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Total Courses9–10
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CEUs | Contact Hours6.0 CEUs | 60 contact hours
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Cost$4,200–$4,380
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FormatPrimarily online
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Time to CompleteAs little as 5 months
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Funding Resources
Learn up-to-date human resource practices at the technical, operational, and strategic management levels. We offer in-person and online human resources training classes. Whether you have HR experience or you're launching your career, our courses will prepare you for success.
In the Human Resource Generalist Certificate training program you’ll 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.
Attention SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential-holders!
When you recertify, you show your commitment to the profession, your organization, and yourself. You show your dedication to lifelong education and professional development. Each of our courses in this certificate qualifies for PDCs for recertification.
Learn more about recertification.
If you'd like to become human resources certified, check out our HR Certification Test Prep program.
“[The HR program] got me up to speed on the skills I hadn’t used in many years. It provided a base for the HR processes I use now, like understanding health care laws and compensation rules, and crafting better job descriptions.” — Laurie Church, HR Generalist for Life Link III
Career Outlook
Human Resource Generalist Courses
Choose 9–10 courses to complete 60 required contact hours for the Human Resource Generalist Certificate.
Funding and Discounts
The U'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.
- U of M 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 $4,200–$4,380, depending on your course choices. If you register and pay for all the courses in the certificate at once, we'll give you a 10% discount—a savings of up to $438! (Discount may vary depending on your course selection.)
If you have questions about the registration process or payment options, or you need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:
Option 1
Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now
- Earn a 10% discount
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay now, make needed changes later
- Get program updates
Option 2
Enroll in Certificate Now, Register and Pay for Courses Individually
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay for courses at your convenience
- Get program updates
- U of M employees: choose this option to receive your discount
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!
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.
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.
Sources
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