HR
SpecialistCornell Certificate Program

More than ever, HR leaders are expected to be proficient in the use of HR data and analytics. However, figuring out where to start with analytics, how to evaluate and critique HR data, and how to best communicate and translate results to the broader organization remain key challenges.

This course focuses on building analytical acumen and taking a strategic view of talent analytics. Using a framework presented in this course, students will examine outcomes and drivers throughout an organization to assess strategic talent needs. As they complete activities throughout the course, they will also fine-tune their evaluative, presentation, and communication skills using critical thinking enhanced with analytical best practices shared by Professor Hausknecht.

This course is designed for HR professionals who want to build their organization's HR analytics capabilities, derive meaning from metrics and results, and tell persuasive stories involving HR and organizational data. With these skills, students will have a stronger voice in using talent analytics to persuade others toward actions that best align with organizational goals.

Understanding the employee experience can help HR leaders identify workplace challenges and develop solutions that better meet the needs of both employees and the organization.

In this course, you will draw on the research and expertise of Christopher Collins, Ph.D., of Cornell University's ILR School, to explore how design thinking can be applied to HR and the employee experience. You'll examine the external and organizational factors that shape employees' experiences at work and learn a six-step design thinking process for understanding workplace issues and developing potential solutions.

You will then apply this process to your own organization, using the Understand, Empathize, and Synthesize phases to analyze an employee experience challenge before using Ideate, Prototype, and Iterate to develop and test potential solutions. Through this work, you'll build a practical approach for improving the employee experience and supporting your organization's ability to attract, engage, and retain talent.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how HR functions operate, from automating routine tasks to informing complex workforce decisions. Different types of AI offer distinct capabilities, each requiring specific data and raising important considerations around effectiveness, ethics, and organizational impact. As these technologies evolve, they're driving meaningful shifts in HR roles, processes, and long-term strategy.

In this course, you will differentiate among key AI technologies, including ML, NLP, LLMs, and hybrids, and connect them to real HR applications. You'll identify the data required to support these systems, analyze their benefits and limitations, and examine ethical considerations such as privacy and fairness.

Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to assess where and how AI can be effectively applied in HR, determine the data and governance needed to support it, and evaluate associated risks and trade-offs. You'll also be equipped to anticipate how AI is reshaping HR roles and processes, positioning you to guide informed, responsible adoption in your organization.

Successful projects begin with a solid plan. In this course, you'll learn the foundational principles, frameworks, and terminology that effective project managers use to initiate, plan, and manage projects across industries.

Professor Linda Nozick, Director of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell, introduces practical tools for defining project scope, breaking complex work into manageable tasks, developing project schedules, and establishing realistic timelines and resource plans. Through hands-on exercises, you'll build the skills needed to organize, track, and manage projects with greater confidence.

Whether you're new to project management or preparing for future PMP® certification, this course provides a strong foundation in the concepts and practices that support successful project delivery.

Note: This course uses Microsoft Excel (with the free Solver add-in) for selected exercises. No specialized project management software is required.

Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The AI Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of AI. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across a variety of industries.

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The Project Management Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll share experiences from across industries, inspiring dialogue around best practices, innovation, and the future of project management. You will support your coursework through discussion and application of your knowledge, exploring pressing challenges and trends. By participating in relevant and engaging conversations with eCornell classmates, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections.

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The HR Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of human resources work. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the HR field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

To excel as an HR specialist in today's dynamic business environment, you need a sophisticated skill set that blends strategic thinking, analytical rigor, creative problem solving, and emerging technology literacy. The HR Specialist Certificate develops these core competencies, positioning you to drive meaningful impact and advance your HR career.

Start your learning journey with "Introduction to the HR Specialist Certificate Program," a 1-hour course designed to orient you to the program. You'll explore resources and hear from Cornell ILR School Professor Brad Bell before starting your first full course.