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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. As a student, you will have the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals and participate in hands-on learning opportunities.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that 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.
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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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905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
Human resources (HR) professionals serve as strategic partners in today’s business environment. They are instrumental in aligning organizational goals with workforce strategies, fostering a culture of growth, and ensuring compliance with employment standards. They work closely with management colleagues at all levels of a company on a variety of project-based and proactive initiatives. From talent acquisition and employee engagement to performance management and training programs, HR professionals play a key role in building productive and thriving workplaces. Many roles are performed by HR professionals, including the following:
This program will develop your skills, knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
These areas of focus provide students who study human resources with a comprehensive understanding of HR practices, preparing them for roles in diverse industries. Whether managing recruitment campaigns, resolving workplace conflicts, or developing employee training programs, graduates will be equipped to address real-world challenges with confidence.
Students will gain hands-on experience with the full version of eNETEmployer from CanPay Payroll Software. eNETEmployer is used across the country to produce in more than 10 million pay cheques, EFT and other payments each year.
This two-year human resources diploma program includes HR courses that qualify towards the academic component of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Additional HR courses are required to meet the full academic component of this professional certification.
The three-year advanced human resources diploma program includes all nine HR courses required to meet the academic component of the CHRP designation. Students who receive an average grade of 70 percent in these courses and maintain a minimum grade of 65 percent in each course, meet the coursework requirements to write the Comprehensive Knowledge Exams – a significant step towards earning CHRP designation. Please visit www.hrpa.ca for full details.
For further information regarding designations granted by the Human Resources Professionals Association, please visit www.hrpa.ca.
For further information regarding the three-year advanced diploma please see the program description for Human Resources – Business Administration.
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 program opens the door to a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities in the growing field of human resources 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. Whether you’re pursuing a position in a small business or a large corporation, the skills gained through this program will prepare you to succeed in diverse environments. 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.
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
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