SHRM Essentials of Human Resources

Hybrid, In Person, Online

Are you ready to master the fundamentals of HR? The College of Charleston SHRM Essentials of Human Resources program provides a foundational overview of HR practices and behaviors. Through real-world applications and scenarios, you will be introduced to fundamental HR topics to help you effectively approach the challenging situations that you face in the workplace.

Developed by SHRM, the world's largest HR association and leading advocate for HR professionals, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course helps you discover the key value HR brings to the workplace. Whether you're a student, new to HR, or in a small business environment, our course will help you develop the critical HR competencies and learn how to apply them on the job.

Who should enroll

New HR professionals: If you're new to human resources, this class provides a strong foundation in HR practices and principles.
Small business owners: As a business owner, you're responsible for multiple roles, including HR tasks. Understanding HR fundamentals will help you manage employees, navigate legal requirements, and build a positive workplace culture.
Professionals with HR responsibilities: You don’t need to have "HR" in your title to benefit from this course. If you're a manager, team lead, or administrator responsible for hiring, onboarding, employee development, or compliance, this class will give you the tools to handle those tasks more effectively.
HR specialists looking to broaden their knowledge: Already specialized in one area of HR? This course will broaden your expertise by covering essential HR topics across different areas such as employee relations, compensation, and compliance.
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP-Certified Professionals Seeking Recertification Credits: Maintain your credentials and stay up-to-date with the latest HR trends while earning the credits you need to keep your certification active.

What you will learn

HR's role in the workplace
How HR influences employee experience
How to promote equity in company culture
How to maximize efficiency with HR technology
How to create a measurable impact
The latest U.S. state and federal laws

What you will earn

12 PDCs; Certificate of Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about our SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course.

Who is the course instructor?

Karen Clark SPHR, SHRM-SCP is an experienced consultant, trainer, manager, business developer and executive in the field of human resources with significant expertise in employee benefits and training. During her career, she has helped employers in a wide variety of industries remain competitive and retain talent through "Total Rewards" programs that fit with their cultures and budgets, were understood and appreciated by employees, and produced measurable sustainable results.
Reach out to Karen
I work for a small company. How can I benefit from this course?

In a small company, managers and supervisors tend to take on responsibilities outside their skill set, and HR is often one of these. Managers and supervisors end up performing basic HR duties that include all aspects of human resource work and require the range of knowledge that the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides.
In today’s work environment, small businesses need to stay alert. This means employees need to take the necessary steps to hone their skills to stay on top of the latest HR issues.
Can I earn recertification credits for this course?

Yes. Recertifying demonstrates your commitment to the profession, to your organization, and to yourself through lifelong education and professional development. With successful completion of this course, you can earn 12 PDCs.
Learn more about recertification

Upcoming Offerings

Upcoming classes will be listed in 2025.