Program description
As a professional interested in the concept of learning organizations, you see opportunities to learn on every level. And you know that developing your own approach to human resources management is part of that learning.
With the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Management, you'll gain the skills to be more effective as a human resources professional. You'll also gain the tactical understanding it takes to know how to use those skills in your organization, and with diverse workforces.
In this program, you’ll explore emerging perspectives about effective HR and change strategies. You’ll consider the problems, prospects and challenges of leading change. And you’ll discover how you can lead your organization to develop and maintain adaptive systems. By looking at various change models, you’ll learn what makes an effective change strategy, and what can get in its way.
You’ll also build your change leadership abilities through coaching. With hands-on practice in coaching individuals and teams, you'll build skills to lead change in a meaningful way—and help your organization meet its goals. And you'll improve resilience, creativity and performance for individuals in the change cycle.
You can build from here
When you successfully complete this program you have career advancing options:
- You can apply for advanced standing in Royal Roads University’s MBA program, and have a portion of the MBA tuition fee waived. You can also transfer 9 credits into the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies or the MA in Tourism Management.
Focus on one thing at a time
- You can take any two of the courses from the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Management as part of our General Studies program. You can transfer credit from these courses to certificates, diplomas and degree programs later if you decide to take your studies further.
Program outcomes
Once you have completed this program, you will have skills like change leadership, coaching and other strategies that are transferable to your human resources work across industries.
Program delivery
This program is delivered through a blend of online learning and on-campus residencies.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
You’ll take one online course at a time for a period of nine weeks each. Each online course requires approximately 15-20 hours of work per week.
Your first course consists of two weeks of online learning leading to a five-day on-campus residency.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Residency
This program has a five-day residency in the third week, and concludes with a final three-day on-campus session.
Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
Faculty
Transfer agreements
Refine results
Admission to this program is based on the applicant’s balance of work and life experience, including volunteer and community activities, practical experience or related training.
Standard admission
- Completion of either an undergraduate four-year (or comparable) degree or a graduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Normally, at least three years of relevant full-time work experience.
Flexible admission
- To be considered for Flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least five years of extensive, relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Management applicants as outlined below:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.
In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
Your personal statement should be approximately one page in length and should outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resource Management will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the letters of reference to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, why s/he feels you will succeed in the program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned (professional, academic, personal, volunteer, etc).
Detailed résumé
Your detailed résumé should include the following:
- Education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service.
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.