COD offers Human Resources Management certificate program

GLEN ELLYN - The new Human Resource Management Certificate program at College of DuPage will provide students with the knowledge and skills for entry-level employment as a human resource generalist or specialist.

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the program is also for current human resource employees who want to advance their careers.

"Students who earn this certificate will be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge in key human resource areas," said Jane Murtaugh, Professor of Business/Management/Marketing at College of DuPage. "The program is ideal for students pursuing a career in HR or current employees who secured HR positions without prior education in this area."

Consisting of four classes, the 9 credit-hour certificate starts with an existing course, Human Resource Management, which is a prerequisite for three new ones: Talent Acquisition and Retention, Workforce Development and Compensation, and Strategic Human Resource Management. During the fall 2017 semester, students will register for and complete the three new classes concurrently on Wednesday evenings as part of an integrated, learning community.

"Students who are looking for this credential can earn the Human Resource Management Certificate in just two semesters," Murtaugh said. "In addition, by offering these courses in the evening, students working full-time during the day can still enroll.

"Upon finishing the certificate, a student will leave with a portfolio consisting of sample documents, such as job descriptions, training/onboarding plans, performance management documents, and compensation pay structures that demonstrate the required competencies to secure an entry-level HR position, whether it's a generalist or a more specific role such as a compensation or recruiting specialist."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of human resource specialists will increase 21 percent by 2020. Murtaugh said students pursuing their Associate in Applied Science in Management degree can select the three new classes as electives, while students earning the certificate first can apply the classes toward an associate degree.

"Through the new certificate, we are giving students a well-rounded look at human resource management careers," she said. "In addition to learning course material, students will leave with dynamic, problem-solving skills."

For more information, visit www.cod.edu/programs/business, email carlsonb@cod.edu or murtaugh@cod.edu, or call (630) 942-2821 or (630) 942-2140.