What is Human Resources Management?
The Human Resources department is an essential business unit that focuses on supporting people, so they can accomplish organizational goals and contribute to the success of the organization. Primary activities include recruiting, hiring, compensation, training, and development.
Human Resources serve as an umbrella for many functions including the following:
- Benefits - administration of medical, dental and retirement plans, as well other programs such as educational assistance.
- Compensation - development of a wage and salary program and variable pay systems such as bonuses and stock options, job analysis, job evaluations and performance management.
- Labor Relations - working with labor unions in areas such as bargaining, mediation, and contract administration, or participation in the grievance process.
- Employee Relations - Depending upon the size of the organization, this might involve employee events, conflict resolution, employment law, diversity, discrimination, or other general employee issues.
- Training - coaching managers and supervisors, one-on-one career development, or organizational development.
- Recruitment - advertising, screening, and hiring qualified individuals into the workforce.
- Health, Safety, and Security - Risk Management, Worker's Compensation, and OSHA compliance.
Working in any one of the above areas qualifies you as a Human Resources Specialist. Having expertise in all areas means that you are a Human Resources Generalist. The trend today is toward cross-functional skills -
Generalist.
What does the future look like in this field?
According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HR, Training, and Labor Relations managers and specialists is projected to grow by 17% between 2006 and 2016. Employers are very selective, however, in hiring individuals with the right mix of educational and workplace competencies. Today, organizations are delivering their human resources services differently, with more emphasis on customer service, leadership and business skills, and strong interpersonal skills. Due to high turnover, retirement, and restructuring in this economy, recruiting talented people is also a key priority.
What does BCC offer in Human Resources Management?
- We offer a non-credit certificate in Human Resources Management through our Continuing Education Division. In this program, you may either take individual courses that interest you or complete the full certificate program.
- For seasoned HR professionals we offer selected Continuing Education courses that qualify for PHRŽ/SPHRŽ re-certification units.
- A Human Resources Assistant credit certificate is offered through our General Business Division.
Can I get college credits for my certificate?
We do offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and clock hours. Since our programs are offered through the Continuing Education Division, we do not offer college credits. For many people in the professional world-particularly those who already hold a college degree-a current professional certificate has proven to be of more value than another academic degree that may take several years to complete and be less directed toward "hands-on" knowledge.
Who should take this program?
- HR professionals who want to update, refresh, or add to their knowledge base
- HR professionals in small organizations who want a broader perspective
- HR professionals who want to advance their careers
- Managers or supervisors who need HR skills and knowledge
- Career changers who want to prepare for the HR profession
How will obtaining this certificate benefit me?
The HR Management Certificate can be earned within a short time period, and classes are offered at convenient times. The courses are taught by talented practitioners and consultants with direct experience in the field. BCC also offers electives courses in related programs-Non-profit Management, Communication, and Leadership-to meet your professional development needs. A certificate is worthwhile in demonstrating to your employer your expanded knowledge in the Human Resources field and will certainly prove a worthwhile credential for future employers.
How do I get started in this program?
There are no prerequisites for registration. Anyone with an interest in enhancing skills is welcome. Just
register for the courses you want.
What courses should I take?
Everyone should start with Human Resources Today, which is the introductory course that gives an overview of an HR Management career. Other required core courses and electives may be taken in any sequence. The
HR Certificate Planning Guide offers recommended sequencing. Electives should be chosen from areas that interest you personally, or from areas where you feel you need more skills and knowledge.
How long will it take for me to receive a certificate?
Upon completion of 105 course hours including 75 hours of core courses, you will receive the Human Resources Management Certificate from BCC. Students usually take two or more classes per quarter. Most classes are four or five weeks long and conveniently offered once a week. One-day seminars are also offered. The overall time you need to complete the final certificate will depend on which courses you select and how many you take each quarter. Students typically complete the certificate in three quarters, but you may take as long as you need.
What will it cost to complete a certificate program?
You pay for classes as you take them so the total cost of a certificate will depend on which classes you choose. The total cost usually runs between $2,100 - $2,400.
How do I get my final certificate?
Once you have met the requirements, you can contact the Program Manager at 425-564-3172 or
kmmcconah@bellevuecollege.edu to receive the HR exit interview forms. Your certificate will be mailed once we have confirmed that you have met the requirements.
Is your program affiliated with SHRM?
- SHRM is the Society for Human Resources Management, the national professional organization for HR. Our program was developed with Advisory Board members who are members of SHRM, and many instructors are PHRŽ (Professional in Human Resources) or SPHRŽ (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certified professionals.
- HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) is the education and certification body for SHRM. Since BCC is an HRCI Approved Provider, many of our classes also qualify for PHR/SPHR re-certification units.
For more information, visit the SHRM website. The local chapters for SHRM are: Lake Washington, Northwest, Seattle, and South Seattle..
Does BCC give SHRM (PHRŽ, SPHRŽ, and GPHRŽ )Certification Exams?
No, these exams are administered by SHRM. The Lake Washington chapter provides a comprehensive certification exam preparation course. Information regarding the SHRM certification exams is available on their website.
Will BCC help me get a job?
While Continuing Education does not have a formal job placement service connected with this program, we do sometimes learn of positions for which our students might be qualified. For this reason, you should update the Program Manager with new contact information.
BCC Main Campus has an active Career Center that offers classes on job search skills, posts job openings, and has an active Internship Program. Check out their web site at
http://bellevuecollege.edu/careers.
Can I expect any changes or additions to these programs?
Definitely. Human Resources is an ever-evolving profession. We are constantly on the lookout for courses to add to our curriculum to keep it up to date. Our programs are designed to allow us to respond quickly to changing needs in the business community.
