Human Resources and Payroll Generalist

Students in a classroom and students virtually attending the same class

Human Resources and Payroll Generalist

Technical Diploma

29 Credits | 2 Years Part Time

Financial Aid Eligible

Ashland*, New Richmond*, Rice Lake*, Superior*, Online

Outreach Centers: Balsam Lake*, Hayward*, Ladysmith*

*Combination of Online, Your Choice or On Site instruction. Select courses are available at the Northwood Tech Outreach Centers. Please contact your local campus for specifics.

Career Cluster: Business Management

This program will be modified for the 2024-2025 academic year pending WTCS approval. Please contact an Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions.

Today’s dynamic work world requires knowledgeable Human Resources and Payroll Specialists who are essential to creating an environment for employees to grow, advance and feel valued.

Program Overview

As a Human Resources and Payroll Generalist, you apply the skills and tools necessary to effectively value and apply employees' abilities and needs in support of organizational goals.

You will demonstrate the application of the generalist’s responsibilities in contemporary human resource management, supporting employees’ growth and development, the impacts of employment law, prepare and maintain employment records, writing job descriptions, recruitment and selection, conducting job interviews, onboarding, interpreting policies and procedures, and effective use of compensation and benefit strategies. You will gain experience using Microsoft Office products and Human Resource Information Systems software suites.

Program Outcomes

Human Resources and Payroll Generalist graduates will be able to:

  • Support effective employee relations
  • Create accurate employee records
  • Incorporate employment law into administrative practice
Students working on an assignment in an environment open for collaboration

In this program, you will gain experience working with the software that is used in the industry, such as Microsoft Office products and Human Resource Information Systems software suites.

A student sitting in a cafe and working on classes

Take your classes in a variety of options to fit your lifestyle.

Students working together on an assignment

Build relationships that will last a lifetime.

An instructor conducting a classroom where students are virtual and in the classroom

Learn to work in a diverse and dynamic business environment. 


Academics

The coursework for this program is relevant and current. All classes are taught by individuals experienced in the field in a variety of areas. Projects are individually focused, providing students with the ability to complete necessary work responsibilities as part of their academic requirements. 

Human Resources and Payroll Generalist classes are offered on all campuses (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior), Online and outreach centers (Balsam Lake, Hayward, Ladysmith). Conveniently take classes in a way that fits your lifestyle: Online, Your Choice or On Site. 

 

Career Pathways

Career pathways provide flexible, affordable and applicable degree attainment. As a Human Resources and Payroll Generalist student at Northwood Tech, you can continue your education to build upon your credentials by working to obtain the Human Resource Management associate degree. 

Convenient Learning Options

The Human Resources and Payroll Generalist program offers an engaging, interactive learning environment with flexible options to accommodate your busy life.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Northwood Tech's continuous networking with business professionals, employers and recent graduates will ensure your courses are up-to-date and applicable for your future career. 


Required Courses

Core coursework is focused on obtaining the most current, legal, and necessary skills to be able to perform Human Resources and Payroll Generalist functions effectively.   

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Human Resources and Payroll Generalist Courses

10116100
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
In Human Resource Management, the learner applies the skills and tools necessary to effectively value and apply employees' abilities and needs to organization goals. Each learner will demonstrate the application of the supervisor's role in contemporary human resources management, impacts of EEOC, writing job descriptions, recruitment, selection, conducting job interviews, orientation, developing policies and procedures, training, performance management, employee counseling and development, and effective use of compensation and benefit strategies. It is recommended that the learner have experience using a PC/MAC, using the MS Windows operating systems and software suite, browsing Web pages, downloading files, using e-mail, and exchanging files prior to enrolling in this course.
10116101
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
In keeping in line with electronic recordkeeping, human resources and payroll have followed suit. Tracking employee information and payroll transactions is handled efficiently and securely using human resources information systems and payroll software. The learner will come to understand how this type of software works. Payroll calculation will be highly emphasized taking into account all the federal and state laws and filing requirements.
10116107
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
With the ever changing health care laws, this benefits course will address the evolution of benefit offerings in health insurance as well as the other benefit areas. Taking the total reward approach, other topics to be covered include dental insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, government mandated benefits and optional work arrangements. PREREQUISITE: 10116100 Human Resource Management.

Human Resources and Payroll Generalist is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Human Resources and Payroll Generalist student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

This is the program you're looking at.

Technical Diploma
29 Credits / 2 Years Part Time
Potential Careers
Human Resources Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Technician, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Specialist
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn an associate degree.

Associate Degree
60 Credits / 2 Years Full Time; Part Time Options Available
Potential Careers
Compensation and Benefits Specialist, Employment Specialist, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Specialist, Recruitment Specialist, Training and Development Specialist, Payroll Analyst, Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources Assistant
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree. 


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2023-24*

Human Resources and Payroll Generalist

29 Credits | 2 Years Part-time

$4,306


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 

After the Northwood Tech Human Resources and Payroll Generalist Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a technical diploma in Human Resources and Payroll Generalist. Continue your education at Northwood Tech in the Human Resource Management associate degree and/or the Leadership Development associate degree.


Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at a laptop

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

students walking on a trail by campus

Get the Northwood Tech experience

Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.

Visit Campus

Find a program icon

Finding the class you want to take has never been easier. 

Find a Class

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.