Here is some general information about this course. Please visit the appropriate section below for more details about tuition fees, discounts, and registration deadlines. Class capacity is limited to 20 students to ensure the best educational experience. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your registration today!

• Dates: February 2 - April 27, 2026
• Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Monday evenings)
• Modality: In-person class at Irving Campus
• Campus Address: 1845 E. Northgate Drive, Irving, TX 75062
• Registration Deadlines: 
  • Early-bird: January 2, 2026
  • Standard: January 23, 2026

 

Meet your Instructor: 

Arthur Ferrell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Founder and Primary Consultant - The Ferrell Consulting Group, LLC
Instructor for PHR/SPHR Certification

Arthur Ferrell is the Founder and Primary Consultant for The Ferrell Consulting Group, LLC. - (TFCG). TFCG provides human resources consulting services for prospective clients in various industries who are in need of assistance in a myriad of HR matters. Arthur has served in HR Leadership roles in various sectors, to include, the Vice President of Human Resources at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Director, Employee Relations at Parkland Health and Hospital System, the Senior Director, Human Resources for Conifer Health Solutions, the Vice President/Divisional HR Manager for Comerica Bank; and in Director, Human Resources roles at Texas Health Resources, Pier 1 Imports and Yum Brands, (Pizza Hut).

Arthur holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. He has also earned his professional designations as both a Senior Professional in Human (SPHR) through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI); and the Society of Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification through the Society for Human Resource Management.

Arthur has served as an adjunct facilitator for the University of Dallas since 2003, where he has facilitated and instructed the study course for Human Resources professionals seeking their professional credentials as Professional in Human Resources – PHR; Senior Professional in Human Resources – SPHR or Global Professional in Human Resources – GPHR certifications.

Here is some general information about this course. Please visit the appropriate section below for more details about tuition fees, discounts, and registration deadlines. Class capacity is limited to 20 students to ensure the best educational experience. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your registration today!

• Dates: January 28 - April 15, 2026
• Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Wednesday evenings)
• Modality: Online live instruction via Zoom
• Registration Deadlines: 
  • Early-bird: December 28, 2025
  • Standard: January 18, 2026

 

Meet your instructor: 

Carol Rogers, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Managing Director, Human Resources, Barings Multifamily Capital
Instructor for PHR/SPHR Certification

Carol has more than 20 years’ experience implementing and supporting the delivery of Human Resources strategy, initiatives, and programs through various Human Resources leadership roles and in a variety of different industries.  

Her Human Resources experience includes company-wide HRIS implementations, acquisition integrations, and Human Resources operational initiatives. Ms. Rogers specializes in partnering with business leaders to influence and lead organizational design and change, resource planning, and innovative customer-focused strategies that align with the organization’s needs.

Carol is HRCI certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as the Society of Human Resources Management-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She holds a MBA in Management from University of Arlington and a BBA in Human Resources Management from University of North Texas. 

The maximum class capacity is 20 students. We reserve seats in class on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a spot in the course, you must fill out the online application form and submit your payment. Application forms without payment do not guarantee a spot in class. 

• Monday on Campus Course
  • Early-bird: January 2, 2026
    Standard: January 23, 2026

• Wednesday Online Course with live instructor
  • Early-bird: December 28, 2025
  • Standard: January 18, 2026

Table

	Standard	Discounted
Tuition after early-bird deadline:	$1,365	$1,230
Early-bird tuition:	$1,230	$1,095

• Tuition includes twelve class sessions with a live professor, and all course materials required to participate in the class.
• The PHR or SPHR Exam fee is paid separately to HRCI.
• The SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Exam fee is paid separately to SHRM.

Tuition Rate Definitions:

• Early-Bird Tuition: Students can qualify for an early bird discount by completing the registration process (including payment) by the early bird deadline. The early bird period ends 30 days from the start of the class. To qualify for the early bird discount, students must fill out and submit the online application form and submit payment before the early bird deadline (see registration deadline section for deadline information).
• Standard Tuition: Once the early-bird tuition deadline has been passed, all registrations use the standard tuition rate type. 

Discounts

The University offers discounts to UD Alumni and Students, UD Employees, Government Employees (federal and local), US Veterans, and SHRM Chapter members (e.g., Dallas HR). To qualify for the discount, students must provide an active .edu or .gov email, UD ID, or membership number.

The University of Dallas accepts the following forms of payment: 

• Cash payments: Our Office of Finance receives cash payments during regular business hours.
• Credit/Debit card payments: We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express using our online payment portal.
• Check payments: Make the check payable to "University of Dallas," write the student's name and id number in the memo, and mail it to University of Dallas - Business Office, 1845 E. Northgate Drive, Irving, TX 75062
• Letters of Credit or Company Sponsorship: Please get in touch with Jennifer Howard at jlhoward@udallas.edu for more information on this option.
• Payment Arrangement: We have a payment arrangement option for students who need a little help. This option divides Tuition into multiple payments. Executive Education students who wish to participate must complete and fill out the Payment Arrangement section of the application to enroll in this option.

Payment Arrangements: What to expect.

• Payments are billed monthly and due before the 30th.
• Your payment schedule is determined by when you submit your initial payment.
• Payment reminders will be sent out monthly to help keep you on track.
• All payments must be received before the final day of the class.
• Missing payments could result in your removal from the class.
• The initial payment must be received by the deadlines to attend the class:
  • Early-bird: 
    • Monday: January 2, 2026
    • Wednesday: December 28, 2025
  • Standard:
    • Monday: January 23, 2026
    • Wednesday: January 18, 2026
• The University must receive all payments in the agreement before releasing any certificate, digital badge, or transcript.

Payment Arrangement Amounts by Tuition Rate: 

• Tuition Rate: $1,365
  • Divided into three payments
  • Payments: $500 + $500 + $365
• Tuition Rate: $1,230
  • Divided into three payments
  • Payments: $500 + $500 + 230
• Tuition Rate: $1,095
  • Divided into three payments
  • Payments: $500 + $500 + $95

Payment Arrangement Due Dates:

The list below shows the payment due dates based on when you submit the first payment. If your first payment is made in the month of:

• November
  • Payment 2: December 30
  • Payment 3: January 30
• December
  • Payment 2: January 30
  • Payment 3: February 28
• January
  • Payment 2: February 28
  • Payment 3: March 20

Important Clarifications:

• To qualify for the early-bird tuition rates: We must receive your application and payment before the early-bird deadlines. No payment arrangement is available for early-bird rates after the deadlines.
  • Early-bird deadline for the Monday class is January 2, 2026.
  • Early-bird deadline for the Wednesday class is December 28, 2025
• Submitting your first payment in November or December secures the early-bird discount.
• To submit payment: You will be taken to our payment portal to submit your payment upon completion of the application / registration form. You will also receive this information in an email.
  • Payments made on a payment arrangement are considered partial payments. As such these payments are all made in 'classes' called Payment Arrangement.
  • Payment arrangement classes all have a date of December 31 or May 30.
    • This notifies our offices that we are receiving a partial payment which needs to be applied to a student's account and an updated invoice should be created and emailed to the student.
    • The December or May dates are only placeholders for our process and don't reflect the actual class dates.
• To sign up for the payment arrangement: You will select payment arrangement option in the registration form and be required to provide specific information and agree to the terms. No payment arrangement is available without filling out this section of the registration form.

The PHR & SPHR certifications require exam candidates to have worked as an HR professional for at least 1-year with a graduate degree or more. Please see the Certification Details section for more information.

• HR Professionals Seeking Certification
  • PHR Candidates: Typically, these are individuals who have some professional experience in HR and want to validate their skills with a PHR certification. They usually have 1-4 years of professional HR experience.
  • SPHR Candidates: These are more seasoned HR professionals with substantial experience (typically 4-7 years or more) who are aiming for a senior-level certification to demonstrate their strategic and policy-making expertise in HR.
• Career Advancers
  • HR Managers and Directors: Individuals looking to move into higher leadership positions within HR or seeking roles that require advanced HR knowledge.
  • Specialists Aiming for Generalist Roles: HR specialists (e.g., in recruitment, benefits, or compliance) who want to broaden their expertise and move into more generalist or strategic roles.
• International HR Professionals
  • HR Professionals Abroad: Individuals working in HR outside the United States who want to validate their knowledge of US-based HR practices and principles, which can be especially useful if they plan to work with US-based companies or in multinational corporations.

Benefits for You: When you enroll in this course, you will: 

• Earn the HR Management digital badge issued by the University of Dallas.
• Gain practical expertise that can immediately impact your job performance.
• Increased Knowledge: Build a strong foundation of HR management knowledge, skills, and tools to become a better HR Professional, team member, or manager.
• Increased Salary: Certified professionals tend to earn more. According to Payscale, HR professionals with any certification earn significantly higher salaries than non-certified counterparts.
• Take advantage of the knowledge and experiences of your expert instructor.
• Stay motivated to complete your training with set class dates and assignments.
• Build your HR management network through fellow course participants and your instructor. 

Benefits for Your Employer: Sending an employee to an HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) certification course offers several benefits: 

• Enhanced HR Skills: PHR and SPHR certifications demonstrate mastery in various HR disciplines, including workforce planning, employee relations, compensation, and risk management. Employers can rely on certified professionals to make informed decisions.
• Continuous Learning Commitment: HRCI-certified professionals are dedicated to continuous learning. They pledge to operate by a code of conduct and maintain their credentials through ongoing education. Employers benefit from having HR leaders who stay current with industry trends and best practices.
• Competency-Based Credentials: HRCI certification provides professionally relevant, accredited credentials that are highly valued in HR and business communities. These credentials demonstrate mastery and competency in the field.
• Career Progression: SPHR certification is especially desirable for senior HR leaders. It signifies a strategic focus on overall business goals and enables career growth.
• Strategic Contributions: SPHR training covers a broad range of business issues, allowing certificants to contribute strategically to organizational success.
• Company Value: Hiring certified professionals enhances an organization’s reputation and value, as they bring expertise and commitment to the HR profession.

In summary, sending employees to HRCI certification courses contributes to a skilled, informed HR team and positively impacts organizational performance.

Value of this Essentials of HR Management Course:

• Time-efficient and comprehensive: Our training program covers the human resources body of knowledge as determined by HRCI. Students receive 36-hours of graduate level HR training from SPHR certified industry leaders.
• Exceptional instruction: Learn from a HR management expert who provides insight and one-on-one guidance.
• Networking and peer interaction: Share experiences, discuss topics, and gain real-world insights into HR management.
• Stay on track: Structured class time and assignments help keep you motivated and on track.

Course materials included in your course registration fees:

• 2026 Complete HRCP Program for PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP: Print Edition 

The HRCP Learning System has more than nine-hundred pages of instruction, the program provides:

• an online study guide;
• two sets of online review questions for each unit; and
• two online, comprehensive one-hundred-question practice exams.
• Students taking an in-person course will receive a UD Parking Pass for the class duration.

Course Topics:

• Unit 1: Business Management Leadership & Strategy
• Unit 2: Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition
• Unit 3: Employee Development
• Unit 4: Total Rewards
• Unit 5: Employee Relations & Risk Management

Shipments: The University processes course materials shipments upon minimum course enrollment. Shipments are typically two weeks before the start of the class and ship via FedEx. We can only ship materials to paid students.

NOTE: Course tuition does not include the exam or application fees.

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), established in 1976, has an over 45-year legacy that sets the gold standard in HR certification. HRCI sets the standard for HR mastery and excellence around the globe. HRCI is the sole provider of HR certifications that meets the rigorous standards of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

NOTE: The PHR and SPHR exams require professional level work experience. To learn more about this requirement, click here to be taken to the HRCI website.

PHR Exam (Eligibility requirements & details)

Education	Minimum Work Experience*
Master's degree or higher	1-year
Bachelor's degree	2-years
High school diploma or Associate's degree	4-years

Click to visit the HRCI PHR Certification Webpage.

About the exam:

• Exam Cost: $395 (exam fee) + $100 (application) = $495.00
• Exam Time: 2 hours (plus 30 minute administrative time)
• Exam Length: 90 scored questions + 25 pretest questions (unscored)
• Exam Location: Pearson VUE testing center or OnVUE Online Proctoring

 

SPHR Exam (Eligibility requirements & details)

Education	Minimum Professional Level Work Experience
Master's degree or higher	4-years
Bachelor's degree	5-years
High school diploma or Associate's degree	7-years

Click to visit the HRCI SPHR Certification Webpage.

About the exam: 

• Exam Cost: $495 (exam fee) + $100 (application) = $595.00
• Exam Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (plus 30 minute administrative time)
• Exam Length: 115 scored questions + 25 pretest questions (unscored)
• Exam Location: Pearson VUE testing center or OnVUE Online Proctoring

 

Recertification Requirements

To maintain your HRCI credentials, you must earn HR recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the certification exam.

• PHR: 60 HR recertification credits
• SPHR: 45 HR and 15 Business recertification credits (60 total)

Visit HRCI's website for more details on recertification and the ways you can recertify.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) started as the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA) in 1948, and was renamed in 1989 to SHRM. SHRM is a global brand and the world's largest HR membership organization with a commitment to advancing the HR profession. 

SHRM-CP Exam (Eligibility requirements & details)

Requirement	Details
Minimum Required Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Professional HR Work Experience	None. The SHRM-CP is for individuals who perform general HR/HR related duties; or for those pusuing a career in HR management.
Exam Competency Level	SHRM-CP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the operational level. Types of work include implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and other stakeholders.

 

Click to visit the SHRM Certification Eligibility Webpage.

About the exam:

• Test Windows:
  • May 1 - July 15
  • December 1 - February 15
• Exam Cost: Varied range from $225 - $595 + add ons. Please visit SHRM Exam Fee webpage for details.
• Exam Time: 3 hours 40 minutes divided into two 110-minute sections.
• Exam Length: 134 scored questions
• Exam Location: Prometric testing center

 

SHRM-SCP Exam (Eligibility requirements & details)

Education	Minimum Professional Level Work Experience
Minimum Required Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Professional HR Work Experience	3-years minimum performing strategic level HR and HR related duties; or SHRM-CP credential holders: have held SHRM-CP for at least 3-years and are working in or in the process of transitioning into a strategic level role. Does not require candidates to hold an HR title.
Exam Competency Level	SHRM-SCP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the strategic level. Types of work include developing HR policies and procedures, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, directing an entire HR enterprise, or leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devote at leaast 1,000 per calendar year to strategic level HR and HR related work.

 

Click to visit the SHRM Certification Eligibility Webpage.

About the exam: 

• Test Windows:
  • May 1 - July 15
  • December 1 - February 15
• Exam Cost: Varied range from $225 - $695 + add ons. Please visit SHRM Exam Fee webpage for details.
• Exam Time: 3 hours 40 minutes divided into two 110-minute sections.
• Exam Length: 134 scored questions
• Exam Location: Prometric testing center

 

Recertification Requirements

To maintain your HRCI credentials, you must earn HR recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the certification exam.

• PHR: 60 HR professional development credits (PDU)
• SPHR: 45 HR and 15 Business recertification credits (60 total)

Visit SHRM's website for more details on recertification and the ways you can recertify.

Career Opportunities & Outlook with HR Certifications

Obtaining an HR certification or credential offers significant value to HR professionals by enhancing their career prospects, credibility, and expertise. These certifications, recognized globally, validate an HR professional's knowledge and proficiency in essential human resources principles and practices. With a PHR or SPHR certification, professionals gain a competitive edge in the job market, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. Furthermore, these credentials foster continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that certified individuals stay abreast of the latest HR trends and strategic skills. Employers benefit from the assurance that certified HR professionals possess the expertise to drive effective and compliant HR initiatives, ultimately contributing to the organization's success.

PHR or SHRM-CP

• Job Title Examples: HR Generalist, HR Manager, Recruitment Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Specialist, Assistant HR Manager
• Salary* (Avg. Base Salary): $81,000/year

SPHR or SHRM-SCP

• Job Title Examples: HR Director, Sr. HR Manager, VP of HR, Chief HR Officer (CHRO)
• Salary* (Avg. Base Salary): $107,000/year

*According to Payscale

Please click here to read a public disclosure about this course.