Your questions are likely to be shared by others who are interested in the program. For your convenience, We have included answers to some of the most common questions here.
Q1. How long does it take to complete the program?
A. The HRM certificate program is designed to be completed in one year. (See Q10 for details on course scheduling.) Applicants who expect to need more time to complete their coursework will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q2. How many courses are in the program?
A. There are nine courses in the program: eight required courses plus one elective. In order to earn the certificate, participants must earn at a grade of at least 2.0 (C) in each course and maintain a grade point average of at least 2.7 (B-) across all nine courses.
Q3. How much does the program cost?
A. For those starting the HRM certificate program in Fall 2008, the total cost of completing the program will be approximately $3,590. This figure includes the $130 per unit tuition for the courses, plus a nonrefundable application fee ($25) and materials.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change on a term-by-term basis.
Q4. When and where are the courses held?
A. For the 2008-2009 academic year, HRM courses will be held on Wednesday evenings and occasional Saturdays on campus as well as online. (For more information on online learning, see Q11.)
Q5. What are the requirements for acceptance into the program?
A. Participants must have a high school degree or equivalent, plus at least one year of human resources, payroll, safety, supervisory or other relevant work experience.
Q6. Can I take HRM courses without enrolling in the certificate program?
A. Yes.
Q7. If I take courses now and later apply to the program, will those courses count toward my certificate?
A. Yes.
Q8. Who are the instructors?
A. Our HRM certificate program instructors are working professionals with extensive experience in human resources and related fields. See our instructors page for additional information.
Q9. What are the SPHR and PHR designations seen after the names of your instructors?
A. The SPHR and PHR designations are nationally recognized professional designations in the human resources field. These designations are granted to professionals who have passed a challenging qualifying exam administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute. For information on exam dates and locations, visit the HCRI Web site.
Q10. Do I need to take HRM certificate program classes in a particular sequence?
A. No. Each course is designed to stand alone. However, in order to complete the program in one year, you will need to take “required courses” that are offered each term, and select one “elective course” during only one of the terms.
Course Sequence Options:
Option 1 (with a Summer elective course)– Participants take three classes each term for three terms.
Option 2 (with a Fall elective course)– Participants take four Fall classes, three Spring classes and two Summer classes.
Option 3 (with a Spring elective course)– Participants take three Fall classes, four Spring classes and two Summer classes.
NOTE: For assistance in selecting the completion schedule that best suits your needs, please contact Judy Sadat, HRM program coordinator, (818) 677-3332.
Q11. If some of the courses are taught online, how will I learn to work online?
A. Before the start of each term, at least two online-learning orientations will be held to familiarize HRM certificate students with the online learning tools, expectations and environment
Q12. What if I need additional support after the orientations?
One of the strengths of CSUN’s professional development certificate programs is the quality and accessibility of our student support. Both the HRM certificate program manager jesse.knepper@csun.edu and program director Jennifer.kalfsbeek@csun.edu will be available during normal business hours to provide technical and academic support to participants as needed.
Q13. Can the HRM courses be taken on a pass/no pass basis – or can they be audited?
A. No, these courses must be taken for a letter grade (A-F). Students are awarded continuing education units (CEUs) for each completed course.
Q14. Will these courses be offered anywhere other than the Northridge campus?
A. At this time, no HRM certificate program courses are scheduled off-campus. However, starting in Fall 2008, several classes will be offered fully online.
Moreover, if your organization has a group of people to train, we can custom-design the HRM certificate program and deliver the training at your location. For more information please contact the program director: (818) 677-5943.
Q15. Can credits earned at another institution be transferred toward my CSUN certificate in HRM?
A. No. The CSUN certificate is awarded only to students who have successfully completed all of our XHRM courses.
Q16. What if I want to take a course, but my schedule won't allow me to attend every class meeting?
A. We understand that not every student will be able to attend every session. Our instructors will work with you when illness, professional obligations or emergencies keep you from class. It’s always a good idea to check with the instructor regarding attendance requirements before you enroll. Once the course is under way, be sure to discuss any foreseeable absences with the instructor.
Q17. How much homework does each course require?
A. Our curriculum standards are academically rigorous. Depending on the individual course and instructor, students will be assigned readings, research papers and projects, oral class presentations, and in-class and take-home exams. Because most of our students are busy professionals with families, we have incorporated online learning into our program, so that participants can do their coursework at home, while traveling or even during lunch breaks at work. The above schedules (see Q10) are designed to enable participants to take as many as four courses in a single term without compromising their ability to fulfill professional and personal obligations.
If you feel that you are not doing well in a particular course, please discuss your concerns with the instructor and/or the program director Jennifer.kalfsbeek@csun.edu as soon as possible. Don't wait until the course is over.
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8434 / Phone: 866-873-6439 / © 2007 The Tseng College, CSUN
