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Ministry-approved title: Business – Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) professionals work in partnership with business managers to take care of a company’s largest asset – its employees. To help a business run effectively and achieve its objectives, HR staff provide advice to department supervisors on a range of employee-related issues, and design and deliver a host of programs and services focused on individual, team, and organizational needs. Students have the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals, participate in hands-on learning opportunities, and explore critical technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability practices, international perspectives, and equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging concepts in various courses. Upon graduation, students are prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern HR landscape and to foster inclusive and sustainable workplace environments.
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Graduates of the human resources program are prepared for a variety of roles in human resources management. Career options include positions such as HR generalist, recruitment specialist, payroll administrator, or training and development coordinator. With a strong foundation in employment law, occupational health and safety, and conflict resolution, you’ll have the expertise to support organizations in managing their workforce effectively and strategically.
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Human resources (HR) professionals are strategic partners in today’s organizations, supporting business success by aligning workforce strategies with organizational goals. They play a vital role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures, managing change, ensuring compliance with employment standards, and supporting leaders and employees at all levels.
Working closely with management teams, HR professionals contribute to a range of proactive and project-based initiatives. From talent acquisition and employee engagement to performance management, learning and development, and workplace well-being, HR professionals help build productive, ethical, and resilient organizations.
Common responsibilities include:
Skills and Areas of Study
The Human Resources – Business program develops the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required for success in entry-level HR roles. Students build a strong foundation across core HR functional areas, including:
These areas of study prepare students to respond confidently to real-world workplace challenges across diverse industries.
Applied Learning and Technology
Students gain hands-on experience using the full version of eNETEmployer (CanPay Payroll Software), a system used nationally to produce more than 10 million pay cheques, EFTs, and other payments annually.
Students may also participate in the Human Resources Student Consultancy (HRSC), an applied learning initiative that connects students with community and industry partners to work on authentic HR challenges. In addition, students can engage with the Durham College Human Resources Association, (DCHRA), a student-led community that supports networking, professional growth, and learning beyond the classroom.
Professional Recognition (HRPA Alignment)
This two-year Human Resources diploma includes five of the academic courses required by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) toward the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Additional coursework is required to complete the full academic component.
Students who achieve an overall average of 70%, with no individual course grade below 65%, meet HRPA’s coursework requirements to be eligible to write the Comprehensive Knowledge Exam (CKE).
For full details, please visit www.hrpa.ca.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
Students can earn a certificate in Mental Health First Aid.
Students can also earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Microsoft 365) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account. See more details about this opportunity.
Students will have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Mental Health First Aid.
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport. Our partnership with them enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
The Human Resources – Business program opens the door to a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities in the growing field of human resources (HR) management. With comprehensive training in areas such as recruitment and selection, employment law, training and development, and organizational behaviour, graduates are equipped to take on roles like HR generalist, benefits administrator, employee relations specialist, or payroll coordinator.
Professionals in this field are essential to building positive workplace cultures, aligning employee performance with business goals, and ensuring compliance with workplace regulations. With the demand for HR professionals on the rise across industries, graduates have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting organizations and their employees in achieving long-term success.
Whether you’re pursuing a position in a small business, medium-sized company, or a large corporation, the skills gained through this program will prepare you to succeed in many diverse environments.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Experiential learning is woven throughout the Human Resources – Business program, allowing students to apply theory, build confidence, and develop professional judgement as they learn, not just at the end of the program.
Students engage in applied learning through classroom‑based activities, case work, simulations, and technology‑enabled practice, where real workplace scenarios are used to strengthen problem‑solving, communication, and decision‑making skills. Courses are designed to reflect the realities of human resources (HR) practices, ensuring learning remains practical, relevant, and aligned with current workplace expectations.
Students also have opportunities to participate in the Human Resources Student Consultancy (HRSC), an applied learning initiative that connects students with real community and industry partners. Through HRSC, students work on authentic HR challenges, gaining exposure to professional standards, stakeholder engagement, and applied HR problem‑solving while contributing meaningful value to organizations.
For students who choose to continue their studies through the Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources Management (Transfer Pathway), additional work‑integrated learning and applied project opportunities become available. This pathway allows students to deepen their experience, engage in more complex organizational challenges, and further strengthen their readiness for professional HR roles.
Together, these experiences ensure graduates leave the program with hands‑on experience, professional confidence, and a clear understanding of how HR functions in real workplaces, from small and medium‑sized organizations to large, complex enterprises.
Graduates can apply to return for a third year to complete the Human Resources – Business Administration advanced diploma. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
*Mac Computers
With 30 years of experience in Business, Corey Gill specializes in navigating organizational change, managing global workforces, and responsibly leveraging AI and data. He holds an MBA, CHRL, and PMP designation and focuses on innovation, data analytics, and AI in Human Resources. Corey is a Durham College professor, program coordinator, and AI consultant who empowers both students and faculty.
Roberta Graham, a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) with a BA and M.Ed, has over 20 years of executive-level experience managing HR for organizations both nationally and internationally. As a professor in the Faculty of Business and IT for the past 10 years, she is dedicated to student success and creating a positive learning environment. Her expertise lies in strategic HR management - aligning HR practices to enhance organizational effectiveness while promoting employee well-being.
With a background in human resources and operations, Lara brings extensive industry experience to her role as an educator. With over 15 years of business experience, she managed GE Security and played a key role in guiding organizations through multiple acquisitions. Her experience also includes project management for SAP initiatives, along with formal training in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. As a professor, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of business and fostering student success. She is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive. Lara holds a Specialization BA, MA, Bachelor of Education, and a Certificate in College Teaching. She is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
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