Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development
The 100% online Human Resource Development Graduate Certificate equips professionals with skills in HR management, organizational development, talent acquisition, and employee training. This program is designed to meet growing market demands for HR experts by providing career-ready skills and the advanced training professionals need to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development
The 100% online Human Resource Development Graduate Certificate equips professionals with skills in HR management, organizational development, talent acquisition, and employee training. This program is designed to meet growing market demands for HR experts by providing career-ready skills and the advanced training professionals need to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development Overview
The 100% online Human Resource Development (HRD) Graduate Certificate supports professionals looking to expand their expertise. This program’s in-depth curriculum is aimed at advancing careers in HR management, organizational development, talent acquisition, employee development, and more.
Ideal for both current HR professionals and those seeking to enter the field, this certificate confers practical skills that can be utilized in the workforce immediately. Additionally, this graduate certificate serves as both a stand-alone credential and a stepping stone toward further education.
Credits earned through the program can be applied to Purdue University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision , allowing you to deepen your leadership skills, refine your strategic approach, and prepare for higher-level roles in project management and beyond.
Comprehensive Skill Development
Through project-based assignments like designing training programs, conducting needs assessments and developing HRD strategies, students will gain the practical expertise needed to apply course objectives to real-world challenges.
Real-World Problem Solving
Students will engage with real-world case studies and scenarios, applying HRD principles and practices to analyze practical challenges, devise effective solutions and make well-informed decisions that drive organizational success.
Pathway to a Master’s Degree
Credits earned in this program can seamlessly transfer toward the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, providing a clear pathway to further professional growth.
A graduate certificate is a specialized credential that provides advanced knowledge in a specific field. Available to those with a bachelor’s degree, Purdue’s 100% online graduate certificates take less time than a full master’s degree program. They are valuable for individuals looking to quickly advance their careers or pivot to a new industry. Graduate certificates also can serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree since they allow students to earn academic credits that may apply to a future graduate program. Ask your enrollment counselor for details or learn more about graduate certificates here.
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The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Human Resource Development Courses
- OLS51500-Foundations of Human Resource Development
- OLS58300-Coaching & Mentoring
- OLS57400-Managerial Training & Development
The admissions process selects highly qualified applicants into the graduate certificate program by considering each of the following criteria in judging the overall strength of the applicant. Typically, no single criterion is used as a sole determinant for admission.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- An undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited institution is required for unconditional admission.
- English Proficiency Requirements Vary
- One year of related professional work experience
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Human resource development prepares professionals for roles focused on talent growth, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness. Common job titles include Human Resources Generalists, Human Resources Managers, and Program Managers, each supporting employee development, training initiatives, and performance management. Additionally, Human Resources Business Partners and Directors of Human Resources play strategic roles in aligning people strategies with organizational goals and long-term workforce needs.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities in human resource development. These include Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools and Employment Placement Agencies, which focus on training, education, and workforce development. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, General Government Support, and Engineering Services also rely on HR development professionals to support complex organizations, ensure compliance, and strengthen employee performance and engagement.
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