR generalists can advance their careers with additional education and training. For example, they may earn an advanced degree or complete certification programs to become HR managers or directors. HR generalists typically do not need certification, although some employers prefer to hire those who have it. Certification for HR generalists is offered through professional organizations, e.g. the Human Resource Certification Institute.

What Is the Difference Between an HR Certificate and HR Certification?

HR certification involves passing an exam and meeting other requirements set by professional organizations. Having certification indicates that HR generalists have successfully met the standards set by these organizations.

Earning an HR certificate involves completing a certificate program that includes courses that cover HR skills and other aspects of this career. The U offers online and in-person human resources training classes as part of the Human Resource Generalist Certificate program. People who are building an HR career or experienced HR professionals who want to brush up on their skills can benefit from this program.

Are classes eligible for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® recertification credit?

The University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. The following courses are eligible in 2025: 

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  • Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace
  • Communicating in the Moment
  • Design On-Boarding Programs
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • Employee Benefits Practices and Trends
  • ExperienceChange™ Simulation
  • Fundamentals of Organization Development
  • Investigations and Documentation
  • Talent Acquisition: Recruiting a Diverse Workforce
  • Writing Policies and Procedures

What Skills Can I Expect to Gain in the U’s Human Resource Generalist Certificate Program?

In the U’s HR Certificate program, you learn to:

  • design recruitment, selection, and staffing strategies.
  • understand benefit practices and trends.
  • use practical skills to lead organization development interventions.
  • build positive employee and labor relations.

Didn't see an answer to your question? Try looking here.

Sources

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