The Portland State University Human Resource Management Certificate program is the premier place in Oregon to find human resources training for your professional development. We offer continuing education courses that give you the knowledge and skills you need to take your career to the next level.

Our HRCI-approved courses in HR Management meet the growing demands of the Portland area as well as Vancouver, and Southwestern Washington, and Salem, Oregon, communities.

1. How do I get started?
   
   If you know which courses you need, register today! There is no application process and you do not need to be admitted to the University. If you are not sure which courses to register for, call Elizabeth Snyder today and create a personal plan to earn a certificate: 503-725-8085 or email snydere@pdx.edu
   
   
2. How much do the courses cost?
   
   The tuition for the HR courses is $450 per course: This includes books, materials, and parking.
   
   
3. How much are the books?
   
   Books and handouts used in the courses are included in the tuition at no extra charge.
   
   
4. What do I need to do to complete my certificate?
   
   Human Resource Management Certificate

   • Complete the coursework outlined in the certificate requirements
   • Make a formal request by submitting a Human Resource Management Completion Record (available from us at the PDC) or by filling out the online request form.

5. Do I get University credit for the HR courses?
   
   The HR Management Program is a non-credit program. However, lower-division University credit is available for an additional fee. For an extra $100, you can receive 2 MGMT 199 credits from the Portland State University School of Business. **You do not need to take courses for credit to earn your certificate of completion.**

   The main reasons that students request credit are:

   • Their employers only reimburse courses that are taken for credit.
     
   • They want to apply credits toward a bachelor's degree. Note that the MGMT 199 credits will most likely be accepted as elective credits. If you are interested in this option, check with the institution to which you wish transfer the credits.

   
   

6. Do I get grades in these courses?
   
   Courses in the Professional Development Center are graded pass/no-pass. If you are taking courses for credit, this grade shows up on your academic transcript. If you are taking non-credit courses, your certificate of completion serves as an indicator that you passed the course.
   
   
7. Who teaches the HR courses?
   
   Our instructors are top managers in local organizations, private consultants, and Portland State University faculty members. Visit our instructors page to learn more about the Human Resource Certificate program faculty.
   
   
8. Can I use these courses for recertification hours for my PHR/SPHR designation?
   
   Yes. The Professional Development Center is an HRCI-Authorized Provider, certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute to provide continuing education courses for PHR and SPHR recertification credits. All HR program courses are worth 18 recertification credits.
   
   
9. Can I waive course requirements for the Certificate of Completion?
   
   Yes. A student can waive a required course for the completion of a similar course within the past 18 months. Upon approval, the student is required to substitute one additional program elective to complete the certificate.

   Process for obtaining a waiver:

   1. Send a copy of your transcript and the course description to the program manager (electronic submissions are preferred).
   2. Program manager reviews the transcript and provides written notification of approval.
   3. Keep a copy of this letter for your files and provide it with your completion form at the end of your program.

10. Will I get my PHR Certification by taking this program?
    
    No. The PHR Certification is awarded by the Human Resources Certification Institute. To obtain their certification, you need to pass their PHR exam. See their website for more information on the exam and the certification.
    
    
11. Do you provide assistance for job seekers?
    
    We maintain a page of links to job search resources for HR professionals including job banks, informational pages, and job search strategies.
    
    
12. How does the Summer Intensive Program work?
    

    Our program has long stood as a great way to get quality Human Resource Management training in a short amount of time (most students complete the program in one to two years, taking one course at a time). This summer, we are offering a new option that allows people to complete the program even faster!

    Whether you need just one more course, or you are just starting and you need all six, this series is designed for you to get in, get it done, and get on with your career.

    We are proud to introduce the Summer Intensive Series. Here is how it works:

    • Six courses are scheduled between June and September.
    • Courses will be held in or near downtown Portland.
    • The courses do not overlap (you could take all six, and still only be taking one course at a time).
    • Courses are still 18 hours in length (our normal course length).
    • Students can enroll in any number of the courses; there is no need to commit to all six.
    • Each course will run two weeks, comprising two Tuesday evenings (6-9pm), two Thursday evenings (6-9pm), and one Saturday (9am-4pm). See schedule below for more specific dates and days (click on the course # or title for a course description).
13. What is your refund policy?
    

    We offer full refunds for cancellations five (5) or more business days prior to the event. Cancellations one to four (1-4) days prior to the event incur a $25 processing fee. There are no refunds on the day of the event or beyond.