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Program Overview
The Human Resources (HR) department supports organizational effectiveness by valuing employees, encouraging engagement, and helping individuals perform to their full potential.
Whether you're new to human resources or want to improve and expand your skills, a Human Resources Certificate offers essential knowledge for recruiting and keeping extraordinary talent.
As a student in the Human Resources Certificate program, you'll learn to:
- Create an organizational workforce plan to include recruitment and retention of employees
- Develop and execute training programs
- Examine and manage organizational compensation programs, including salary, retirement savings, bonuses and insurance
- Incorporate employment law into business practices
- Facilitate effective employee-employer relations, including relations with regulatory and labor organizations
Three Flexible Options to Advance Your HR Skills
In order to best fill your education needs, Madison College offers three 12-credit options for the Human Resources Certificate.
Option 1: Choose Your Own Series
With nine courses to choose from, select twelve (12) credits that best fit your career goals and interests in human resources.
- 10116145 Intro to Human Resources (3 credits)
- 10116147 Wage, Salary, and Benefits Administration (3 credits)
- 10116148 Employee Relations (3 credits)
- 10116149 Effective Staffing (3 credits)
- 10116152 Organizational Training and Development (3 credits)
- 10116168 Employment Law (3 credits)
- 10102143 Organizational Management (3 credits)
- 10101154 Payroll Accounting (1 credit)
- 10106109 Business Spreadsheet Applications (3 credits)

Human Resources certificate classes are offered 100% online, or you can mix and match online and in-person classes. Option 2: Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
This course series explores the key stages of the hiring process. Modules will emphasize company culture, legal compliance, job analysis procedures, selection methods and best practices to attract top candidates. Earning an AB or better overall earns you a digital badge to add to your resume and professional social media accounts.
- 10116145 Intro to Human Resources (3 credits)
- 10116149 Effective Staffing (3 credits)
- 10102143 Organizational Management (3 credits)
- 10116168 Employment Law (3 credits)
Option 3: Employee Training and Talent Development
Increasingly, employees are looking for ways to develop professional skills and grow within their workplaces. And employers are looking for ways to offer those opportunities. This series will teach you how to help your team gain new skills, reach your company's goals and follow company guidelines. You will also see how good leaders and a positive work environment can make the workplace better for everyone and help the whole team succeed. Earning an AB or better overall earns you a digital badge to add to your resume and professional social media accounts.
- 10116145 Intro to HR (3 credits)
- 10116149 Effective Staffing (3 credits)
- 10102143 Organizational Management (3 credits)
- 10116152 Organizational Training and Development (3 credits)
Earn a Digital Badge

Example of a verifiable digital badge you share on LinkedIn and other platforms. Stackable Credential
Human Resource Certificate credits can be used toward earning your associate degree in Human Resource Management.
Program Details
The Madison College Human Resources certificate program is designed with busy professionals in mind. Students can attend full or part time. While some classes are held in person, this degree can be completed 100% online.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Select at least 12 credits from the following options:10-102-143Organizational Management
Learn why results and relationships are key to effective management, in the context of the traditional managerial elements of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Apply techniques for problem solving, critical thinking, decision-making, delegation, motivation, change management, and political savvy behavior to case studies, simulations, and activities. Self-assess Emotional Intelligence (EI) and apply techniques to improve EI. Manage tasks while working independently and/or remotely.3 credits10-101-154Payroll Accounting
This course introduces the student to the many aspects of payroll accounting, administration, and management. The course is intended for accounting students, other business students and outside professionals who have a need or interest in understanding the laws and regulations, the calculations (including all payroll taxes), the government reporting and the accounting entries related to the payroll function.1 credit10-106-109Business Spreadsheet Applications
Create professional, data-driven workbooks using Microsoft Excel. Develop skills with formulas, functions, worksheet formatting, charts, tables, conditional formatting, multiple worksheets and workbooks, templates, data validation, worksheet protection, and macros. Import and cleanse data, perform what-if analysis using Scenario Manager, Data Tables, and Solver, and complete loan amortization, investment analysis, and asset depreciation calculations.3 credits10-116-145Introduction to Human Resources
This course explores the basics of human management including strategic human resource planning, issues in human resources, planning, equal employee opportunity, analyzing and staffing jobs, training and development, and global and international employment.3 credits10-116-147Wage, Salary & Benefits Admin
This course focuses on basic systems and plans of compensation for employees including merit pay, incentive pay, and person focused pay. This course also covers principal techniques in the development and administration of employee benefit programs.3 credits10-116-148Employee Relations
This course includes assessing the organizational culture, employee rights and discipline, union-management including negotiation and conflict resolution techniques, and applying DEI concepts to foster an inclusive organizational culture.3 credits10-116-149Effective Staffing
This course provides a comprehensive approach to planning for organizational staffing, including position analysis, job descriptions, job postings, selections methods and onboarding. It will also employ a wide range of recruiting and selection methods and identifying onboarding procedures.3 credits10-116-152Organizational Training and Development
This course offers an overview of training and development in organizations. Students will have opportunities to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training methods. They will learn effective techniques for training, creating job aids, and designing classroom/virtual instruction. The course also introduces adult learning styles and training effectiveness.3 credits10-116-168Employment Law
This course explores employment laws that are relevant to human resources functions. Identify laws that impact employment relations, explore solutions to human resource issues, and identify situations to determine if other legal resources are required.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Human Resources Certificate career.
Whether you are seeking career advancement or a professional transition, a Human Resources certificate offers a practical way to enhance your qualifications and add to your skill set.
Human Resources Certificate
Program Number: 901161CERT
Your Degree: Certificate
Estimated Time to Complete: 12 Credits | Finish in 1 semester
Delivery Method: 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Business
Estimated Program Cost: $2,202.44
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