Overview
Earn a Human Resources Management Diploma or Certificate online
Employers are seeking highly-skilled HR professionals. Gain the knowledge and expertise to get ahead in this exciting field.
- Work towards your CHRP and CHRL designations
- Many courses approved by the Human Resources Professional Association™
- Earn a Diploma when you successfully complete as few as nine HR courses online
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Program highlights Learn More
- Flexible online learning
- Taught by industry experts
- Earn a Certificate or Diploma
- Open enrolment program
Human Resources Management program features:
- Convenient and flexible. Our online courses suit you and your busy life
- Learn from industry experts and network with other professionals
- Collaborate with peers on HR projects and exercises

What you'll learn Learn More
- Organizational Behaviour and Labour Relations
- Talent Acquisition and Compensation
- Training, Development and Effective Communications
Through our Human Resources Management program, you’ll learn to:
- Use effective communication strategies
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical principles as applied to human resources
- Recognize appropriate organizational, legal, and professional policies for human resources professionals
- Appreciate the connection of strategic human resource management practices to organizational structure and culture
- Collect, use and analyze human resources information and data
- Apply innovative and critical approaches to business and human resources issues
- Apply key concepts and techniques in building effective leadership and management strategies in various workplace settings
- Utilize tools and techniques in planning your organization’s talent pipeline, recruiting and hiring
- Master concepts, techniques and tools in workplace health and safety guidelines, policies, procedures and programming
Learn more about the Human Resources Management program
- Anyone wishing to pursue a career in human resources
- Professionals pursuing a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP™) designation or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL™)
- Managers who want to gain knowledge and skills for Human Resources issues
- Professionals seeking a better understanding of strategic human resource management
- Human Resources (Generalist or Manager)
- Labour Relations
- Organizational Development
- Training and Development
- Career Transition
- Compensation
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Workplace Accommodations
Many human resources management courses offered by McMaster Continuing Education satisfy academic requirements of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA™). The designations issued by professional associations can further enhance your career potential.
Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA™)
HRPA™ Courses | McMaster Continuing Education Equivalencies |
---|---|
Human Resources Management | Human Resources Management |
Organizational Behaviour | Organizational Behaviour |
Finance & Accounting | Business Finance & Accounting |
Training & Development | Training & Development |
Employee & Labour Relations | Labour Relations |
Human Resources Planning | Human Resources Planning |
Compensation | Compensation |
Staffing | Talent Acquisition |
Occupational Health & Safety | Occupational Health & Safety |
An average of 70% is required in the above courses with no individual course achieving lower than 65%.
Students pursuing an external designation, such as CHRP™ or CHRL™, are responsible for ensuring that they satisfy the Human Resources Professional Association requirements.
Are you a current McMaster University undergraduate student?
Explore the ElevateYourSkills option to learn how you can earn a Human Resources Management certificate or diploma as part of your degree.
- Use your electives to earn a professional certificate or diploma
- Fully online courses that you can fit into your schedule
- Providing you with real-life career skills and experience before you graduate
Check out our latest Business Program Preview video to learn more about the Human Resources Management program
What our recent graduates say

Adam
Business Administration graduate
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
Judelyn '23
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting
I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better.
My family migrated to Canada in 2006 from the Philippines (Asia). I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from my home country.
Although challenging, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I started my journey in Canada with temporary junior accounting jobs. It allowed me to integrate myself into the Canadian workforce and culture. After gaining more Canadian work experience, I landed a permanent job. Currently, I work as Treasury Analyst in a HydroElectric Generation company.
Despite the obstacles, I was determined to gain Canadian credentials. The pandemic made it more challenging, but I persisted. I balance work, study, and family.
In December 2019, I enrolled at McMaster University. Later earned a Diploma in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and completed a Diploma in Accounting.
While studying at McMaster University, I developed my self-discipline and changed how I perceive things, which is priceless. I have to experience it to learn and discover it. I am self-motivated. I noticed I enjoyed studying – understanding in depth and not memorizing, which I usually did when I was younger.
The McMaster University courses were challenging to be honest, and my teachers taught me to be a critical thinker. I began thinking outside the box. The good thing is that if I had an idea or answered a question, they let me explain why I came up with that answer – that, for me, was so engaging for a student to understand more and strive to improve rather than simply dismissing a student’s incorrect answer.
From personal experience, the teaching style of McMaster University is different, and I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better. Until now, I have applied the ways and self-discipline I had gained even with this Treasury Designation exam I took recently. I want to thank and let McMaster know the influence/the lessons they had instilled in me that changed my outlook and mindset, making me better and excel in what I want to be.
Judelyn
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting

Tracy
Project Management graduate
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better.
My family migrated to Canada in 2006 from the Philippines (Asia). I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from my home country.
Although challenging, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I started my journey in Canada with temporary junior accounting jobs. It allowed me to integrate myself into the Canadian workforce and culture. After gaining more Canadian work experience, I landed a permanent job. Currently, I work as Treasury Analyst in a HydroElectric Generation company.
Despite the obstacles, I was determined to gain Canadian credentials. The pandemic made it more challenging, but I persisted. I balance work, study, and family.
In December 2019, I enrolled at McMaster University. Later earned a Diploma in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and completed a Diploma in Accounting.
While studying at McMaster University, I developed my self-discipline and changed how I perceive things, which is priceless. I have to experience it to learn and discover it. I am self-motivated. I noticed I enjoyed studying – understanding in depth and not memorizing, which I usually did when I was younger.
The McMaster University courses were challenging to be honest, and my teachers taught me to be a critical thinker. I began thinking outside the box. The good thing is that if I had an idea or answered a question, they let me explain why I came up with that answer – that, for me, was so engaging for a student to understand more and strive to improve rather than simply dismissing a student’s incorrect answer.
From personal experience, the teaching style of McMaster University is different, and I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better. Until now, I have applied the ways and self-discipline I had gained even with this Treasury Designation exam I took recently. I want to thank and let McMaster know the influence/the lessons they had instilled in me that changed my outlook and mindset, making me better and excel in what I want to be.
Judelyn
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
Certificates in Human Resources Management
Certificate of Professional Learning Options
Reinvent your career in Human Resources with our flexible online programs
- Foundations in Management of Human Resources
- Foundations in Talent Planning and Acquisition of Human Resources
- Foundations in Workplace Health and Safety
- Workplace Intercultural Competency and Communication
Explore the requirements below and register today!
Foundations in Management of Human Resources
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Certificate of Professional Learning Foundations in Management of Human Resources
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in Foundations in Management of Human Resources by completing all 3 courses listed.
Through our Certificate of Professional Learning Foundations in Management of Human Resources program, you’ll learn to:
- Outline specific functional areas in human resources management and describe the knowledge required for a practitioner in each one
- Identify human resources concepts, techniques and requirements in attracting, hiring and retaining the right talent for your organization
- Analyze processes for evaluating employee strengths and discuss strategies for team building and supervision within your organization
- Build effective partnerships between the employer and union in administering the collective agreement, handling grievances, negotiating agreements, and resolving disputes
- Describe the legal framework governing labour and employment
Note: Completed courses from the Certificate of Professional Learning program may be applied to the Human Resources Management diploma or the Business Administration diploma with a Concentration in Human Resources Management following the certificate and diploma policy.
Courses (Complete all 3)
Foundations in Talent Planning and Acquisition
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Certificate of Professional Learning Foundations in Talent Planning and Acquisition of Human Resources
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in Foundations in Talent Planning and Acquisition by completing all 3 courses listed.
Through our Certificate of Professional Learning Talent Planning and Acquisition program, you’ll learn to:
- Develop a robust Human Resources plan supported by effective workforce planning, performance management programs and talent management strategies
- Detail the key considerations in the HR planning process and the talent acquisition processes and their support in achieving organizational goals and objectives
- Identify and describe an effective recruitment strategy, candidate sourcing methods, screening, testing, interviewing, and decision-making processes and activities that support diversity and equal opportunity mandates?
- Analyze how individual and group behaviours and traits, organizational culture, communication processes, and leadership styles can have impacts on individual behaviour, employees, organizational effectiveness and workplace success?
- Assess how job design, performance analysis, organizational design and total rewards programs can enhance and constrain employee and organizational success
Note: Completed courses from the Certificate of Professional Learning program may be applied to the Human Resources Management diploma or the Business Administration diploma with a Concentration in Human Resources Management following the certificate and diploma policy.
Courses (complete all 3)
Foundations in Workplace Health and Safety
Information Box Group

Certificate of Professional Learning in Workplace Health and Safety
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in Workplace Health and Safety by completing all 3 courses listed.
Through our Certificate of Professional Learning Workplace Health and Safety program, you’ll learn to:
- Explain the connection between human resource management and occupational health and safety
- Analyze health and safety training program design, implementation and effectiveness?
- Outline the regulatory framework surrounding occupational health and safety
- ?Plan the design, delivery, management, and evaluation of a workplace health promotion program
- Outline specific functional areas in human resource management and describe the knowledge required for a practitioner in each one ?
Note: Completed courses from the Certificate of Professional Learning program may be applied to the Human Resources Management diploma or the Business Administration diploma with a Concentration in Human Resources Management following the certificate and diploma policy.
Courses (complete all 3)
Foundations in Workplace Intercultural Competency & Communication
Information Box Group

Certificate of Professional Learning in Foundations in Workplace Intercultural Competency & Communication
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in Workplace Intercultural Competency & Communication by completing all 3 courses listed.
Courses (complete all 3)
Human Resources Management Diploma
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Advance your skills and earn a Diploma in Human Resources Management online
Explore the requirements below and register today!
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Human Resources Management Diploma
To qualify for the Human Resources Management Diploma, you must successfully complete all 5 core courses listed, plus any 4 elective courses.
Core Courses (complete all 5)
Elective Courses (complete any 4)
Human Resources Management Courses
Human Resources Management Courses
Advance your career with online Human Resources Management courses
Explore course options below and register today!
For the Spring 2023 term, there will only be one section offered for many of the HR courses. Be sure to register early to reserve your spot!
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Human Resources Management Schedule
Human Resources Management Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July. The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information. The cost for Human Resources courses is $772 per course.
Learning format definitions:
- VC = Virtual Classroom learning format
- O = Online learning format
- OSS = Online Self-Study learning format
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page.
Course Name (Course Code) | Winter 2023 | Spring 2023 |
---|---|---|
Business Finance & Accounting (HRM 817) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Organizational Behaviour (HRM 821) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Talent Acquisition (HRM 897) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
||
Compensation (HRM 898) | Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
|
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
||
Labour Relations (HRM 899) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Human Resource Management (HRM 901) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Training & Development (HRM 902) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
||
Occupational Health & Safety (HRM 921) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
||
Human Resource Planning (HRM 923) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
||
Wellness In The Workplace (HRM 941) |
Date: Jan 30 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Principles & Practice of Supervision (BUS 847) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 16
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Aug 6
Format: O |
Business Communications (BUS 850) | Date: May 8 – Aug 6
Format: O |
|
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 17
Format: O |