Human Resources

Human Resources Management Certificate

A team of 3 talking at a conference table

25 Years of HR Expertise - Refreshed and Ready for You

For more than 25 years, USF has been a trusted leader in HR education and now, our Human Resources Management Certificate program is newly revamped to meet the evolving demands of today’s workplace. We’ve taken decades of proven experience and infused it with fresh insights, modern tools, and varied learning options to help you succeed in a competitive field.

Whether you're starting a new HR career or building on your existing experience, this six-course program delivers a comprehensive, practical foundation with optimized scheduling.

Mark Koulianos
Assistant Vice President, University Community Partnerships at USF

The HR industry is changing fast. If you're looking to stand out, boost your earning potential, or take the next step into leadership, earning a professional credential from USF is a powerful way to move forward. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR managers earned a median salary of more than $126,000 in 2021 and our program is designed to help you work toward those high-opportunity roles.

HR Management Testimonial
  • Break into the HR field or accelerate your current career path with job-ready skills.
  • Improve your chances for promotion, increase your value to employers, and earn more.
  • Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace with relevant, up-to-date knowledge.
  • Set yourself apart with a recognized credential backed by decades of HR education expertise.
  • Evening courses crafted to complement the busy lives of working adults.

Curriculum & Course Details

Start your HR journey with a cohort-based certificate program that begins in Spring, Summer, or Fall. To earn your HR Management Certificate, you’ll progress through six essential courses, taken in order, covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced analytics.

Human Resources Management Certificate

1. HR Core Concepts 
Build a strong foundation in HR with this essential introduction to the field. Learn the key functions of human resources - from hiring and onboarding to compliance and employee relations. This course explores the full employee lifecycle and sets the stage for success in all other HR disciplines.

2. HR Total Rewards
Design compensation and benefits strategies that attract and retain top talent. Explore how pay structures, wellness programs, and non-monetary rewards can drive employee engagement while aligning with organizational goals and budgets.

3. HR Law
Navigate the legal landscape of human resources with confidence. Gain a working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, and learn how to develop compliant HR policies, conduct investigations, and reduce risk across hiring, performance, and termination processes.

4. HR Talent Acquisition
Master the art and science of recruiting in a modern workforce. Learn to attract, assess, and onboard the right talent using cutting-edge tools and hiring strategies while building a candidate experience that supports your employer brand.

5. HR Performance Management
Drive performance through effective goal setting, feedback, and development. This course equips you with the tools to design and manage performance systems that motivate employees, align with business objectives, and foster a culture of growth.

6. HR Analytics
Turn HR data into strategic insight. Learn to collect, analyze, and interpret workforce data to improve hiring, engagement, and retention. Develop the skills to build data dashboards and make evidence-based HR decisions all while maintaining ethical data practices.

 

Meet Your Instructor: Kelley Rexroad

Photo of Kelley Rexroad

Learn from renowned HR strategist with over 30 years of experience in HR and communications, Kelley Rexroad. Kelley founded her HR consulting and career coaching firm in 2004 and has served as a Corporate Officer of HR and Communications for a NASDAQ firm. She holds a triple major BA, is a candidate for an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, and has pursued advanced studies at Thunderbird School of Global Management and American University.

Kelley is also a sought-after speaker, news contributor, published author, and podcast host of What The Heck is Happening in HR?


For more than 25 years, USF CTPE has seen how professionals grow best when they grow together. That’s why our HR Management Certificate follows a cohort model: creating space for connection, collaboration, and shared learning that extends beyond the classroom into lasting professional relationships.

Go Further, Faster

 

Human Resources Management Certificate

Register Now

Quick Details

Format:
Live Online

Duration:
As little as 4 months

Cost:
$595 per course

Connect With a Program Advisor

Kathy Barnes
Kathy Barnes, M.S.Ed.
813.974.8031
Book a Meeting
barnesk@usf.edu