Human Resources Management

Support employees, help companies thrive

Be the professional who cares for an organization’s greatest resource: it’s people. What you do is essential to company growth and making employees happy.

Specialize in Human Resources (HR) Management and learn to:

recruit and retain talent
develop employee skills
manage compensation and benefits programs
support workforce diversity
manage staff reductions and terminations
navigate laws that govern employees and employers
communicate as a manager

What can you do with a Certificate in Human Resources Management?

With this certificate, you can work for a small- or medium-sized company in an HR support role. Or use the certificate as a stepping stone to earn an associate degree in business administration.

Right away your certificate lets you start in roles such as:

HR associate
HR trainee
HR analyst

Highlights

Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,328
  
  Median
  
  $108,559
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $191,130
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.88
  
  Median
  
  $52.18
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91.89
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  33.56%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.16%
  
  Some college
  
  13.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.84%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  24.28%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.06%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $81,902
  
  Median
  
  $120,109
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $229,204
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39.37
  
  Median
  
  $57.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110.19
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  85.71%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.29%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,725
  
  Median
  
  $73,599
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $135,511
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.02
  
  Median
  
  $35.38
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $65.14
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  8.7%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.35%
  
  Some college
  
  8.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  69.57%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,172
  
  Median
  
  $83,296
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,629
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.12
  
  Median
  
  $40.04
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  14.07%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  70.2%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  15.73%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,278
  
  Median
  
  $49,164
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64,519
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.96
  
  Median
  
  $23.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $31.01
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  21.12%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.71%
  
  Some college
  
  11.22%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  27.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  33.81%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $87,983
  
  Median
  
  $137,005
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $241,327
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42.29
  
  Median
  
  $65.86
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116.02
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  82.61%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,555
  
  Median
  
  $71,249
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $115,844
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.34
  
  Median
  
  $34.25
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55.69
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  13.52%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.31%
  
  Some college
  
  4.82%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  7.16%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  48.28%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  24.91%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3
BUS 237	BUS 237 Managerial Communication Class Description This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 237
Course Title	BUS 237 Managerial Communication Class Description This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
BUS 221	BUS 221 Business Law I Class Description This course introduces principles of American law governing business and personal transactions. Areas covered include contracts, torts, agency, employment, and business structures. The course also introduces the American legal environment: the court system, the lawmaking process, and government regulation. Note: BUS 221 and LGL 221 are cross-listed	3
BUS 210	BUS 210 Human Resource Management Class Description This course provides a broad overview of relevant human resource management concepts, incorporating legal and ethical issues. Topics include staffing, hiring, training and development, performance evaluation, employee terminations, compensation and benefits, union versus non-union workforces, and workforce diversity issues.	3
BUS 238	BUS 238 Project Management Class Description This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 221
Course Title	BUS 221 Business Law I Class Description This course introduces principles of American law governing business and personal transactions. Areas covered include contracts, torts, agency, employment, and business structures. The course also introduces the American legal environment: the court system, the lawmaking process, and government regulation. Note: BUS 221 and LGL 221 are cross-listed
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 210
Course Title	BUS 210 Human Resource Management Class Description This course provides a broad overview of relevant human resource management concepts, incorporating legal and ethical issues. Topics include staffing, hiring, training and development, performance evaluation, employee terminations, compensation and benefits, union versus non-union workforces, and workforce diversity issues.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 238
Course Title	BUS 238 Project Management Class Description This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 220	BUS 220 Employment and Labor law Class Description This course provides an overview of employment and labor law in the context of organizational strategy. Topics include the legal relationship between employers and employees, employment at-will doctrine, employment contracts, federal and state anti-discrimination laws, labor-management relations in the union setting, and laws that apply to compensation and benefits.	3
BUS 223	BUS 223 Principles of Management Class Description This course is a study of management theories and practices, emphasizing key concepts and skills needed to execute the classic management functions of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Emphasis is on theories, concepts, and models related to these key management functions with the intent to better understand the manager's role and responsibilities in contributing to an organization's desired objectives.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 220
Course Title	BUS 220 Employment and Labor law Class Description This course provides an overview of employment and labor law in the context of organizational strategy. Topics include the legal relationship between employers and employees, employment at-will doctrine, employment contracts, federal and state anti-discrimination laws, labor-management relations in the union setting, and laws that apply to compensation and benefits.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 223
Course Title	BUS 223 Principles of Management Class Description This course is a study of management theories and practices, emphasizing key concepts and skills needed to execute the classic management functions of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Emphasis is on theories, concepts, and models related to these key management functions with the intent to better understand the manager's role and responsibilities in contributing to an organization's desired objectives.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

23

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Business Administration at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Business Administration. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Business Administration program overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Our student profile is varied. You’re in classes with students from different backgrounds. Some are your age, but not all. Some attended college before; others are new to college. Your combined experience creates a dynamic and meaningful environment for learning.
Not all of it. You can take some courses online. Other courses occur in person to help you build and practice your skills. The course schedule and delivery mode vary from semester to semester.
Human resources management is a good career with a strong future. Organizations need HR professionals. Why? HR professionals advocate for employees. They create a positive workplace culture and recruit and retain talent. This helps organizations meet their goals for growth, productivity and profitability.
If you enjoy working with people, HR management is a good career choice for you.
You’ll learn how to apply writing, communication and analysis skills in the workplace. You'll learn from instructors who have been-there, done-that. They know first-hand how human resources management works in an organization. You’ll gain practical knowledge as a result.
The class sizes at CLC are small. Need help? No problem. CLC instructors are accessible. They give you their full attention and personal feedback.
Plus, this is a stackable certificate. You can use the credits to help you earn an associate degree in business administration at CLC.

Leanne Linsky
Graduate
“The CLC student body is diverse, my classmates had more work and life experience. When I transferred, I was better prepared for university life.”
Leanne studied business administration at CLC, then got her bachelor's degree at University of Nevada Las Vegas and a master's degree at University of California, Irvine. She is the creator of an online app for comedians.
Read Leanne's story

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Support employees, help companies thrive

What can you do with a Certificate in Human Resources Management?

Highlights

Career Certificate

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Stackable Credentials

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Administrative Services Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Human Resources Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Human Resources Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 8 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Business Administration at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Are students like me in the program?

Is this program offered online?

Is human resources a good career?

Why study HR management at CLC?

Leanne Linsky

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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