Discover Our Career-Focused Human Resource Programs
Our online Human Resource (HR) course offerings can help you build a solid foundation in management skills, successfully solve complex HR issues, and qualify for the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) certification.
Offered in partnership with Educate 360 and New Horizons, a SHRM Distributor, our easy-to-access courses are designed for busy professionals. You don’t need to enroll as a George Mason student to take Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) courses, and you can sign up for some courses within a few days of their start dates. Most courses do not require prior experience, making Mason’s programs accessible to everyone.
Learn more about the rich online learning experiences available exclusively from Virginia’s largest research university.
About Mason’s Partnership With Educate 360 and New Horizons
George Mason University has partnered with the top human resource educators nationally to ensure our courses follow the SHRM principles and guidelines. You’ll have access to the most up-to-date knowledge and exam preparation tools available.
Our Flexible Programs Are Made For Everyone
- Access 100% online courses
- Choose from multiple delivery options
- Interact with experts in real-time
- Pursue SHRM certification
- Gain digital badge credentials
- Top University for Non-Traditional Students1
Explore Our Human Resource Management Certificate
Offered in partnership with Educate 360 and New Horizons, a SHRM Distributor, our certificate covers real-life HR issues such as employment law, selection of qualified employees, compensation, employee performance processes, and much more. Students also learn key information to stay on track with compliance issues.
Pursue Advanced Credentials
George Mason’s HR certificate program prepares graduates for nationally recognized exams as they bring their experience to roles in nearly every industry. The certificate program can help prepare you for the following:
Take Part in Live, Interactive Human Resource Sessions
Online | 5 Days | $3,495
Earning an SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential makes you more competitive as a recognized expert and leader in the HR field. This professional distinction sets you apart from your colleagues, proving your high level of knowledge and skills and making you an even more valuable asset to your organization.
Students who complete this course will be able to identify and build upon their areas of strength while also determining which topics they should dedicate further concentrated study to in preparation for their exam.
This course is offered in partnership with Educate 360/New Horizons, a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Distributor. The SHRM is the world’s largest HR membership organization devoted to human resource management.
Request InfoIndividual Human Resource Management Course
Choose the course delivery option that works best for you. The course is offered in a live format.
Explore Human Resource Management Fundamentals
Online | 2 Days | $1,390 | 1 Course
Gain the critical knowledge necessary to help reduce costs, avoid potential lawsuits, and improve your ability to handle challenging HR issues. This course is ideal for students who are just beginning a career in HR.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Build a solid foundation in human resource management.
- Discuss key pieces of federal legislation that impact HR.
- Understand the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and its investigatory process.
- Improve your employee recruitment and selection process to help avoid legal pitfalls.
- Understand the importance of effectively communicating base pay, incentive compensation, and benefits information to staff at all levels.
- Gain knowledge of employee orientation, onboarding, and training and development.
- Learn the processes, methods, and purpose of performance appraisals.
This course is offered in partnership with Educate 360/New Horizons, a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Distributor. The SHRM is the world’s largest HR membership organization devoted to human resource management.
Request InfoEarn Micro-Credentials
Digital badges from George Mason University’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) programs prove you’ve mastered essential skills. These widely recognized badges give you an impressive advantage — your verified skills can help you stand out among applicants.
Each time you complete a course with a digital badge, you can access and add it to your resume and LinkedIn page. Our badges include a URL that links to an outline of your accomplishments so employers can quickly discover your professional abilities.
Earn a digital badge within weeks or months, depending on the course. The available badge for this program is the Human Resource Management Certificate.

Join a Growing Network at George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility.
Gain a High-Quality Education with GMU
With George Mason University Continuing and Professional Education, you can earn credentials in a way that fits your life. Online learning lets you take exceptional classes in a convenient format. There are minimal face-to-face meetings, so students can learn at home, while stationed abroad, or while traveling.
Learn More Today!
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- College Factual. “Top 10 Schools for Non-Traditional Learners.” March 1, 2019. Retrieved Feb. 14, 2024, from https://collegefactual.com/.