Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Talent Management is a fully online program that focuses on recruiting strategies, employee benefits, compensation, performance management, and more. This 9-credit certificate can be completed at your own pace and is designed to deliver immediate value.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing you to complete your coursework at your own pace.
• The application deadline is December 1 to start January 12.
• The program consists of 9 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program offers stackable credentials, allowing you to earn up to three certificates on your way to a master's degree.

Program Objectives

• Articulate the impact of business strategy, labor markets, recruiting, selection, and analytics on staffing practices.
• Attract, retain, and cultivate valuable and diverse talent by developing a total rewards strategy and positive workplace environment.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in staffing and human capital management to effectively manage the employment life cycle.
• Assess the knowledge and skill development needs of an organization and design effective training programs to drive growth and change.
• Explore contemporary human resource topics in the context of organizational strategy, planning, and responsibility.

Required Courses

• HRER 505: Seminar in Human Resources (3 credits)
  • Current human resource topics in the context of organizational strategy, planning, and responsibility.

Elective Courses

• HRER 824: Total Rewards (3 credits)
  • This course covers one of the main functional areas of Human Resource Management, total rewards, and prepares students to be effective compensation and benefits professionals.
• HRER 826: Talent Management (3 credits)
  • This course covers one of the main functional areas of Human Resource Management, staffing, and prepares students to be effective staffing professionals.
• HRER 827: Talent Development (3 credits)
  • This course covers one of the main functional areas of Human Resource Management, training and development, and prepares students to be effective training and development professionals.

Career Opportunities

• The knowledge gained from this program can be used to pursue careers in a variety of HR disciplines, including:
  • Recruiting and talent acquisition
  • Organizational or workforce development
  • Training
  • Benefits administration
  • Compensation
  • HR or people analytics

Admissions Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• A 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale).
• Official transcripts from each institution attended.
• English proficiency (if applicable).

Faculty

• The program is offered in partnership with the nationally recognized Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations.
• The faculty includes highly regarded researchers and practitioners of strategic HR management, employment relations, labor studies, and organizational leadership.
• Some of the faculty members include:
  • Elaine Farndale, Director, School of Labor and Employment Relations
  • Brian Redmond, Lead Faculty
  • Akram Al Ariss, Faculty
  • Roland L. Bessette, Faculty
  • Carol Cameron, Faculty
  • Jerry Carbo, Faculty
  • Jeanne Charles, Faculty
  • Steve Greenblatt, Faculty
  • Michael Pepe, Faculty
  • Timothy Shick, Faculty
  • Rex Simpson, Faculty
  • Banci Tewolde, Faculty
  • Maja Vidović, Faculty

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year:
  • 11 or fewer credits: $1,037 per credit
  • 12 or more credits: $12,448 per semester
• Tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year:
  • 11 or fewer credits: $1,048 per credit
  • 12 or more credits: $12,572 per semester
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid.
• Private alternative loans may be an option to consider.
• Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments.