HRT137 - From Specialist to Strategist: Leadership in HR & Learning and Development

Move beyond day-to-day HR and learning responsibilities and strengthen your ability to contribute at a more strategic level.
Course Overview
From Specialist to Strategist: Leadership in HR & Learning and Development is a self-paced online course designed for experienced HR and Learning & Development professionals who are ready to expand their influence within their organizations. Through approximately five hours of practical, applied learning, you will explore how workforce planning, talent strategy, organizational change and data-informed decision-making connect people initiatives to broader business priorities.
The course is designed to help you think beyond individual programs and processes and begin approaching HR and L&D challenges from an organizational and strategic perspective.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for mid-career HR and Learning & Development professionals who want to strengthen their strategic capabilities or prepare for expanded leadership responsibilities.
It may be especially valuable for professionals working toward roles such as:
- HR Business Partner
- Human Resources Manager or Director
- Learning & Development Leader
- Talent Development Professional
- Organizational Development Professional
- People or Workforce Strategy Leader
What our Alumni Say
"As a busy professional I so appreciate the ability to be asynchronous with the speed of the class. It was also an affordable way to earn SHRM credits that are so valuable. The topic on being strategic is also very relevant and helpful to the HR world." -Laura Moushey, Human Resources Director
What You’ll Learn
Through practical activities and applied examples, you will explore how strategic HR and L&D leaders:
- Use workforce and organizational data to support people-related decisions.
- Connect talent and learning strategies to organizational goals.
- Anticipate workforce needs and contribute to workforce planning.
- Apply change management frameworks to organizational transformation.
- Communicate recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
- Position HR and L&D as strategic contributors to organizational performance.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Use workforce and organizational data to guide people-focused decisions.
- Develop talent and learning strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
- Apply change management frameworks to support organizational transformation.
- Communicate strategic recommendations effectively to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Course Format
Complete approximately five hours of self-paced online learning during the available course period. You may work through the course materials on your own schedule.
Some sections may also include an optional live online review or office-hours session. See the section details below for dates and availability.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn a UNC Charlotte digital badge recognizing your professional development in strategic HR and Learning & Development leadership.
The badge can be shared on platforms such as LinkedIn or included with your digital résumé or professional portfolio.
Professional Recertification Credit
This course has been approved for 5 HRCI recertification credit hours and may also qualify for SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs). See the accreditation information provided with your course section below for current credit details.
Human Resources Certificate
This course is offered as a Special Topics add-on elective for UNC Charlotte’s Human Resources Certificate. It is not required to complete the certificate.
Applies To The Following Certificate
- Human Resources Certificate : Special Topics: Add Ons
