Human Resources Management Graduate Certificate

The Program

NOTE: Program Name is currently under review.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate program, offered over 2 years, graduates will have the knowledge and practical skills to work as Human Resources professionals in a variety of Human Resource settings. 

This program will also prepare graduates for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.* The program has been specifically developed to align with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta accreditation framework. Graduates of an accredited program who achieve a minimum overall average of 70% (2.7 GPA) in the program may apply to the CPHR to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) requirements towards the CPHR designation with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada (CPHR) member associations**. Graduates who do not achieve a minimum overall average of 70% in the program will be better equipped to write the National Knowledge Exam in preparation to obtain the CPHR designation. The entrance requirement of an undergraduate degree in any field ensures that students in the program will receive instruction commensurate with their background.

*Note: For complete information on eligibility for the CPHR designation, please contact the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta.

**Note: CPHR Alberta will verify that you meet the requirements to waive the NKE by reviewing the transcripts you arrange to have sent from post-secondary institutions directly to CPHR Alberta.

Program Outcomes:

• Explain and demonstrate the strategic importance of human resources practices as they relate to the organizational strategy, best practices and trends in human resources including equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Identify key elements of ethical behaviour and professional code of conduct for HR professionals; provide examples to illustrate ability to balance interests, promote organizational values, and manage risk.

• Demonstrate the value of human resources initiatives and their impact on employee engagement and organizational results; explain the importance of involving key stakeholders.

• Identify and explain the components of creating and executing an effective workforce plan and employee value proposition.
• Outline the steps to implement an effective performance management system.

• Identify and explain employment legislation and labour and employee relations strategies used to manage risks and create a respectful, productive and engaging work environment.

• Describe the components of a total rewards structure and outline methods to evaluate a total rewards structure.

• Illustrate the steps involved in job evaluation and market comparison.

• Identify learning priorities and adult learning principles, as well as methods for measuring learning initiatives that support a learning environment, align with business strategy, and provide a return on investment.

• Develop health, wellness and safety policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards; promote a healthy workplace as per organizational policy.

• Use metrics and HR information systems to measure and report on effectiveness of key performance indicators, and to make informed decisions.

• Contribute to the advancement of reconciliation and apply principles of Indigenous knowledge, including identifying and describing Indigenous cultural protocols, worldviews, and learning approaches in both a business and societal context.