Human Resource Management Certificate Program

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
WPWP Programs to be phased out by 2013. Download a PDF with more information.

 

Overview

Wharton’s four-course Human Resource Management Certificate Program provides working professionals with the essential skills they need to manage human capital in a wide range of organizations and industries, from major corporations to nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Participants gain an understanding of organizational dynamics, negotiation, strategic implementation, and other fundamental areas of HR management. The emphasis is on the application of classroom concepts to practical decision making in the workplace that will enable participants to quickly transfer their new skills to enhance decision making.

The program is designed for working professionals and does not require previous coursework in business or human resources.

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Curriculum Structure

The Human Resource Management Certificate Program consists of four courses that develop the range of knowledge and skills needed by effective human resource leaders:

WPWP recommends that courses be taken in the order outlined here; other sequences can be planned with a WPWP program representative. Strategic Implementation must be taken in the last semester of study.

This certificate can be completed in as little as two regular semesters or in one regular semester and two summer sessions. For information on upcoming sessions, see the WPWP course schedule. All courses earn post-baccalaureate credits from the University of Pennsylvania.

Classes are taught by Wharton lecturers and industry executives appointed by the Wharton Management Department. WPWP faculty members are chosen for their subject area expertise and teaching skills, as well as their ability to maximize the learning and networking opportunities that can arise from across a select, highly motivated group of professionals.

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Who Should Attend

  • Professionals currently working in an area related to human resource management who want a formal introduction to the field 
  • HR professionals who wish to extend their education 
  • Early- to mid-career professionals who need to manage the increasing complexity of interpersonal or organizational dynamics in their jobs 
  • Entrepreneurs who want to learn about human resource management

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Benefits

  • Faculty members emphasize the application of classroom concepts to practical decision making and management
  • Classmates become a strong collaborative network, offering insights and perspectives across a range of industries
  • Small class sizes promote in-class discussion and interaction
  • You can begin to apply new strategies and concepts at work immediately, analyzing and refining your approach with feedback from faculty and fellow classmates
  • Wharton’s Jon M. Huntsman Hall offers state-of-the-art classrooms, a networked campus environment, and high-tech group study facilities to maximize your learning experience
  • Earning your certificate from one of the world’s leading business schools brings increased professional credibility and confidence, both now and into the future

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Requirements, Deadlines, and Fees

For applicant requirements, application deadlines, and program fees, please view the Admissions and Tuition Information page.

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Student Insights

“It helped tremendously. It realy did change the way I see a lot of things and made me appreciate that when you set up a company, the Human Resources function is about a lot more than just managing the payroll. You help to retain people and make the company attractive to potential employees.”
—Daniel Oviedo Lopez, a native of Paraguay, who completed the Human Resource Management Certificate in May 2005