Human Resources Graduate Certificate - Wayne State College Nebraska

Online Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Resources

Human resources professionals play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, building effective teams, and driving organizational success.

Through coursework in human resource development, workforce planning and employment, total compensation, and employment law and labor relations, you’ll gain the expertise needed to manage talent effectively, navigate legal complexities, and create systems that attract, develop, and retain top performers. Whether you’re an aspiring HR leader or a professional looking to expand your influence, this certificate gives you the foundation to drive meaningful change.

Tailored for working professionals and graduate students, this program aligns with national trends and employer expectations by offering specialized, career-focused education. This certificate includes the human resource management courses from Wayne State’s IACBE-accredited online MBA in Human Resource Management. Upon completion, you’ll have the option to seamlessly continue into the full MBA by completing the core business curriculum.

With employment in human resources projected to grow by 6% through 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), now is the time to invest in your future as a strategic partner in organizational success.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Credit hours: 3
Description: This course focuses on developing and implementing programs and processes directed toward organizational performance improvement, learning, and change; employee training and development; and addressing the unique needs of a diverse workforce. Students will utilize tools for assessment, analysis and evaluation for the purpose of identifying and establishing priorities and measuring the results of human resource development activities.
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on the development and implementation of recruitment, selection, onboarding, succession planning, retention, and organizational exit programs necessary to achieve organizational\ objectives. Students will apply techniques such as Markov analysis to assess labor (internal and external) supply and demand; and metrics to evaluate recruitment sources and retention strategies, such as return on investment, cost per hire, and time to fill. Further, students will incorporate technology through the application of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on the design and management of total compensation programs. The course will examine the internal consistency and external competitiveness of wage structures and how organizations assign pay rates to various jobs. Students will apply procedures to conduct job evaluation, and tie pay plans to employee performance and skill development. Further, they will assess and recommend benefits plans, such as healthcare insurance, pensions, and legally-mandated benefits; and other incentives, such as tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules.
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on the workplace relationship between employer and employee. Students will explore activities that maintain relationships and working conditions that balance employer and employee needs and rights. Further, students will identify plans and policies which provide a safe and secure working environment and protect the organization from liability.