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Human Resources Law

Certificate

Become an expert in employment law with Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Law. Learn to navigate complex regulations, minimize legal risks, and drive HR strategy in today's dynamic workplace.

Program curriculum Explore School of Law
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
6 - 9 Months
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Lead with confidence in HR law

The evolving workplace demands HR professionals who can stay ahead of legal complexities. Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Law is designed to build your understanding of the regulations governing employee management.

In this 100% online, 12-credit program, you’ll learn from industry-focused faculty and gain skills to proactively address legal risks in HR. Ideal for career growth, this certificate gives you a competitive edge and provides a pathway to further education—you can stack these credits toward a Master of Legal Studies if you choose to continue.

  • Fully online, flexible, and asynchronous format designed to fit your schedule.
  • Credits can be applied toward a Master of Legal Studies.
  • Learn directly from experienced HR law faculty and Northeastern School of Law professors.
  • Study at a top-ranked institution—the School of Law is ranked #1 for practical training by The National Jurist.

In today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, HR professionals with legal expertise are highly valued. This certificate equips you to lead HR initiatives, navigate complex laws, and minimize risk, setting you apart as a key strategic advisor in your organization.

Real-world learning, powered by Northeastern. While co-op work experience is exclusive to degree programs, Northeastern’s approach to learning is unmatched. Our School of Law is ranked #1 for practical training by The National Jurist, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. You’ll benefit from a curriculum infused with insights from seasoned professionals, preparing you to make an impact in any HR environment.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Application deadlines vary based on the program you’re applying to, and are available on the School of Law website.


  • Online application

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

  • Professional resumé

  • Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • Personal statement

  • One letter of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague

  • Official TOEFL scores (non-native English speakers only) GRE or LSAT scores (optional)

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Strengthen your HR decision-making with a robust understanding of legal regulations that shape employee management. This certificate equips you to navigate complex workplace issues confidently and effectively.

Navigate employment law

Understand the critical laws and regulations that govern employee management, preparing you to address legal challenges proactively.

Proactively minimize legal risks

Learn strategies for risk management in HR, ensuring compliance and minimizing potential legal issues within your organization.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

 

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $14,628
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)