# Seeking to Transition to Human Resources - Which School?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-to-transition-to-human-resources-which-school/620093>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [April 27, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-to-transition-to-human-resources-which-school/620093 "2012-04-27T01:24:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gly80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a87d85/32.png) [@gly80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gly80)\
**Post date:** [April 27, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-to-transition-to-human-resources-which-school/620093/1 "2012-04-27T01:24:53Z")

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Hello,

Previously, I was an Executive Assistant and Office Manager. I was laid off in 2010. I have been researching Master Certifcate in Human Resources Management programs, and I have narrowed it down to two institutions - Cornell University and Villanova University.

Cornell is rated #1 by HR Professionals, however, Villanova’s program seems to be MUCH more comprehensive offering a foundation and courses in the very basics of HR Management.

I do not have any real experience in HR, nor do I have knowledge of it’s practices. I also do not hold any other degrees, however I did attend a technical school years ago where I was enrolled in a business management course. I do plan on obtaining my PHR after I complete whichever course I take.

Which program would you recommend to me?

I have listed the programs for both institutions below. Please see the attachment links beside the main courses for a syllibus of that course. Both courses are priced about the same ($200 difference).

Cornell Master Certificate in HR Management is comprised of:  
Human Resources Management Course - [Cornell HR Management Course](http://www.ecornell.com/certificate-programs/human-resources-management-training/master-certificate-in-human-resources/crt/ILRHRMC2/)  
AND  
Two Electives:  
Human Capital Management  
Employee Relations  
SPHR/PHR Prep Course  
Villanova Master Certificate in HR Management is comprised of:  
Human Resources Management Course - [VillanovaU HR Management Course](http://www.universityalliance.com/Info1/Curriculum/Villanova/HumanResource/HumanResourceManagement.pdf)  
Organizational Effectiveness Course - [VU Organizational Effectiveness Course](http://www.universityalliance.com/info1/Curriculum/Villanova/HumanResource/MasteringOrganizationalEffectiveness.pdf)  
AND  
Two Electives:  
Essentials of Project Management  
Maximizing Team Effectiveness  
Strategic Organizational Leadership Newly Updated!  
Finance & Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager  
Essentials of ROI Methodology  
Essentials of Business Analysis Newly Updated!  
Essentials of IS Security  
Essentials of Commercial Contract Management  
Essentials of Government Contract Management  
Six Sigma Green Belt  
Lean Six Sigma  
Six Sigma Green Belt-Healthcare  
Six Sigma Green Belt-Financial Services  
After reviewing both programs, I’m sure you can understand my concern. It seems as though Cornell’s program is tailored to those who are already HR professionals, or who have a foundation such as a Bachelor’s in HR Management, however, the enrollment specialist claims otherwise.

There are more electives listed on Cornell’s site, however, the rep told me my options are the three listed. Also, please notice that many of the electives Cornell offers are included in Villanova’s course.

What do you think?