Business – Human Resources
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code2816
- Credential TypeHonours Bachelor Degree
- SchoolTrent University - School of Business
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- Delivery ModeIn-Person
- LocationTrent University (Peterborough or Durham GTA - Oshawa campuses)
- Emailbusiness@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- PGWP AlignedNo
- CIP Code52.1001
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- Co-op Option
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Important Notes and Advising
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- The Business School Student Success Guide
This Signature Pathway allows you to start with Centennial College’s Business – Human Resources diploma and continue into Trent University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), specializing in Human Resource Management.
From your first term, your studies are planned with a clear degree outcome in mind.
In your first two years at Centennial, you’ll complete a focused, two‑year diploma designed to prepare you for careers in the growing field of human resources management. You’ll develop a strong foundation in business while learning how human resources contribute to organizational success. Your studies will focus on key HR functional areas, including recruitment and selection, compensation, health and safety, employee relations, and labour practices. The program includes coursework that contributes toward the academic requirements for professional certifications such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and the CIM designation (additional requirements apply).
In your final two years at Trent University, you’ll complete your BBA with a specialization in Human Resources Management. You’ll examine contemporary business models—from corporate and online organizations to small business and self‑employment—while learning from award‑winning faculty and business professionals. The program emphasizes leadership, management, communication, and networking skills, with a strong focus on collaboration, experiential learning, specialized learning pathways, and paid work experiences.
With people at the core of every organization, this applied and experience‑driven pathway prepares you to manage workplace relationships and understand the strategic role of human resources in business. You’ll graduate confident and career‑ready, prepared for human resources careers, and to pursue professional designations such as CHRP, your M.B.A., or any other aspirations you have.
What Makes This a Signature Pathway
Two credentials in four years
Earn an Ontario College Diploma from Centennial and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Trent in four years — with no additional courses or bridging semesters.
One continuous academic plan
Complete Years 1 and 2 at Centennial College, then move directly into Years 3 and 4 at Trent University. Every course is planned to count toward graduating with both credentials.
Joint offer from the start
Receive an offer of admission to Centennial College and a conditional offer from Trent University at the same time — no re‑applying, no extra application fees, and clear academic requirements from day one.
An accessible pathway to a degree
Reduce upfront costs by starting at college and progress to the degree through your academic performance, with advising and coordinated support from Centennial and Trent throughout your journey.
Guaranteed, Renewable Entrance Scholarships at Trent
Students who complete the Centennial portion of this pathway with an 80% average or higher automatically qualify for a guaranteed, renewable scholarship for Trent Signature Pathway students.
These scholarships are available to students who enter Year 3 at Trent University through this Signature Pathway and are renewed each year you attend Trent, provided you:
- Maintain a minimum 80% average, and
- Complete a full course load in the previous academic year
Trent University Domestic Entrance Scholarships
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $8,000 | $4,000 x 2 years |
| 90% - 94.9% | $6,000 | $3,000 X 2 years |
| 85% - 89.9% | $4,000 | $2,000 X 2 years |
| 80% - 84.9% | $3,000 | $1,500 X 2 years |
Over your two years at Trent, the total scholarship value can be up to $8,000.
Trent University International Entrance Scholarships
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $11,000 | $5,500 x 2 years |
| 90% - 94.9% | $9,000 | $4,500 X 2 years |
| 85% - 89.9% | $7,000 | $3,500 X 2 years |
| 80% - 84.9% | $5,000 | $2,500 X 2 years |
Over your two years as an international student at Trent, the total scholarship value can be up to $11,000 CAD.
Program Overview
This Signature Pathway allows you to start with Centennial College’s Business – Human Resources diploma and continue into Trent University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), specializing in Human Resource Management.
From your first term, your studies are planned with a clear degree outcome in mind.
In your first two years at Centennial, you’ll complete a focused, two‑year diploma designed to prepare you for careers in the growing field of human resources management. You’ll develop a strong foundation in business while learning how human resources contribute to organizational success. Your studies will focus on key HR functional areas, including recruitment and selection, compensation, health and safety, employee relations, and labour practices. The program includes coursework that contributes toward the academic requirements for professional certifications such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and the CIM designation (additional requirements apply).
In your final two years at Trent University, you’ll complete your BBA with a specialization in Human Resources Management. You’ll examine contemporary business models—from corporate and online organizations to small business and self‑employment—while learning from award‑winning faculty and business professionals. The program emphasizes leadership, management, communication, and networking skills, with a strong focus on collaboration, experiential learning, specialized learning pathways, and paid work experiences.
With people at the core of every organization, this applied and experience‑driven pathway prepares you to manage workplace relationships and understand the strategic role of human resources in business. You’ll graduate confident and career‑ready, prepared for human resources careers, and to pursue professional designations such as CHRP, your M.B.A., or any other aspirations you have.
What Makes This a Signature Pathway
Two credentials in four years
Earn an Ontario College Diploma from Centennial and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Trent in four years — with no additional courses or bridging semesters.
One continuous academic plan
Complete Years 1 and 2 at Centennial College, then move directly into Years 3 and 4 at Trent University. Every course is planned to count toward graduating with both credentials.
Joint offer from the start
Receive an offer of admission to Centennial College and a conditional offer from Trent University at the same time — no re‑applying, no extra application fees, and clear academic requirements from day one.
An accessible pathway to a degree
Reduce upfront costs by starting at college and progress to the degree through your academic performance, with advising and coordinated support from Centennial and Trent throughout your journey.
Guaranteed, Renewable Entrance Scholarships at Trent
Students who complete the Centennial portion of this pathway with an 80% average or higher automatically qualify for a guaranteed, renewable scholarship for Trent Signature Pathway students.
These scholarships are available to students who enter Year 3 at Trent University through this Signature Pathway and are renewed each year you attend Trent, provided you:
- Maintain a minimum 80% average, and
- Complete a full course load in the previous academic year
Trent University Domestic Entrance Scholarships
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $8,000 | $4,000 x 2 years |
| 90% - 94.9% | $6,000 | $3,000 X 2 years |
| 85% - 89.9% | $4,000 | $2,000 X 2 years |
| 80% - 84.9% | $3,000 | $1,500 X 2 years |
Over your two years at Trent, the total scholarship value can be up to $8,000.
Trent University International Entrance Scholarships
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $11,000 | $5,500 x 2 years |
| 90% - 94.9% | $9,000 | $4,500 X 2 years |
| 85% - 89.9% | $7,000 | $3,500 X 2 years |
| 80% - 84.9% | $5,000 | $2,500 X 2 years |
Over your two years as an international student at Trent, the total scholarship value can be up to $11,000 CAD.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
This Signature Pathway prepares you for a wide range of careers in human resources and business across many industries by building the knowledge, skills, and career experience needed to begin a professional career in people‑focused roles.
Graduates of this pathway may pursue careers such as:
- Human Resources Coordinator or Generalist
- Human Resources Manager
- Recruitment or Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Analyst
- Labour Relations or Employee Relations Officer
- Organizational Development or Training Specialist
- Business or Operations roles with a strong people‑management focus
With people at the core of every organization, this pathway prepares you to understand the strategic role of human resources in business. Through academic study and experiential learning, you’ll graduate career‑ready and well positioned to progress toward professional designations such as CHRP, pursue your M.B.A., or advance into leadership roles over time.
In just two years, students will acquire the basic skills necessary to work in the exciting field of human resources (HR). Graduates will have a foundation of general business knowledge to help them understand how human resources contributes to organizational success. This program also includes courses towards qualifying graduates towards for the academic component of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP ©) designation from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA), as well as towards the CIM © designation from Chartered Managers Canada (formerly Canadian Institute of Management).
Career Outlook
- Employment clerk
- Human resources assistant
- Human resources clerk
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Business - Human Resources diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Professional Associations
Applicants can be admitted into this 2 year Business - Human Resources Diploma Program if the applicant:
- was, or is, enrolled in a 3 year Human Resources College Advanced Diploma program at Centennial College or another Ontario College and would like an earlier exit opportunity, to graduate sooner.
- was, or is, enrolled in a 2-year or 3 year Human Resources, College Diploma program at another Ontario College and would like to transfer to Centennial College under Heads of Business (HOB) protocol.
- has completed either Centennial College’s Business Foundations (2122) or Pre-Business (2125) Program.
Areas graduates of this Business - Human Resources Diploma program may pursue further study in include the following:
- Completing a 3 year Advanced Diploma in Human Resources (at Centennial College or another Ontario College).
- Enrolling in any other 2 year College Diploma Program (at Centennial College or another Ontario College).
- Using either Equivalencies or Transfer Credit process to enter into another 3 year Advanced Diploma at Centennial or any other College in Ontario with advanced standing.
- Graduates may be eligible for entry into a degree program, with advanced standing, but no formal pathway agreement exists.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English College or University preparation, or equivalent (minimum grade required); or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics College, Mixed or University preparation course or Grade 12 Mathematics College or University preparation course, or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take a Centennial College Business Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
Co-op Option
The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete one co-op work terms as an employee in the field. This experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice, but will also provide valuable contacts for your future career.
To participate in this co-op option, you will need to complete an application process in the second semester. If academically qualified, you may be admitted to the co-op program. Academically qualified students who are accepted into the program will register for the co-op preparation course as scheduled.
Co-op Requirements
- Minimum of 80% of courses completed from semester one and two combined
- Completion of COMM-160/161 by the end of semester 2 with a C grade (60%) or higher
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (this must be maintained for the duration of the program)
- Students must be legally eligible to work in Canada
- Students who meet the above prerequisites will submit their application for co-op to the Career Services & Cooperative Education Department in semester 2
Note: Meeting the minimum co-op program requirements does not guarantee admission into the co-op program.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,383.33 | $4,104.33 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,881.28 | $19,029.28 |
Important Notes and Advising
Important Notes and Advising
- Course sequencing and degree requirements may change.
- Students are responsible for course registration.
- Academic advising is strongly recommended to support planning and progression at both Centennial and Trent.
Note: Trent University will reach out to students after they begin their studies at Centennial.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Participate in the recruitment, selection, and retention of employees.
- Participate in performance management* processes.
- Participate in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
- Contribute to an organization’s success through effective employee relations.
- Assist with the administration and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan*.
- Participate in organizational health and safety policies and practices.
- Apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
- Implement organizational development* strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
- Communicate human resources information accurately and credibly in oral, written, and graphic form.
- Plan and act on personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
- Identify the human resources component of a business plan.
- Assist in the collection and analysis of human resources data.
The Business School Student Success Guide
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