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Presentation and training in business office

Certificate

7-week 100% online

Human Performance Design

The Human Performance Technology (HPT) Certificate at BGSU prepares professionals to improve workplace and organizational performance through a systematic and evidence-based approach. Students learn how to identify root causes, align solutions with organizational goals, and lead performance improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results.

Effective performance improvement begins with understanding the problem before designing the solution. HPT professionals use a systematic approach to determine whether performance challenges are best addressed through training, performance support, or other targeted interventions.

This 12-credit-hour online graduate certificate is designed for professionals seeking advanced roles in learning and development, talent development, performance consulting, performance improvement, and human resources.

The certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential or applied toward the Master's of Education degree in Instructional Design and Technology. 

Program benefits

  • Complete the certificate in 12 credit hours
  • Six start dates throughout the year
  • Seven-week courses
  • 100% online
  • Learn performance consulting and needs assessment
  • Develop leadership, project management, evaluation, and analytics skill
  • Design and lead performance improvement initiatives

Prepare for advanced roles in learning and development, talent development, performance consulting, and performance improvement

The Human Performance Certificate is ideal for:
  • Professionals in HR, training, talent development, and learning and development
  • Instructional designers seeking to advance into senior roles and broaden their expertise in performance consulting
  • Professionals seeking leadership roles in performance improvement, talent development, and organizational learning
  • Students interested in training, workplace learning, performance improvement, and organizational effectiveness
  • Business students and professionals interested in organizational performance and talent development

Students learn from faculty with expertise in human performance improvement, performance consulting, project management, learning and development, and learning analytics, bringing together perspectives from both research and professional practice.

Have questions?

Our online enrollment specialists are here for you from registration to graduation. Contact us with questions about applying, financial aid, program details, student support and more. online@bgsu.edu | 419-372-3226

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Courses/Cost/Time

Advance your career with a Human Performance Certificate

  • Performance Consultant
  • Human Performance Improvement Specialist
  • Learning and Development Manager
  • Learning and Development Consultant
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Talent Development Specialist
  • Talent Development Manager
  • Senior Instructional Designer
  • Learning Experience Designer
  • Evaluation Specialist
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Organizational Effectiveness Specialist
  • Director of Learning and Performance
  • Chief Learning Officer

#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again

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Quality Matters LogoBGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.

The Human Performance Technology Certificate is coordinated by Hajeen Choi, PhD, MBA.

BGSU College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering

You will be enrolled in and receive your graduate certificate from the College of Engineering and Innovation.

Human Performance Technology Frequently Asked Questions
What is Human Performance Technology (HPT)?

Human Performance Technology (HPT) is a systematic approach to improving workplace and organizational performance through analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. HPT professionals look beyond training alone to identify root causes and recommend solutions that improve performance and support organizational goals.

What can I do with an HPT Certificate?

The HPT Certificate helps professionals move beyond training delivery and into more strategic roles focused on improving workplace performance. Graduates develop skills in performance consulting, needs assessment, leadership, project management, and evaluation that can be applied across learning and development, talent development, performance improvement, and organizational development functions.

What skills are in demand for learning and performance professionals?

Today's organizations need professionals who can go beyond training delivery to solve workplace performance challenges. In-demand skills include performance consulting, needs assessment, root cause analysis, stakeholder engagement, project leadership, data-informed decision making, and the ability to align learning and performance solutions with organizational goals.

What careers are related to Human Performance Technology?

As organizations face increasing pressure to improve performance and demonstrate results, they need professionals who can connect learning initiatives to business goals. In-demand skills include performance consulting, needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, project leadership, evaluation, and data-informed decision making. These capabilities help professionals identify performance challenges, recommend effective solutions, and lead improvement initiatives that create measurable impact.

Who should consider the HPT Certificate?

The program is ideal for professionals in learning and development, training, talent development, human resources, and instructional design who want to expand their impact beyond instructional design or training delivery. The HPT Certificate helps professionals develop the consulting, leadership, and performance improvement skills needed to take on more strategic roles focused on improving workplace and organizational performance.

Who teaches in the program?

Students learn from faculty with expertise in human performance improvement, performance consulting, leadership, project management, learning and development, and learning analytics, bringing together perspectives from both research and professional practice.

What are typical salary ranges for HPT-related careers?

Career opportunities include Performance Consultant, Learning and Development Manager, Talent Development Manager, Senior Instructional Designer, and Organizational Development Specialist. According to labor market data, many positions related to learning, talent, and performance improvement offer median salaries approaching $100,000, with compensation varying by role, industry, and experience.

Updated: 06/30/2026 10:16PM