Overview
About the program
The Diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and orientation needed to position HR as a critical business function that drives organizational success. This program aims to transform HR students into strategic leaders who align people strategies with business objectives, influence decision-making, navigate complex workplace challenges, and create a meaningful organizational impact. Graduates qualify for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation program, with potential exemptions from the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).
Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management, the student will be able to:
- Align HR strategies with business goals and formulate data-driven recommendations for organizational growth and success.
- Apply financial principles, business operations knowledge, and key performance metrics to HR decisions, enhancing organizational outcomes such as profitability and growth.
- Effectively communicate HR’s value to senior leaders and stakeholders, utilizing persuasive strategies and business-aligned messaging to advocate for HR initiatives that drive organizational change.
- Develop strategic approaches aligned with employee needs and business priorities by critically assessing complex HR challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and making data-driven decisions.
- Create organizational change strategies using HR techniques that ensure business continuity and employee engagement during restructuring and cultural transformation.
- Develop management strategies that drive high-performance cultures by applying leadership development tools, engagement strategies, and recognition programs to enhance organizational success.
- Assess real-world legal scenarios, navigate employee relations issues, and apply best practices to mitigate organizational risk based on employment regulations, compliance risks, and HR governance structures.
- Utilize HR analytics, AI, and HRIS technology to analyze HR data, measure workforce trends, optimize HR processes, enhance talent management, and make strategic recommendations.
- Design measurable strategies that drive business performance and create inclusive workplace cultures.
Graduates can immediately apply their human resource skills in numerous industries. BCIT prepares graduates to deliver the best practices in human resources.
Full-time program options include this two-year diploma option or a nine-month advanced placement entry option for individuals who already have a degree or diploma.
Business Consulting Project
Strategic Human Resources Management students undertake a 10-week Business Consulting Project in their final term. Students work in groups of 2-3 and spend two days a week developing a change management solution to a real human resource challenge for a company. The student teams collect and analyze data, create recommendations, and present their findings to senior management.
Professional HR designation
BCIT Diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management graduates are eligible to enter the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation program, which is a nationally recognized level of achievement within the field of human resources. Based on successful completion, graduates are eligible to challenge the professional certification requirements of the CPHR National Knowledge Exam (NKE), the first step in earning a CPHR professional certification. BCIT HR students may join as student members of the CPHR (BC & Yukon).
HR jobs & careers
Graduates of the Diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management program have a strong foundation in all areas of practical human resource management and can apply these skills in a wide variety of job opportunities, such as Talent Acquisition Specialist, Compensation Analyst, HR Coordinator, Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources Generalist, and People & Culture Coordinator.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Submit your completed pre-entry assessment form [PDF] to David_Berrington@bcit.ca for review. You may be requested to meet with the program area as part of the pre-assessment process. Once your pre-entry assessment form has been signed by the program area, you can upload it and submit your online application.
Step 2: Submit your application and meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (67%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- OPMT 0199 – Math for Business (67%) or
- OPMT 0198 – Business Math Assessment Test (67%)
Recommended for success
- We recommend that you attend an information session prior to applying to this program. Information sessions are held monthly, October through March. Applicants who live outside of the Greater Vancouver area will be accommodated.
- Strong mathematic skills are required for success in BCIT Business Diplomas. If you would like to upgrade your math skills, you should complete OPMT 0199 or OPMT 0023.
- Applicants must have work, community, or volunteer experience.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 52.1001)
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another post-secondary school?
Transfer credit may be granted for courses completed at BCIT or another post-secondary institution where the learning outcomes duplicate those of the BCIT course. As per Admission Procedure 5003-PR1, the department reserves the right to determine the granting of credit where appropriate.
Transfer credits are only assessed once you have been accepted into the program.
Applications must be submitted 14 days prior to term start. An official transcript and a course outline where appropriate must be provided (or be on file with BCIT) to process the request. A maximum of two courses per level are eligible for credit through this process.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
If you have previously completed a diploma or degree, see the additional options listed below.
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
BCIT accepts complete applications starting:
- February 1st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* for level 3 (September start)
*or next business day
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements (excluding Math 11)
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed all of the required courses for the level to which you are applying
Required courses
If you are applying to level 2, you must show proof of completion of (or registration in) the level 1 courses (or equivalents) below.
If you are applying to level 3, you must show proof of completion of (or registration in) the level 1 and 2 courses (or equivalents) below.
Level 1 courses
| Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
| BSYS 1000 | Business Information Systems | BSYS 1001 |
| BUSA 2150 | Introduction to Organization Development | BUSA 2005 |
| COMM 1100 | Business Communication 1 | COMM 1103 or
COMM 1106 |
| ECON 2200 | Macroeconomics | ECON 2200 |
| OPMT 1100 | Intro to Operations Management | OPMT 1198 |
| OPMT 1110 | Business Mathematics | OPMT 1110 |
Level 2 courses
| Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
| BSYS 2000 | Applied Data Analytics in Excel | BSYS 2000 |
| COMM 2200 | Business Communication 2 | COMM 2202 (or 2002) and COMM 2203 (or 2003) |
| ECON 2100 | Microeconomics | ECON 2100 |
| FMGT 2151 | Accounting for Business Administration | FMGT 2152 or FMGT 1100 and FMGT 2100 |
| HRMG 2150 | Intro to Human Resource Management | HRMG 3105 |
| MKTG 1102 | Essentials of Marketing | MKTG 1102 |
| OPMT 1130 | Business Statistics | OPMT 1197 |
| OPMT 1170 | Project Management | OPMT 1187 |
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- When will I be accepted?
- Can I take courses in advance to reduce my course load?
- When will I get my timetable?
- When can I buy my books?
- It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course, please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
- Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December or May to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
- In order to maintain a competitive application, it is recommended that you take no more than two courses per term ahead of time. A maximum of two courses per level are eligible for credit. Note that this will not reduce your full-time program tuition.
- Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature. If you know the set to which you have been assigned, you can also find your timetable on the School of Business Timetables page.
- It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning Courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Additional options
If you already have a diploma or degree, the following additional options are available to you:
Nine-month Human Resources Advanced Placement Degree/Diploma Entry path
You may qualify for Advanced Placement into the second year of the Strategic Human Resources Management Diploma program and complete the program in 9 months. Each September 20-25 seats are reserved for students entering directly into the second year of the program (level 3).
To qualify for this option, you must hold a diploma or degree and meet all program entrance requirements. See the Human Resources Advanced Placement Degree/Diploma entry page for more details.
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, the BCIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is another viable option. This eight-month full-time program leads into a number of international MBA programs.
Costs & Supplies
Bring Your Own Device
Students are required to have their own laptop. Please refer to the Bring Your Own Device Specifications [PDF] for requirements.
Laptop costs vary depending on the configuration chosen, but will likely range from approximately $1,000 to $2,000.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $780; Level 2: $780; Level 3: $780; Level 4: $780
(General estimated cost, and subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
First and foremost – in the first year of the two-year program, you will learn the basics of business! Courses include Business Math, Economics, Accounting, Organizational Behaviour, and Business Information Systems as well as an introductory course in Human Resource Management. These courses are essential to your success as an HR Professional who works at the interface of people and business.
In the second year of the diploma, you will take more advanced business courses in Finance, Strategy, and Consulting skills and will focus on all functional areas of Human Resources including:
- Health and safety
- Compensation and benefits
- Training and development
- Recruitment and selection
- Human resource management systems
- Performance measurement
- HR planning and strategy
- Labour relations and conflict management
Program matrix
| Level 1 | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BSYS 1000 | Business Information Systems | 3.0 | |
| BUSA 2150 | Introduction to Organizational Development | 4.0 | |
| COMM 1100 | Business Communication 1 | 3.0 | |
| ECON 2200 | Macroeconomics | 4.0 | |
| OPMT 1100 | Introduction to Operations Management | 3.0 | |
| OPMT 1110 | Business Mathematics | 4.0 | |
| OPMT 1170 | Project Management | 3.0 | |
| Level 2 | Credits | ||
| BSYS 2000 | Applied Data Analytics in Excel | 4.0 | |
| COMM 2200 | Business Communication 2 | 4.0 | |
| ECON 2100 | Microeconomics | 3.0 | |
| FMGT 2151 | Accounting for Business Administration | 4.0 | |
| HRMG 2250 | |||
| MKTG 1102 | Essentials of Marketing | 3.0 | |
| OPMT 1120 | Statistics for Business | 4.5 | |
| Level 3 | Credits | ||
| BLAW 3800 | Human Resource Management Law | 3.0 | |
| FMGT 3560 | Finance 1 - Administration | 4.0 | |
| HRMG 3250 | |||
| HRMG 3350 | |||
| HRMG 3550 | |||
| HRMG 4200 | Employment Relationships and Conflict Management | 3.0 | |
| HRMG 4650 | |||
| Level 4 | Credits | ||
| BUSA 3515 | Management Science | 4.0 | |
| BUSA 4800 | Management Policy | 4.0 | |
| HRMG 4250 | |||
| HRMG 4450 | |||
| HRMG 4500 | |||
| HRMG 4700 | |||
| HRMG 4800 | |||
| HRMG 4900 | Business Consulting Projects | 8.0 | |
| OCHS 3001 | |||
| Total Credits: | 106.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The BCIT Diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management program places you in a small cohort of 25 to 27 students. Each term you are assigned to an even smaller cohort team with whom you complete major assignments for the term. Your studies will involve learning from lectures, interactive labs, and each other. The focus is on the practical application of knowledge. You will work directly with industry on several projects and assignments.
Effective teamwork skills are very important to your success in the program. Most of your projects will be team oriented and at the end of your final year you will work with a small team on a Human Resource consulting project with an industry client. You will work on industry-based projects, research best practices, and focus on managing an HR change process with an external organization.
You will have the opportunity to join BCIT’s Human Resource Association (HRA) – a student-run club for aspiring HR professionals that provides networking opportunities, assistance in preparing for the CPHR exam, mentors, and organizes social events.
Our graduates go on to successfully complete the requirements of the CPHR, become HR consultants, HR Coordinators, specialists in training, benefits, and compensation, and leaders in the HR community.
Program length
Two years, full-time (9 months for students entering with a degree or diploma directly into the second year of the program).
Grading
In order to be eligible to progress into the second year of the Strategic Human Resources Management program, students must achieve a 72% overall GPA on their first-year courses.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. The BBA program provides you with the flexibility to complete your degree full-time within 8 to 12 months (depending on previous transfer credits from other institutes), or you can choose to begin your career and finish your degree courses part-time, usually within 2 to 3 years. Completion of the BBA meets the degree requirement to obtain your CHRP designation.
Block credits from your diploma may also be transferred to business degrees at Simon Fraser University, the University of Northern British Columbia, Royal Roads University, Lakehead University and others. Please confirm details with the respective program that you are considering if this option is of interest.
Graduating & Jobs
BCIT and the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) signed an agreement to allow some graduates of the BCIT Human Resources Management Diploma program to be exempt from writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). In order to qualify for the NKE exemption, you will need to meet the following conditions:
- Have a graduation date of May 2013 or later.
- Have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 70% or higher.
- Be a member of CPHR in good standing. You may join CPHR now, or at the time that you apply for the exemption, if you are not already a member.
- Pay the exemption fee.
If you need more information or would like to apply for exemption from the NKE, email the CPHR.
Testimonials
“I received a solid education from my university degree, but I realized I had no specific job-ready skills or a career focus. The BCIT Human Resources post-diploma program was the perfect program for me to narrow down my career goals while giving me broad exposure to the world of business through the intensive and challenging curriculum.”
Scarlett Yim, Consultant, BC Hydro
“One reason I love BCIT is that there is so much support and so many resources for students. I’m really enjoying the program so far, our class is fantastic, we have so much fun and help each other as much as we can.”
Asa Nerelius
“All the classes that I attended were amazing, interactive, interesting, and fun, and instilled me with the desire to continue learning. It is due to the BCIT education that I have received that I was able to confidently apply for jobs in the HR field.”
Tanvi Ahuja
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
The most important learning will come from your interaction with your colleagues in the class and as you work together on assignments. The faculty who will support this learning have worked in the HR profession as managers and/or consultants and are skilled in many areas, including Labour Relations, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, and Recruiting and Selection.
Business Consulting Project
A BCIT Business Consulting Project provides second-year Strategic Human Resources Management students with the opportunity to work over a 10-week period with an organization to solve a human resource problem or challenge. Students work in a team of two or three to improve human resource functions and systems for an industry client. Students complete a comprehensive written report and make an oral presentation to the client outlining their recommendations and solutions.
Business Consulting Projects are different from traditional co-op and internship programs. Students are not assigned to actual positions, but rather fill a consulting role for businesses and organizations. Each project has a BCIT faculty member that serves as an advisor for the student consulting team and a mentor or project champion who works for the client organization. Exit surveys from participating companies show that the completed strategic business solutions have a value that far surpassed their expectations.
View a sample list of past Business Consulting Projects students have completed in a wide variety of industries. Employers can submit a Business Consulting project proposal.
Contact Us
David Berrington
Program Head – Human Resource Management
Tel: 604-432-8210
Email: david_berrington@bcit.ca
Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Program selection and program planning
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
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