Course in Professional Human Resource Management
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Commit to Your Career
SHRM's global HR credentials, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, offer growth, advancement and recognition. These credentials are based on extensive global research involving employers, academics, and practicing HR professionals at all levels to ensure they maintain an industry-leading level of excellence and relevance in this ever-evolving profession.
By becoming SHRM certified, you prove your knowledge, competency and value to colleagues and to employers looking for a competitive edge in today's global economy. Wherever your career takes you, your SHRM certification will define you as an HR expert and leader.
Ensure you're prepared with our course designed for SHRM credential candidates. Expand and test your knowledge and practical, real-life competencies in areas critical for HR career success.
Meet Your Instructor
Eric Johansen, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, MPS is a senior human resources executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the U.S. military, private sector, and federal government. A graduate of North Georgia College (now University of North Georgia), Eric was commissioned in the U.S. Army’s Adjutant General Corps, serving eight years on active duty in assignments across Germany, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Following his military service, Eric transitioned into the private sector, holding roles as a recruiter and director of human resources. He earned his Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2009, followed by the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification in 2011, and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification in 2016.
In 2025, Eric started as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. Before this role, he served as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the U.S. Department of State, where he held the position from April 2009 until he retired from federal service in September 2025, marking 27 years of combined miliary and civilian service.
He holds a Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University. His additional professional education includes a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University and the Certificate in Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times from The George Washington University School of Business.
Since Spring 2020, Eric has also served as an instructor for the Professional Human Resource Management course at American University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Enroll in Our Course?
Offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the curriculum provided in the SHRM Learning System is designed by global subject matter experts and covers the entire SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK™). Throughout the program HR professionals are encouraged to acquire the Competencies and Knowledge they'll need to effectively perform their jobs and achieve career success. Our course is designed to help you learn and retain the material effectively and efficiently by combining the best exam preparation system with expert instruction and peer discussion.
American University's program offers you a preparation course to help meet your needs and increase your success on the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams.
Benefits to You
You'll benefit from:
- An experienced, SHRM-certified instructor.
- The SHRM Learning System, historically ranked the #1 HR certification prep tool.
- Ability to acquire the knowledge and understand the behavioral competencies to help you prepare for the exam.
- A structured learning experience that keeps you on track.
- Opportunities to network and learn from your peers.
- Eligibility for tuition reimbursement.
- Earning up to 36 professional development credits (PDCs) if you are attending this program for professional development only.
Benefits to Your Employer
Certification benefits your entire organization:
- It demonstrates that your HR professionals have mastered the application of HR technical and behavioral competencies.
- Certification prepares your HR staff to assume greater leadership roles and contribute to the strategic direction of your organization.
- Exam preparation helps HR professionals bring new ideas to your organization that will help drive success.
- It helps create a common HR language that optimizes consistency and effectiveness.
- Certification is relevant worldwide, as exams cover the global SHRM BoCK™.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
Our certification preparation course is designed primarily for individuals seeking SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. Certification is a great choice for HR professionals who want to:
- Increase their knowledge
- Advance their skills
- Earn recognition from the global community
Advance Your Career
If you're not interested in certification but want to improve your HR skills, this course provides a comprehensive and accelerated option for professional development. Participants gain a generalist viewpoint, refresh key ideas and concepts, strengthen their understanding of core behavior and technical competencies and increase productivity in the workplace.
What is the SHRM Learning System?
As an official SHRM Education Partner, we are able to build our course on the SHRM Learning System, giving you access to the most comprehensive, effective and up-to-date exam preparation tools available. The SHRM Learning System delivers:
- Effective and Proven Results: Candidates who use the SHRM Learning System consistently beat the average exam pass rate.
- One Source for Knowledge and Application: All the study tools you need to understand, apply and engage with behavioral competencies and HR knowledge.
- Current and Relevant Content: The SHRM Learning System has been updated to align with the SHRM BASK, the defined standard for knowledge and competencies required of HR professionals around the world.
- Convenient 24/7 Online Access to your study tools from any mobile device, tablet, or computer.
The SHRM Learning System is comprised of four modules of study based on the SHRM BoCK:
Module: HR Competencies
- Leadership and Navigation
- Ethical Practice
- Business Acumen
- Consultation
- Critical Evaluation
- Relationship Management
- Global and Cultural Effectiveness
- Communication
Module: People
- HR Strategic Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- Learning & Development
- Total Rewards
Module: Organization
- Structure of the HR Function
- Organizational Effectiveness & Development
- Workforce Management
- Employee & Labor Relations
- Technology Management
Module: Workplace
- HR in Global Context
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Risk Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Employment Law & Regulations (U.S. only)
Fall 2025
Human Resource Management Course
Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:20 p.m.
13 Sessions | 100% online
September 16, 2025- December 09, 2025
Cost: $1,649
Testimonial
Hear from Michelle Kissler, SHRM-CP, who decided to pursue certification to establish that she had the HR expertise necessary to succeed as an HR consultant.
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