Human Resources Director's Certificate - Overview

The HR Director's Certificate HRDC1
A nine-credit online graduate program from Cornell University

Take charge of your career with this practical, business-driven approach to HR leadership.

The HR Director's Certificate (HRDC) is an elite online program from Cornell University's ILR School and eCornell that takes an engaging, business-driven approach to human resources. In addition to mastering a range of powerful HR strategies, participants who complete the program enter a distinguished group of professionals who are making an impact on their organizations as well as the HR field at large.

What are the benefits of the HRDC?

HR professionals who complete this certificate program earn nine graduate credits and are:

• Equipped to lead the HR departments within their respective organizations
• Prepared to leverage their position in HR to drive business results
• Familiar with practical HR leadership strategies
• Able to identify and maximize employee talent
• Positioned for higher salary potential (on average, HR directors earn 42% more than HR managers)

Enroll in the HRDC today to:

• Position yourself to take advantage of greater career opportunities – both now and in the future
• Improve your HR knowledge, critical leadership skills and job performance
• Stand out from the crowd with a prestigious and recognized HR credential
• Improve job security by increasing your contribution and overall value to your organization

Who should enroll in this program?

• HR Managers pursuing a promotion to HR Director
• HR Generalists looking to acquire advanced skills in HR management
• HR Specialists looking to broaden their understanding across a range of HR topics including employee relations, engaging talent and HR strategy

How It Works 

The HRDC is offered completely online. An accelerated schedule allows students to complete the four courses in the program in as little as four or five months. However, students may take as long as 18 months to complete the program.

The HRDC consists of four main components:

• The Portfolio Project: Application into Practice
• Emerging and Advanced HR MasterCourses
• Leadership MasterCourses
• ILR Faculty Webcasts

Program Credits

Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate from Cornell University’s ILR School. The nine graduate credits earned in the certificate program may be transferred to the Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR) Program or the Master of Professional Studies-Ithaca (MPS-Ithaca) Program.*

* Admittance into ILR Graduate programs is not guaranteed; students must apply and be accepted into the specific program to which they are applying. If admitted to the MILR or MPS-Ithaca Program, credits may be applied as elective credit with the approval of the Graduate Committee. The credits are not transferable to the MPS-NYC Program.

Additional Benefits

All HRDC participants are encouraged to take advantage of eCornell’s career services, an integrated offering of workshops, webinars and other powerful resources designed to help you make the most of your certificate. Learn how to prepare a high-impact resume and cover letter, promote your newly acquired skills, and access eCornell’s extensive alumni network for online social support and specialized employment opportunities.