Pitt Law Offers New Online Certificate Program: Human Resources Law

PITTSBURGH—Classes begin in August 2019 for a new online graduate certificate program from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law that tackles the legal issues that sometimes arise in the human resource industry. Applications are currently being accepted for enrollment in Human Resources Law Online. The courses, taught over 40 weeks, will explore the practical applications of the law within human resources, and will be taught by Pitt Law’s expert faculty and employment law practitioners.
Students will learn key negotiating skills to help improve their ability to manage difficult workplace situations, such as employee contract negotiations, workplace accommodations requests, and employee terminations.
Pitt Professor of Law and director of Online Legal Programs Alan Meisel says the curriculum is aimed at non-lawyers. “We’re trying to provide a legal education for people already working in the industry,” he said. “Legal problems can arise but people don’t realize it’s a legal problem until they need a lawyer. With the knowledge gained through these courses, one can head off serious legal problems.”
Human Resources Law Online Program Director Joseph Hornack adds that human resources, like many areas of business, has become more complicated. “Artificial intelligence has been playing a larger role in hiring, work evaluation, and termination decisions at some of the larger companies,” he said. The algorithms are established in ways that may contain biases.”
Core courses of Human Resources Law Online include:
Introduction to the Legal System of Human Resources: Hiring and Firing
Wages, Hours, and Benefits
Working Conditions
Anti-discrimination Law
Students must already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The new certificate is ideal for those already working in HR, those moving to that field from another career, business school graduates, and other professionals who wants to know the legal issues related to HR. It is possible that an employer may extend a tuition benefit.
For more information, contact Joseph Hornack at jsh18@pitt.edu.