SDSU's HR Certificate Program Helps Students Build Careers in Popular Field

SDSU’s College of Extended Studies offers a Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management in a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects to have a 15.5 percent employment increase through 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This equates to 35,400 new jobs for HR training specialists during that time, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The first course of 2016 in SDSU’s certificate program, Introduction to Human Resources, starts Jan. 7. Students can complete all eight courses in the program to earn a certificate, or take only the courses they need.

“Not one class goes by that I don’t come into our office and check a manual or policy to see if we can do it better,” said student Kelli Dole, executive assistant to the president & CEO at Awarepoint.

Whether a student is new to HR or an accomplished professional, the HR certificate program through SDSU helps them advance their career by acquiring necessary skills to succeed.

“The program provided much more than I expected,” said William Oates, NPO/Training Manager for Centerplate at Qualcomm Stadium. “It improved my current work performance, and added to my creativity and quest to continue learning. Each instructor contributed to my confidence, and I can see that I can make my professional goals. Overall, it has been a great experience.”

The need for HR professionals is further illustrated by the fact that every company – no matter how small or large – must provide human resources functions. Many of those functions have been streamlined, creating a need for professionals who can hire, train, manage, retain, and develop the workforce.

Dari DeSousa, senior work environment manager for Marriott International, teaches students HR skills through her Talent Acquisition course and team teaching with fellow Marriott employee Dawn Myers in the Compensation course.

“I love teaching and developing people to help them in their careers and to be amazing leaders,” said DeSousa.

For more information, visit neverstoplearning.net/hr, email hr-ces@sdsu.edu, or call (619) 594-2193.

SDSU’s College of Extended Studies reaches out to San Diego, the nation, and the world with a wide variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and more than 50 certificate programs for career advancement. Topics range from contract management, construction, and craft beer, to grant writing, marketing, and human resources. And many programs are available online. The CES also offers one of the largest ESL programs in the U.S. through the American Language Institute; and university-quality courses to students age 50 and better through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Other opportunities include seminars, study abroad, corporate education and access to regular SDSU classes through Open University. For more information or to register, visit neverstoplearning.net or call (619) 265-7378 (SDSU).