Specialized Studies Program in Employee Compensation and Benefits

Human resource professionals need to fully understand the intricacies of employee compensation and benefits in order to attract and retain quality staff. Human resource management generalists and anyone preparing for a career as a specialist in employee compensation or benefits develop a better understanding of this complex area of human resources. Gain the knowledge to create incentives and other key elements to encourage job satisfaction and stability.

Gain practical knowledge that matters

• Learn to attract and retain quality employees through a competitive compensation and benefits plan.
• Build your expertise in cost- and time-saving human resources techniques.
• Develop compensation and benefits administrative strategies, tools and techniques.
• Meet a valuable network of fellow professionals.

Designed for professionals like you

Human resource and administrative professionals who want to improve or update their knowledge of employee compensation and benefits gain useful insights and practical skills to increase the attractiveness of their organizations to current and potential employees.

Specialized Studies Program Requirements

Courses may be taken individually or as part of the Specialized Studies Program in Employee Compensation and Benefits. You are awarded a certificate in Employee Compensation and Benefits upon the successful completion (with a grade of "C" or better) of the nine required units of designated coursework. Courses are typically offered in the evenings, to better serve the needs of working professionals. It is possible to complete this program in a year or less. Please call (530) 757-8895 for more information.

Tuition for the entire Specialized Studies Program in Employee Compensation and Benefits is $1,950 to $2,100, depending on when you enroll. The program application fee ($45), textbooks and parking are not included in the tuition fee.

• 3 required courses (9 units)

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Introduction to Employee Benefits	3
	Compensation Management	3
	Advanced Employee Benefits	3
F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer; Schedules subject to change Classroom format

Required Courses

Introduction to Employee Benefits

3 quarter units academic credit, X416.3. 30 HRCI Hours

Become knowledgeable about the various aspects of pension and profit sharing plans, COBRA and ERISA requirements, health and life insurance options and self-insurance issues. Familiarity with the fundamentals of employee benefits is essential for your success as a human resources professional. 

Learn about flexible compensation plans, defined contribution plans and pre-tax deductions, leave of absence policies, disability plans, paid time off, employee assistance programs and methods for funding employee benefits. Meet a valuable network of fellow professionals and build your expertise in cost- and time-saving human resources techniques.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Compensation Management

3 quarter units academic credit, X424.31. 30 HRCI Hours

Learn the various components of employee compensation systems and their role in attracting and retaining good employees. Develop and evaluate employee compensation systems that serve the needs of the workforce and the organization. Examine the historical and legislative relationships of employee compensation systems. 

Learn to develop compensation systems that relate to individual and team requirements, and gain an understanding of key elements pertaining to job analysis and the relationship of employee compensation systems to organizational structure. Identify unique ways to establish incentives and bonus programs that maintain internal equity and are in compliance with legal requirements.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Compensation Management    starts January 19, 2010

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Advanced Employee Benefits

3 quarter units academic credit, X416.4. 30 HRCI Hours

Learn to craft affordable, attractive employee benefit packages in this comprehensive course.  Discuss best practice strategies and techniques for developing benefit packages—ones that incorporate cost controls but still enable your organization to attract and retain the best and most qualified people available. Examine the basic methods of underwriting and financing group insurance plans, including health care, the popular 401(k) plans and similar retirement and saving plans, and regulatory compliance issues. Review COBRA and Protected Leave Administration as well.

Prerequisites:

Introduction to Employee Benefits, or a practitioner who has worked in administering or managing benefits for at least two years and has a solid grasp of the basic workings of 401Ks and medical plans such as PPOs, HMOs, HSAs, HRAs, IRC Sec. 125 plans and capitation versus fee-for-service arrangements. Basic knowledge as to the workings of dental, disability and life contracts will also be required along with the pricing and provisions of such plans.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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All courses are in classroom format.