April 2026
The College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is proud to announce the launch of the Human Resources Management in the Public Sector Certificate, a fully online professional development program designed to prepare HR professionals for the unique demands of government and public agency environments.
Public sector human resources professionals operate within a distinct framework shaped by civil service systems, collective bargaining agreements, pension structures, and regulatory policy environments. These responsibilities require specialized knowledge that extends beyond traditional private-sector HR practices.
The new certificate program is designed to support professionals working in local government, state agencies, public institutions, and nonprofit organizations that interact with public employment systems.
Preparing HR Leaders for Government Organizations
Human resources professionals in public agencies play a critical role in maintaining operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and workforce stability. Unlike private-sector organizations, government agencies must navigate structured hiring systems, labor agreements, public accountability standards, and long-term benefits frameworks.
Through the Human Resources Management in the Public Sector Certificate, participants will explore practical approaches to navigating complex HR environments while strengthening leadership and strategic decision-making skills.
The program is designed to help professionals build capabilities in areas such as:
- Civil service recruitment and classification systems
- Collective bargaining interpretation and labor relations
- Public sector compensation and pension structures
- Policy analysis and regulatory compliance
- Workforce strategy and organizational leadership
Participants will also engage in applied discussions and case-based learning that reflect real-world public agency challenges.
A Flexible Professional Development Opportunity
Offered fully online, the program provides working professionals with a flexible pathway to deepen their expertise while continuing their careers in government and public service.
The certificate supports professionals seeking to advance into roles such as:
- HR Analyst
- Personnel Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Organizational Development Manager
- HR Director within government agencies
By focusing specifically on the realities of public sector employment systems, the program equips participants with practical knowledge that can immediately support their organizations and communities.
Strengthening the Public Workforce
The launch of this program reflects CPGE’s commitment to supporting workforce development and leadership training across public-serving organizations.
By preparing HR professionals with specialized expertise in government workforce systems, the program contributes to stronger public institutions and more effective public service delivery.
The Human Resources Management in the Public Sector Certificate is scheduled to launch April 2026.
Professionals interested in learning more about the program can request additional information below.
Request Information:
/cpge/professional-development/human-resources-public-sector