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Ministry-approved title: Business – Human Resources
For the best of both worlds, this joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University diploma-to-degree program enables students to earn both a Human Resources (HR) diploma and an honours degree in only four years. The opportunity to study in both learning environments provides a solid foundation for a successful career in HR, where you will help develop balanced workplaces so employees and businesses can achieve their goals. In this program, students acquire skills in the effective use of industry-standard software and learn from professors who are connected to the industry. Students interact directly with industry professionals, participate in hands-on learning opportunities, and explore critical technologies like AI, sustainability practices, international perspectives, and equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging in various courses.
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.
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Graduates of the human resources program are prepared for a variety of dynamic roles in the HR field, such as recruitment specialist, training coordinator, HR generalist, or occupational health and safety officer. With specialized training in employment law, conflict resolution, and organizational behaviour, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to support businesses in managing their employees. Whether working in small organizations or large corporations, this program positions you to make a meaningful impact in the workplace.
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HR professionals work in partnership with business managers to take care of a company’s most important asset – its people. They play a central role in fostering positive workplace environments, promoting employee well-being, and aligning human capital strategies with organizational goals. To help a business run, 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. From talent acquisition to employee retention strategies, HR professionals ensure that businesses are equipped to meet the challenges of today’s competitive marketplace.
HR professionals serve as strategic partners in today’s business environment. They work closely with management colleagues at all levels of a company on a variety of project-based and proactive initiatives. This includes supporting leadership in workforce planning, managing organizational change, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Many roles are performed by HR professionals, including the following:
This program will develop your skills, knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
Mastering these core areas prepares students to take on diverse HR roles, such as HR coordinator, recruitment specialist, or training consultant. These foundational skills also provide a stepping stone for advancement into leadership positions in small-to-medium-sized organizations or specialized roles in larger enterprises.
These careers may lead to management roles that oversee general HR services in small- to medium-sized organizations or to senior HR specialist positions in large organizations. Graduates with an HR diploma are well-equipped to address complex workplace challenges, implement strategic HR initiatives, and contribute to the long-term success of their organizations.
These careers may lead to management roles that oversee general HR services in small-to-medium sized organizations or to senior HR specialist positions in large organizations.
Courses offered in the HRTU program by DC and Ontario Tech qualify towards the academic component of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Students who receive an average grade of 70 per cent in these courses and maintain a minimum grade of 65 per cent in each course meet the requirements to write the Comprehensive Knowledge Exams – a significant step towards obtaining this important designation from the HRPA. Please visit www.hrpa.ca for full details.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the Human Resources Student Advisory Council, an innovative initiative by Durham College designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world HR practices. They can also engage with the Durham College Human Resources Association, an information, networking, and support portal for students to learn, develop, and thrive beyond the classroom.
This program was created by DC and Ontario Tech for individuals who plan to take Ontario Tech’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree program. The bridging courses required for admission to the degree program are embedded in the curriculum, and if you achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 in each semester of your DC courses and no grade below C in your Ontario Tech course, you may apply directly to the third year of the degree program. This opportunity allows qualified candidates to major in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at Ontario Tech. To participate in the human resources program, you are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and complete an application to Ontario Tech in the first semester. The Ontario Tech-embedded courses are flexible and subject to change by Ontario Tech. Academic planning assistance will be offered to you by a student advisor representative.
As a student participating in the human resources program, you will be registered at DC and at Ontario Tech. The annual calendars, including reading week, are generally different for each institution. In addition, the two institutions use different learning management systems.
For more information, please visit the Human Resources – Business – Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Frequently Asked Questions.
Students entering this program in September 2021 or after, will also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Mental Health First Aid.
Please note: You will apply to the Human Resources - Business transfer program at Ontario Colleges using the HRTU application code. Upon meeting the selection criteria, you may be eligible to complete your Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree at Ontario Tech.
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 also 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.
Students will also be required to pay an additional tuition fee to Ontario Tech for one course in Semester 2 and four courses in semesters 3 and 4. Ontario Tech tuition will be charged at the beginning of each semester, starting in Semester 2. The Ontario Tech tuition will be in addition to the figures shown below.
The human resources program opens the door to many rewarding career opportunities in human resources management. Graduates can take on roles such as recruitment specialist, HR advisor, training and development officer, compensation analyst, or labour relations coordinator. Professionals in this field foster positive work environments, ensure compliance with labour regulations, and align human capital strategies with business objectives. Whether you aspire to work as an HR generalist in small-to-medium-sized businesses or as a specialist within a large corporation, the HR diploma program provides the tools to excel.
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.
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