About this Program
From startups to corporate giants, the challenge of attracting, hiring and retaining great employees remains a constant. Skilled human resources professionals play an important role in tackling this challenge and are in high demand today. Entry-level roles such as HR specialist, recruiting coordinator and payroll analyst have become a pathway to a thriving career in just about any industry.
In this certificate program, you’ll learn the foundational competencies required to succeed as an HR professional. We’ll explore the functional areas connected with this role: operations, recruiting, compensation and benefits, training, employee retention and morale, performance management, payroll, and compliance with all applicable employment policies and regulations. Acquire the range of knowledge and skills needed to break into this dynamic field.
▸ Related Article: Getting Started in HR
Designed For
Those looking to enter the human resources field, including early-career professionals and individuals who want to transition from other job roles into this field.
Experienced HR professionals or those with significant supervisory or managerial experience should consider taking the more advanced Certificate in Human Resources Management .
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have:
A high school diploma or GED
One year of work experience in any field
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 6 to 8 hours each week on coursework.
For the self-paced format, at this weekly rate you can expect to complete each course in about 10 weeks.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Classroom students will need:
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Online students will need:
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
Video Overview
Hear from instructor Ranodda DeChambeau about the Certificate in Human Resources at the University of Washington and how it can prepare you to enter the growing field of human resources.
Duration: 02:12
Play
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The scope of an HR professional’s responsibilities and how to succeed as part of an HR team
Human resources information systems (HRIS) and simple data analysis tools for HR reporting and decision making
How to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulations regarding sensitive issues
Ways to foster workplace ethics and advance diversity and inclusion goals
How HR functional areas work and how to apply your HR skills to common problems in each area
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Practice what you’ve learned in group-based simulations of various HR cases and scenarios
Do data analysis using spreadsheets and practice data-based reporting
Create a project plan that includes communication strategies and measures of success
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
78%
Alumni working in field
Top Employers
Amazon, Adobe, Aegis Living, Boeing, Bright Horizons, Microsoft
18%
Projected job growth for HR specialists in Washington state (2018-2028)
$71,310
Average salary for HR specialists in Washington state