Certificates
Graduate Certificate Programs
Pursuing a graduate credit certificate can deepen one’s expertise, expand career opportunities, and enhance professional credentials, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking specialized knowledge and advancement in their field.
Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and a grade-point average of 3.0 to be awarded the certificate.
We offer six graduate credit certificate programs.
Human Resources and Employment Relations Foundations
The HRER Foundations certificate program is designed for professionals who desire further education in the specialized field of Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER). The certificate program provides flexibility for working professionals and advanced knowledge in the rapidly changing field of HRER in many areas, including dispute management and resolution, workplace diversity, work and family, trends in human resources, and technology and the workplace.
Strategic Human Resources and Workplace Ethics
This 9-credit program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in HR leadership roles by focusing on the strategic aspects of HR management and the ethical considerations that underpin this critical function.
Talent Management
The 9-credit graduate certificate in Talent Management is designed to prepare HR professionals, managers, and leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to attract, develop, reward, and retain top talent, thereby driving organizational success.
Labor and Employment Law
This 9-credit program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the workplace. In an era of evolving labor practices and employment regulations, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of labor and employment law.
People Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
In the era of digital transformation and data-driven decision-making, Human Resource professionals play a critical role in shaping organizational success. This 9-credit Graduate Certificate in People Analytics and Artificial Intelligence empowers HR practitioners with cutting-edge skills to harness the power of data and artificial intelligence for more effective talent management and strategic HR decision-making.
International Human Resources and Employment Relations
This 9-credit program is designed to provide HR and ER practitioners and those interested in global business practices with a comprehensive understanding of the law, policy, and best practices necessary to effectively manage global human resources, employment relations, and labor relations responsibilities.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.
Applicants with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) will be considered for admission. Exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made at the discretion of the program for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests;
All applicants submit a Graduate School application (including payment of the nonrefundable application fee), résumé, and personal statement addressing their reasons for pursuing a certificate in diversity, ethics, and leadership.
The résumé and personal statement are waived if a student is currently enrolled in the MHRER or M.S. HRER degree programs.
Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied toward a master’s degree in HRER, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Certificate students who wish to have certificate courses applied towards a graduate degree in HRER must apply and be admitted to that degree program. Admission to the HRER graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed.
Cost
Students pay the regular per credit charge for graduate study at Penn State – see the most current tuition schedule.
Postbaccalaureate Certificate Programs
Pursuing a postbaccalaureate credit certificate provides individuals with an opportunity to acquire specialized skills, pivot careers, or enhance their qualifications, making it an ideal choice for recent graduates, career changers, or professionals seeking to augment their undergraduate education with targeted expertise.
We offer two postbaccalaureate credit certificate programs.
Diversity, Ethics, and Leadership
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, organizations face complex challenges related to leadership in the fields of human resource management and employment relations. The 9-credit Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership in HRER is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges, foster inclusive environments, and lead ethically in diverse settings.
Labor and Collective Bargaining
The field of labor relations is pivotal to maintaining fair and productive workplaces. The 9-credit Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Labor and Collective Bargaining is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex labor relations issues, negotiate effectively, and contribute to positive labor-management relations.
Certificate Requirements
Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.
All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and a grade-point average of 3.0 to be awarded the certificate.
Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied toward a master’s degree in HRER, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Certificate students who wish to have certificate courses applied towards a graduate degree in HRER must apply and be admitted to that degree program. Admission to the HRER graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.
Applicants with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) will be considered for admission. Exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made at the discretion of the program for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests;
All applicants submit a Graduate School application (including payment of the nonrefundable application fee), resume, and personal statement addressing their reasons for pursuing a certificate in diversity, ethics, and leadership.
The resume and personal statement are waived if a student is currently enrolled in the MHRER or MS HRER degree programs.
Cost
Students pay the regular per credit charge for graduate study at Penn State – see the most current tuition schedule.