Why ODU for SHRM Essentials?

Our SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides a foundational overview of HR practices and behaviors and introduces key HR concepts through real-world applications and scenarios to help you navigate workplace challenges effectively.

You will gain critical HR competencies, learning how to apply best practices in recruitment, compliance, performance management, and employee relations.

When you complete the course, you will be equipped with essential HR skills, whether you are new to the field, a student, or working in a small business environment.

Talk To us

* Indicates a required field













Build a Strong Foundation in Human Resources

Start with SHRM Essentials

Whether you're new to HR or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course is your gateway to success. Delivered through a mobile-friendly digital hub, this interactive program offers a comprehensive overview of key HR concepts and best practices.

Designed by the experts at SHRM, this course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to handle real-world HR challenges and support your organization effectively. Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • Leads with Purpose – Explore HR’s strategic role in shaping today’s workplaces
  • Maximizes Talent – Understand how HR drives employee engagement and development
  • Champions Culture – Learn how to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture
  • Optimizes Intelligence – Discover how to boost productivity with the latest HR technology
  • Accelerates Performance – Gain tools to deliver measurable HR impact
  • Knows the Law – Stay current on essential U.S. state and federal employment laws
Smiling paralegal sits at a conference table in between working on briefs.

Program Information

Courses are offered regularly. Enroll today and take the next step toward building a solid foundation in Human Resource skills.

Register for September 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026 
Register for October 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026 
Register for November 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026 
Register for December 1, 2025 - June 1, 2026

Course Structure

  • Flexible online format—study at your own pace
  • Can be completed in as little as 5 weeks
  • Access course materials and study tools whenever it's convenient for you
  • Each student receives support from an experienced instructor
  • Instructors are available via email to answer your questions
  • If completed in 6 months or less, students will receive an ODUGlobal certificate of completion and will be awarded 1.5 CEUs
  • Ideal for self-motivated students ready to learn critical HR competencies
  • Includes online license to the SHRM Essentials mobile-friendly digital hub covering six fundamental HR topic areas for 1 year

Designed as a thorough introduction to HR basics, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides a solid foundation in human resource management that improves HR job performance across multiple job titles and functions.

  • New and junior HR practitioners who need to increase their knowledge base.
  • Small business owners or office managers who perform the HR function for their company.
  • Business managers who want to learn basic HR best practices to avoid costly litigation.
  • New or experienced managers interested in learning more about employee management skills.
  • Representatives selling or supporting HR systems and services.
  • International HR personnel wishing to increase their knowledge of U.S. HR practices.
  • Job seekers who are investigating HR as a new career option or want to have HR as a skill for future positions.

Courses are offered regularly. Enroll today and take the next step toward building a solid foundation in Human Resource skills.

Register for September 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026 
Register for October 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026 
Register for November 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026 
Register for December 1, 2025 - June 1, 2026

Course Structure

  • Flexible online format—study at your own pace
  • Can be completed in as little as 5 weeks
  • Access course materials and study tools whenever it's convenient for you
  • Each student receives support from an experienced instructor
  • Instructors are available via email to answer your questions
  • If completed in 6 months or less, students will receive an ODUGlobal certificate of completion and will be awarded 1.5 CEUs
  • Ideal for self-motivated students ready to learn critical HR competencies
  • Includes online license to the SHRM Essentials mobile-friendly digital hub covering six fundamental HR topic areas for 1 year

Designed as a thorough introduction to HR basics, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides a solid foundation in human resource management that improves HR job performance across multiple job titles and functions.

  • New and junior HR practitioners who need to increase their knowledge base.
  • Small business owners or office managers who perform the HR function for their company.
  • Business managers who want to learn basic HR best practices to avoid costly litigation.
  • New or experienced managers interested in learning more about employee management skills.
  • Representatives selling or supporting HR systems and services.
  • International HR personnel wishing to increase their knowledge of U.S. HR practices.
  • Job seekers who are investigating HR as a new career option or want to have HR as a skill for future positions.

ODU recognized as a SHRM 2024 Top 20 Education Partner

Continuing Education is proud to share this distinction as we are committed to providing an effective SHRM program to our students.

In Partnership with SHRM: Better Workplaces, Better World
Coworkers pose and smile for a group photo in an office setting

Cost & Aid

A smiling business women is seated at an office table with a laptop
Calculating Cost
Registration
$640

Continuing Education can accept payments for courses in several different forms. ODU's helpful staff can assist you in determining if you might qualify for any number of various funding options that could assist you with non-credit continuing educational opportunities to improve your marketability and advance your career.

Explore Continuing Education Financial Information

Tuition includes 12-month access to the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources program, a mobile-friendly digital hub that covers six fundamental HR topic areas. Each topic has an easy to navigate playlist of videos, podcasts, e-learning resources, and downloadable learning aids. (Course materials are available online only via the digital hub, there are no print materials.)

Student sits in a coffee shop on laptop while listening in to a lecture
Refund Policy

To withdraw from this course, you must send a request in writing to cepd@odu.edu (7) days prior to the start date of the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $100.00 processing fee will be refunded back to your original form of payment. There are no refunds once the class has begun. Late withdrawals of six (6) days or less before the class begins will result in the student being charged the $100.00 processing fee, as well as charges for books and/or other course material fees.

Careers in SHRM

Our graduates pursue roles as HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, employee relations coordinators, and compensation and benefits analysts, helping organizations attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Human Resources Managers
Growth
6.5%
Median Salary
$136,350
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Growth
2.1%
Median Salary
$136,380
Contact Continuing Education
Phone: 757-683-5650
Email: cepd@odu.edu
Address: 1105 Student Success Center, Norfolk, VA 23529

Related Programs

SHRM Learning System Certification View More
SHRM Certification Test Preparation View More