Human Resources Management

Program Overview

If you’re hoping to move into positions that require skills in employee recruitment and training, or knowledge of labour relations, organizational behaviour, health and safety, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Human Resources Management certificate program will interest you. It’s practical training in critical HR functions, from payroll and benefits to recruitment and labour relations. Take the program to develop in-demand knowledge and skills in the growing field of human resources management.

The Human Resources Management certificate program is offered on a course-by-course basis through Flexible Learning on evenings and Saturdays, as well as through distance education. You’ll study key areas in HR management such as:

Compensation and benefits
Conflict management
Employee and labour relations
Recruitment and selection
Training and development
Leadership development
Project management

Courses integrate demonstrations, projects and practical exercises to help you translate theory into practice. For example, you’ll develop a proposal to help management enhance employee relations; you’ll discuss current trends in labour relations; you’ll use role-play to develop conflict resolution skills; you’ll participate in simulations and experiential exercises to build practical skills.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Human resources professionals work for large companies, municipalities, government departments, health authorities, university and school systems. You might start as an entry-level HR assistant, or you might move into a general management position that demands HR skills. Your certificate prepares you to work in different areas of human resources management, including classifications, recruitment, benefits, employment equity, job analysis, employee relations, staff training and administration.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Human Resources Specialist	Human Resources Professionals (1121)	$40,800 - $98,200
Personnel Officer	Human Resources and Recruitment Officers (1223)	$34,400 - $91,900
Payroll Clerk	Payroll Administrators (1432)	$32,500 - $63,100

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): Varies - Part-Time Studies

Length: 12 courses

Locations

Online
Other

Some online programs include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. Online programs may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

It is offered on a course-by-course basis through Continuing Education (evenings and Saturdays, and by distance)

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12

Note: You do not apply or have admission requirements assessed for this program. You will take courses through Continuing Education. Once you have successfully completed all the courses in the program, simply apply to graduate.

Admission Method

Not applicable at this time

Tuition and Fees

See Part-Time Studies

Courses

Expand All +

Courses

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ACCT 122

Introductory Financial Accounting 1

Your studies will focus on an introduction to financial accounting designed to provide you with accounting skills to handle business transactions. The course will include bookkeeping techniques, accounting for a merchandising concern and control over cash and receivables. Accounting for payroll is also introduced in this course. ACCT 122 is a companion to ACCT 125 (Introductory Financial Accounting 2) which continues the study of basic financial accounting.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 96.0
Equivalent Course(s): ACCT 122CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

ADMN 220

Organizational Behaviour

You will study human behaviour in organizations and develop the skills needed to deal with people at work. Your studies include content on individual behaviour, values, interpersonal relationships and communications, groups and team dynamics, organizational culture, leadership, and change. You will study these aspects of human behavior within the context of diverse formal organizations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 220CE, BUS 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

ADMN 255

Conflict Management

You will focus on an introduction to conflict resolution, designed to provide you with interest-based conflict resolution models and primary interpersonal skills to handle workplace conflicts. You will obtain insights and be educated in conflict theory, negotiation strategy, needs grounding related to basic interpersonal communication and management skills, such as rapport building, empathetic listening, behaviour modelling, reframing, problem solving, and decision making. You will develop conflict resolution skills through a combination of lecture material, in-class assignments, role-plays and demonstrations, reading assignments, and problem-solving challenges.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 255CE, DRCP 221
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

BCOM 105

Business Communications

You will develop fundamental employability skills through study of the principles of communication and active listening techniques. The course content includes development of effective writing skills and formatting. You will apply the principles and skills by writing business messages for positive, negative and persuasive purposes. You will examine ways to apply communication skills to cross-cultural situations. You will learn to apply effective presentation skills when delivering oral presentations and conducting business meetings. You will write short reports.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 105CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

BCOM 120

Business Communications 1

You will develop fundamental employability skills by studying the principles of communication. The course content includes developing effective writing skills. You will apply the principles and skills by writing letters and memorandums for routine and negative purposes. You will develop teamwork employability skills and examine ways to apply communication skills to team and cross-cultural situations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 104, TCOM 102, TCOM 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning, Televised/SCN

HR 120

Introduction to Human Resource Management

Your studies will focus on an overview of human resource management and practices. You will learn the impact of job analysis; planning, recruiting, and selection processes; training, developing and compensation considerations, and management performance and labour relations. You will discuss employee and organizational ethics throughout the course, and your studies will emphasize the use of human resource management to achieve high organizational performance.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 222, HR 120CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 230

Talent Acquisition

Your studies will focus on the role and functions of recruitment and selection of human resource management. You will develop an appreciation for professional Talent Acquisition practices that meet Canadian legal standards. You will also develop an understanding of the essential role of sound staffing practices in relation to organizational productivity. You will recognize the constraints under which an organization operates and how it relates to the process of recruitment and selection.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 230, HR 230CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 231

Strategic Compensation

You will develop a general understanding of the processes, techniques and issues human resource professionals encounter in developing and administering a total rewards program. You will learn the strategic importance of total rewards and how its issues can impact other areas of human resources. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the impact of contemporary social trends and legislative developments that affect decision making about the design of total rewards programs.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 231, HR 231CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 232

Training and Development

You will analyze the strategic value of developing talent within organizations with a focus on employee training and development. Specifically, through a combined theory and hands-on approach, your studies will examine the functions of training needs analysis, training program design, the selection and application of training methods, transfer strategies, training evaluation and building employee engagement in career development.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 232, HR 232CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 234

Employee Engagement

You will focus on the major influences on employee engagement and the impact on individual managers and the organization. You will examine the importance of sound employee relationship practices in the role of reaching organizational objectives. You will look at equity and fairness, the influence of culture, diversity and equity, motivation, job design principles, performance management and occupational health and safety. You will research and develop a proposal that management can implement to enhance corporate employee engagement.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 234, HR 234CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 236

Organizational Change

You will develop strategies and processes related to creating and fostering an evolving workplace culture that supports innovation, change, quality and learning. You will also explore your own attitude toward change as a means of understanding that of employees. The result of this approach to organizational change will be harmony between the organization’s needs and employee’s expectations while remaining consistent with the organization’s business plan in a competitive and changing environment. The course content emphasizes the importance of implementing change in the proper sequence of events and interactions.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 236, HR 236CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

Electives (Must take two)

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ADMN 206

Leadership Development

Through obtaining an understanding of organizational and personal leadership principles and practices, you will develop your own philosophies about leading and following in the workplace. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to pursue your own leadership development through self-reflection and the development of a leadership development action plan. Key topics include: strengths-based leadership, leadership ethics, embracing diversity and inclusion, developing core leadership skills, developing others, and empowering followers.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 206CE, MGMT 124
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

ADMN 224

Entrepreneurship

You will learn the specifics of organizing and opening a small business, including legislation, licenses, types of businesses and location. The course will end with an assignment that performs all the steps up to the opening of your business including the development of a Business Plan.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): MKTG 120
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 224CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

FIN 225

Relationship Building

You will develop techniques to improve your presence and effectiveness in client interactions by applying the key elements of the communication process. You will learn communication modes, perceptions and techniques, including body language. You will learn to tailor these communication applications to the reality of the financial services industry.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 233

Labour Relations

Your studies will focus on labour relations, including union certification procedures, union structure, managing in unionized environments, applicable legislation affecting labour relations, collective bargaining, dispute resolution methods, and recent developments in the labour relations field. You will be encouraged to discuss and debate labour relations issues, to critically evaluate case studies and to monitor and report on current labour relations events. Through intensive simulations and experiential exercises, you will develop practical skills and abilities to reach a collective bargaining agreement.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 233, HR 233CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

HR 235

Collective Bargaining and Interest-Based Negotiations

Through intensive simulations and experiential exercises, you will develop practical skills and abilities necessary to reach a collective agreement. The course includes an introduction to the collective bargaining process, where you will gain an awareness of the theory, models, and legal framework.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 235
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Televised/SCN

HR 237

Wellness in the Workplace

Your studies will focus on an overview of occupational health and safety systems as it relates to Human Resources responsibility. You will examine societal and organizational aspects, core principles, essential elements, a variety of legislation, psychological hazards, probability and severity of risk, disability management, duty to accommodate, and Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Televised/SCN

MKTG 223

Marketing Research

You will explore the importance of marketing research in decision making. You will discover and apply the marketing research process to develop a basic marketing research report. Topics of study include: research design, qualitative and quantitative data gathering methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis using statistical software.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): MKTG 223CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Lecture/Theory, Online

MKTG 225

Public Relations

You will learn basic public relations theory and practice including public relations writing, media relations, and crisis management. You will gain knowledge in the nature of publicity and learn how to get favorable public attention using news releases, interviews, events, and press conferences. You will also study the role of the CMA (Canadian Marketing Association) in providing ethical guidelines for professional conduct, and learn about the responsibilities of working within the marketing field.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

MKTG 226

Strategic Marketing

You will use a decision-making approach to apply marketing concepts. You will develop the skills and knowledge to engage clients and marketing professionals in strategic discussions and to make presentations. Your studies will include opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to make the decisions necessary for marketing strategy formulation, implementation, and control.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Lecture/Theory, Online

MKTG 227

Digital Media

You will explore the role of digital media in the marketing and promotion strategies of a business. Your studies will examine the relationship between market research, audience identification and digital marketing strategy. You will create business content designed to create interest and engagement in a business. You will learn how to establish metrics and build assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of your digital media marketing strategy.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 203, MKTG 227CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

MKTG 228

Project Management

You will develop the skills and techniques required to make an effective contribution to, and have an immediate impact on, successful projects. You will develop the knowledge required to initiate, plan, execute, control and close projects. You will gain a working knowledge of MS Project software and be able to use it to schedule, budget and control projects.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 64.0
Equivalent Course(s): ECON 222, MKTG 228CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

NOTE: Students must also take one of BCOM 105 or BCOM 120.

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships