Business – Human Resources

Post-Secondary Programs
Credential Earned: Ontario College Diploma (2 Year)
Campus: Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Timmins, Distance
Program Length: 4 Semesters
CIP Code: 52.1001

Program Codes
B114-HL (Haileybury Campus)
B113-KL (Kirkland Lake Campus)
B111-PC (Timmins Campus)
B115-CK (Contact North)

Thanks to the Human Resources program at Northern, you’ll graduate ready to take on a leadership role in staffing, employee relations, performance management, and more.

Year one focuses on Business Fundamentals. In year two, you’ll move on to master what it takes to attract, retain and motivate qualified talent.

You’ll get to know the legal framework of labour relations, human rights, and occupational health and safety. You’ll learn how to support an organization’s short and long-term goals through strategic recruitment. And, you’ll be ready for the collective bargaining process.

Along the way, you’ll also hone your skills in communication, information technology and tactical persuasion — and even develop an effective training program that promotes leadership and collaboration.

This program provides all nine core courses required to complete the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario’s (HRPA) coursework requirement, the first step in obtaining the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Graduates must maintain a minimum grade of 65 per cent in each of the nine courses required by the HRPA and a minimum overall average of 70%. Please refer to the HRPA web page for more information.

Contact Information

For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.

For questions about the content of the program, contact the Program Coordinator.

Amanda Scammell
Program Coordinator
Tel. 705-235-3211 ext. 2207
Email: scammella@northern.on.ca

Student Success & The Northern Experience

After completing Business Fundamentals, you’ll learn the skills needed for a career in human resources, such as staffing, performance management, training, employee relations, health and safety, benefits and compensation, administration functions, and strategies to support the human resources activities of an organization.

Does this program sound like a good fit for you?

Connect with us to learn more.

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Course Information

Course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

If you have questions or require program information for previous academic years, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Courses in Semester 1 and Semester 2 are taken as part of the Business Fundamentals one-year certificate program.

More information can be found in the Program Outline [PDF, 191 KB]. Program Outlines can also be found in the archives.

Program Outline [PDF, 191 KB]

2024-2025 Academic Year

Semester 1

In this course, students will be introduced to the accounting cycle and the preparation of financial statements. Topics include recording entries, preparing financial statements and accounting for merchandising activities. This course will be essential for further study in financial accounting.

56 Hours

In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.

42 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to business in Canada, focusing on introductory topics for those interested in employment in a business management role. Topics of study will include the relationships between the areas of finance, human resources, marketing, and operations within an organization, business ethics and social responsibility, management concepts and practices, and an exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit.

42 Hours

In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes. 

42 Hours

In this course, students will gain practical experience with Microsoft Excel for Windows. Excel will be used to prepare various reports, presentations and applications which directly correlate to the critical-thinking requirements of the workplace. Students will gain practical experience working with formulas and functions, developing, and enhancing financial reports, organizing data with charts, data lists, and tables, managing multiple work sheets, workbooks, and external data sources, developing macros, using conditional functions, working with financial tools and functions, and performing what-if analysis.

42 Hours

In this course, students will begin with a review of basic arithmetic and algebraic manipulations, continuing topics that include ratios, proportions and percentages, math of merchandising that include mark-ups and mark-downs, various payroll scenarios, and the evaluation and calculations using simple interest.

56 Hours

This course is an informative introduction into marketing. Students will become acquainted with current Canadian marketing concepts, terminology and practices, examine strategies to apply them to contemporary marketing situations, and gain an understanding of how they affect an organization’s profitability. Students will also explore consumer and business marketing, product planning, building customer relationships and creating customer value. This course provides a basic understanding of Canadian marketing structures and techniques including defining and segmenting target markets and interpreting market research data.

42 Hours

Semester 2

In this course, students will examine, in more depth, selected assets and liabilities found on the balance sheet as well as learn to account for equity transactions involving partnerships and corporations. Assets examined include cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, investments, plant, property, and equipment and intangibles. Liabilities studied will include short and long term bonds, notes payable, warranty liabilities and income tax liabilities.

56 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to managing and navigating organizational behaviour in a professional Canadian business environment, at the same time keeping in mind the increasingly interdependent nature of globalization. This course examines management and group dynamics from the manager as well as employee point of view, both in an professional setting. There is significant emphasis on how OB research into the area of workplace experience of managers and employees contributes to the productivity of the organization. The course brings in numerous examples of practical applications with the involvement of the learners from real-life situations and personal experiences to analyze the concepts discussed. There is also key emphasis on developing awareness towards corporate social responsibility and the relation between ethical practices and organizational behaviour.

42 Hours

This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of economics, beginning with the field of microeconomics. The course will use scientific theory to better understand the relationship and consequence of economic and business decisions. Additionally, this course will use mathematical procedures to predict and practically use economic models in real world settings. As opposed to Macroeconomics, Microeconomics will focus on the effects of business decisions on an industry or a single business specifically. Topics include supply and demand, elasticity, consumer choice, and production costs in the short and long run.

42 Hours

In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.  

42 Hours

Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.

42 Hours

In this course, students will develop their business mathematics skills expanding them to compound interest scenarios that include single cash flows of future value and present value, ordinary simple annuities, ordinary general annuities, simple and general annuities due, deferred annuities, perpetuities and perpetuities due. Throughout the course, students will not only evaluate the requirements but also use their critical thinking skills to evaluate appropriate investments to make and aspects of a variety of loans to consider all in a business environment whether that be in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors of industries.

56 Hours

In this course, students will follow the accepted concepts of marketing, current marketing principles/practices, and their applications as functional decision-making management tools. Topics will include all aspects of product/service marketing and management, price determination and pricing strategies, distribution-related strategies, marketing communications strategies (including advertising, personal selling, sales promotions, event marketing and sponsorship, public relations and direct marketing) and non-profit marketing and global marketing. This course builds on the foundation of MR1073 Introduction to Marketing I. Students will continue to examine current Canadian material on marketing and determine strategies for developing new products and services that are consistent with evolving marketing needs and principles of sustainability. Students will apply their knowledge in producing a marketing plan where they will set marketing objectives, develop a marketing mix, along with developing marketing strategies. Budgetary considerations will be taken into account, and evaluation criteria identified. Students will also contribute to the development of pricing strategies and participate in conducting market research to provide information needed to make marketing decisions.

42 Hours

Semester 3

This course will cover the following concepts related to Managerial Accounting: Compare and contrast financial and management accounting. Apply costing concepts from a business point of view. Analyze cost behaviour as an aid to managers in making important decisions about future courses of action. Apply cost behaviour concepts as an important management accounting decision-making tool: cost-volume-profit analysis. Analyze the job-order costing model. Analyze activity-based costing. Compare and contrast variable versus absorption costing. Complete all components of a master budget. Calculate material, labor and overhead variances. Prepare an analysis for a variety of situations that will aid decision-making.

56 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to the human resources function of determining equitable compensation and benefits and how it relates to the attraction, retention, and motivation of qualified employees. Students will examine the philosophy and practical application of compensation and benefits administration. They will conduct a job evaluation to determine appropriate compensation and benefits. They will also consider the impacts of demographics, economics, government policies, organizational policies, and employee expectations on the overall compensation plan.

56 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to the legal framework of labour relations in Ontario and in Canada. They will examine the law of master and servant, the right to organize, the process of certification, collective bargaining, conciliation and mediation, and unfair labour practices. Students will also consider the rights and freedom to strike or lockout, the role of economic pressures, picketing, and associated regulations. They will also identify changes to legislation, practices, and case law.

56 Hours

This course provides students with an in-depth study of legal principles and practices related to discrimination in employment. Students will examine prohibited grounds of discrimination regarding employment and the employer’s obligation to accommodate in the absence of undue hardship. Also, they will consider strategies to deal with discrimination and harassment in the workplace and discuss the employer’s responsibilities to ensure a harassment-free workplace.

42 Hours

In this course, students will discuss large-scale, economic phenomena to gain an understanding of the role and relevance of economics in business studies. Students will examine the behaviours of individual nations in a global economics context. This course will present the Economic Problem and discuss such concepts as scarcity, choice, opportunity cost as well as efficiency & unemployment. You will examine demand & supply and understand how and why economists measure the economy, while learning about GDP, national income and inflation. Further, students will explore business cycles and the aggregate expenditures model. They will review explanations for such things as prices and output in aggregate demand and supply from a macroeconomics perspective. And finally, students will consider federal government’s fiscal policy, examine technological change, global trade and the effect of tariffs.

42 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to the purpose and history of occupational health and safety including accident causation and prevention and proactive health and safety maintenance techniques. Legislation governing occupational health and safety and Workers Compensation are explained. The interrelationship between occupational health, employment, absenteeism, illness, and the concerns of labour management will be examined. Students will also consider the leadership role of human resource professionals in occupational health and safety.

42 Hours

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

Semester 4

This course presents a practical study of Canadian business law, including the legal and administrative systems, torts, contracts, employment laws, and general legal considerations that arise for a business. In addition, students will assess intellectual property, patent, trademark, copyright, and franchising laws and apply them to business cases. Students will outline the structure of the Canadian legal system, describe torts and professional liability issues, determine the requirements that form contracts, explain the circumstances that enforce contractual obligations, describe legislation and its function in the marketplace, outline the concepts of real and personal property, and relate Ideas and information laws as they apply to business.

42 Hours

Students will be provided with an in-depth examination of the collective bargaining process between management and labour. Emphasis is placed on the practical procedures to be followed in the collective bargaining process. These include strategies, tactics of persuasion, back-to-work protocol, and methods of costing the agreement. Special attention will be given to the definition and understanding of common clauses in a collective agreement and their significance to the parties.

42 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced students to computer technology applications that can enhance the management of human resources. They will examine a technology needs assessment, the software selection process, specific software applications for human resources purposes, system and data security, and analysis of human resources data from available reports. A significant part of the course involves hands-on use of human resources software.

42 Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to employee recruitment and selection and its link to organizational strategy. They will examine human resources strategies for identifying and selecting employees with the knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes that will contribute to the organization’s short-term and long-term effectiveness. Students will be introduced to critical legal and socio-economic requirements related to this aspect of human resources management. They will practice using assessment tools and develop interviewing skills when producing a comprehensive recruitment and selection plan. They will also develop a personal resume and cover letter.

42 Hours

In this course, students will examine and apply effective training design in the development of a training program. They will conduct a needs assessment and develop a training proposal. They will be introduced to adult learning theories and a variety of training methods including the application of technology in training programs. Students will also apply effective collaborative techniques that promote team cohesiveness and ensure the design and delivery of a high quality training program. An essential element of the course involves the development of a personal professional development plan.

42 Hours

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

Career Ready Graduates

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.

 

Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List

CIP Code: 52.1001

International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

 

  1. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and retention of employees.
  2. Participate in performance management processes.
  3. Participate in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
  4. Contribute to an organization’s success through effective employee relations.
  5. Assist with the administration and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan.
  6. Participate in organizational health and safety policies and practices.
  7. Apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
  8. Implement organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
  9. Communicate human resources information accurately and credibly in oral, ritten, and graphic form.
  10. Plan and act on personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
  11. Identify the human resources component of a business plan.
  12. Assist in the collection and analysis of human resources data.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will find positions in a variety of private, public and not-for-profit organizations completing tasks such as hiring, health and safety, training, pension and benefits administration, and well as other human resource related roles and responsibilities.

  • Entry-level career in a human resources related position in a variety of business settings
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Compensation
  • Benefits administration
  • Human Resources customer service
  • Career planning and development

Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.

Admissions Information & Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Grade 12 English (C, U)
  • Grade 11 Math (C, U)

Or equivalent

 

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.

For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to the general admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.

1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate

2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):

  • IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+

If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.

All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.

For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Information

When studies commence, you are automatically registered in the first year Business Fundamentals which is a common first year business program for Northern College’s two-year business programs in Accounting, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Global Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, and Business General studies.

Tuition, Fees & Payments

The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.

Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.

If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.

Tuition

Domestic: $2,720.56

International: $14,813.46

Ancillary Fees

Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.

Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.

The Convocation and Official Documentation Fee (GRA) of $100.00 only applies for the first year of each program.

Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.

Ancillary Fees by Campus Domestic International
Haileybury (HL) $976.50 $1,589.00
Kirkland Lake (KL) $909.50 $1,522.00
Timmins (PC) $945.50 $1,558.00
Distance (CK, CH, OL) $772.50 N/A

Find Your True North.

At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.

From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.

Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.

Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.

Student Supports & ServicesCampus Facilities

Picture of Northern College staff helping students on orientation day

Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?

Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.

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