What is Human Resources Management?
Human Resources Management (HRM) is a set of interrelated organizational functions and processes including staffing the organization, designing jobs and teams, training and developing skilled employees, assessing and rewarding employee performance, and maintaining and retaining employees.
Today’s organizations realize their most powerful asset and competitive advantage is their people. To that end, great effort is taken to cultivate a better understanding and infrastructure for employees so that organizations can succeed.
The function of human resources is ever-growing in its complexity and professionals in the human resources management field play a critical role in adding value to the strategic direction and culture of an organization. These professionals ensure organizations are effective and efficient when attracting, developing, retaining, and rewarding employees.
Why the University of Waterloo?
Our courses are designed to help you learn the most relevant and up-to-date information, along with earning coursework requirements for the CHRL/CHRP designations offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
You will learn from faculty members and lecturers with years of practical, professional experience and research backgrounds. This unique blend of learning offers an environment where knowledge is more than just assignments – it’s shared experiences.
Through our programs, you will gain the knowledge, build the skills, and achieve the experience and attributes needed to succeed. After you complete your studies, you will have a clear understanding of the essential role of human resources and why this function is important in organizations.
Some of our graduates have gone on to further their education in human resources management, while others have entered directly into the work force. Our graduates are employed in a variety of industries including prominent high-tech organizations, financial services companies, and both the Ontario and Federal Governments.
Which Program is right for me?
Our interdisciplinary Human Resources Management programs are administered by the University of Waterloo's Department of Psychology. Though we do not offer a degree program, we offer both a Minor option that Undergraduates can complete along with their degree or a Diploma for those who may have missed out during their undergraduate degree or for those of you who want to experience the finest HRM program in the region!
Human Resources Management Minor
The Human Resources Management Minor is for Current University of Waterloo Undergraduate students who:
- Has an interest and passion for the Human Resources aspect of an organization
- Wants to enhance their degree by learning how Human Resources influences our professional lives from lecturers and faculty with years of practical, professional and research experience
- While working towards their Undergraduate degree, can complete all 9 required courses needed to seek a professional designation from the HRPA upon graduation
Does this sound like you?
Then check out our HRM Minor information page.
Human Resources Management Diploma
The Human Resources Management Diploma is for former Undergraduates and non-degree students who:
- Are currently working in human resources or other professional career who wish to expand and update their current skills and are seeking to improve their resume by showing potential employers they obtained a Diploma from one of Canada’s leading Universities
- Want to complete all 9 required courses needed to seek a professional designation from the HRPA
- Want to seek on-going professional development improvements by learning the ins and outs of Human Resourcesfrom faculty members and lecturers with years of practical, professional experience and research backgrounds.
Does this sound like you?
Then check out our HRM Diploma information page.
More information
Still unsure which one is right for you? Have more specific questions?
Contact our HRM Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor