Graduate Certificate in HR Management

Our Graduate Certificate in HR Management (GC-HRM) is designed for professionals who are exploring new career options in HR, HR professionals seeking professional development to expand their current knowledge, and students who want to explore graduate study or may not be ready to make a full commitment to our Master of HRM program (MHRM).

Our program covers theory, research, knowledge and procedures used by HR executives. Courses address emerging disciplines such as HR information systems and leadership theory along with globalization and workforce diversity.

With small class sizes (the average is 12-15 students) and adjunct professors who are themselves working professionals in the HR sector, our HRM classes provide opportunities to study cutting-edge theory and to apply that theory in real-world settings — sometimes even the next day at work.

MHRM and HRM graduate certificate students study together in certificate classes, providing rich opportunities to learn from peers who are currently working in the HR sector.

Successful certificate graduates will be able to apply coursework toward the MHRM, if desired.

The graduate certificate requires 18 semester hours of graduate coursework. No transfer work is accepted into the certificate.

Program Details

  • Requirements

    GC-HRM Program of Study

    Total: 18 semester hours

    Required

    15 semester hours

    • HRM 531U Human Resource Management
    • HRM 532U Legal Issues in Human Resource Management
    • HRM 534U Strategic Human Resource Development
    • HRM 635U Managing Compensation and Benefits
    • HRM 657U HRM in the Global Environment

    Elective

    3 semester hours. Select from among 500- and 600-level HRM courses not required for the certificate, including PSYC 530U and ECON 507U.

  • Graduate Admissions

    Admission to Graduate Programs

    Transfer of Graduate Credits

    Up to six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred toward a graduate program in the School. Transfer credits may be accepted only from another regionally accredited institution of higher education. In order for graduate academic credits completed prior to admission into a graduate program to be considered, credits: (1) must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of 'B' or better; (2) must not have been used to satisfy requirements for another degree or certificate at the University of Richmond or another institution of higher education; and (3) must be approved by the Program Chair. Possible transfer credits completed while in the program must receive prior approval by the Program Chair. Except by waiver, no more than six hours may be transferred into a graduate program.

    Graduate Admission Process

    Students seeking admission to a graduate certificate or a master's degree program must complete the following:

    • File a Graduate Application with the School and submit the non-refundable $50 graduate application fee
    • Have official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities where college work was attempted forwarded directly to the School
    • Have three (3) letters of recommendation sent directly to the School (requirement differs for Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure Preparation and Master of Teaching)
    • Have official TOEFL scores sent (when applicable)

    Official documents verifying college and university work and test scores must be sent from the institution or agency responsible for the information directly to the School.

    Letters of recommendation should be substantive regarding the applicant’s potential to be successful as a graduate student and professional in their field. Letters from past or current supervisors and professors are preferred, and those from professional peers and coworkers who can offer meaningful input about the applicant’s abilities and potential may be appropriate as well. Letters from friends, family members, and subordinates are discouraged.

    Additional requirements vary by graduate degree programs. See the section that follows for the graduate program to which you are applying.

  • HRM Admissions

    Admission to the Master of Human Resource Management and the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

    Students seeking admission to the Master of Human Resource Management or the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management must have the following (in addition to the admission requirements for all graduate programs):

    • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or international equivalent)
    • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all college or university academic work attempted

    Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis for conditional admission. To remain in the program, conditionally admitted students must earn a minimum 3.0 grade point average in the first three semester hours taken following conditional admission.