Human Resource Management Certificate Program

The Human Resource Management Certificate program provides working professionals with the essential skills they need to manage human capital using the rich resources of one of the world's leading business schools.

In courses lasting as little as two semesters, 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 course work in business or human resources. Courses are held in the evenings in state-of-the-art teaching facilities at Jon M. Huntsman Hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. During the spring and fall, classes meet one evening a week. Summer classes meet two evenings per week.

Faculty members are appointed by the Wharton departments for their subject area expertise and their ability to maximize the learning and networking opportunities that can arise from across a select, highly motivated group of professionals.


Curriculum Structure

The Human Resource Management Certificate Program consists of four courses that span the business disciplines:

During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet one evening per week, and participants can take one or two courses. In the summer, classes meet two evenings per week, and participants may enroll in one class per session. The certificate can be completed in as little as two regular semesters or in one regular semester and two summer sessions. All courses earn post-baccalaureate credits from the University of Pennsylvania.

Classes are taught by Wharton professors and industry executives who are chosen for their subject expertise, teaching skills, and ability to offer networking opportunities to course participants.


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.
  • Working professionals with nonbusiness degrees who want to take business courses before applying to an MBA program.
  • Entrepreneurs who want to learn about human resource management.

Benefits

  • Acquiring essential skills for the management of human capital.
  • Gaining a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics.
  • Establishing a new network of professional contacts across a range of industries.
  • Attending classes at state-of-the-art teaching facilities in Wharton's Jon M. Huntsman Hall.
  • Being awarded graded, post-baccalaureate credits from the University of Pennsylvania.


Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Completed their undergraduate degree, with a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Three or more years of work experience.

Qualified applicants must submit:

  • Completed application
  • Current résumé
  • Entrance essays
  • Official college transcripts
  • $70 application fee
  • Two recommendation letters

Applicants should apply online using the following link: WPWP application.

Supporting materials such as transcripts should be sent to the address listed below.


Application Deadlines

Applicants must submit applications by:

  • For the Summer session II beginning July 7, 2008: no later than May 23**(Extended to June 6, 2008)
  • For the Fall term beginning September 3, 2008: no later than August 15
  • For the Spring term beginning January 14, 2009: no later than November 28

**For the Saturday Business Essentials Certificate Program, the Summer session begins May 31, 2008 and ends August 23, 2008. All materials must have been received by the Summer I deadline of May 2, 2008.**

For international applicants, deadlines are:

  • For the Fall term beginning September 3, 2008: no later than July 11
  • For the Spring term beginning January 14, 2009: no later than October 31


Fees

Fees for the 2008-09 academic year will be $2,893* per course.

* Includes $78 tech fee not charged during the summer sessions. Tuition is subject to change.

WPWP certificate courses receive full post-baccalaureate accreditation from the University of Pennsylvania and so often qualify for most companies' tuition assistance programs. In addition, Penn offers loan programs, details of which are available at www.sfs.upenn.edu.


Contact Us

For more information, or to apply, please contact:

Wharton Programs for Working Professionals
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
255 South 38th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104.6359
215.898.2888 phone
215.386.4304 fax
wharton-wpwp@wharton.upenn.edu

 

© 2008 University of Pennsylvania