Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs 2024
Reporter, Business Education
Editor, Business Education
Reporter, Business Education
Editor, Business Education
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Deciding where to get your bachelor’s in human resources (HR) is a big decision. At BestColleges, we use trusted sources and factor in affordability and student outcomes to create a comprehensive, student-focused ranking of the best online degree programs.
The human resources field is growing. Jobs for human resources specialists are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. These HR professionals brought in a 2023 median pay of $67,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is required to become a human resources professional. Read on to learn more about some of the best human resources schools in 2024.
Featured Online Human Resources Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Rutgers University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Rutgers combined the best of both affordability and good student outcomes to take the top spot in our 2024 best online bachelor’s in human resources.
Rutgers has a high graduation rate, at 84%, and a relatively low net price of $15,365 per year. That high graduation rate also extends to low-income students — including those who received Pell Grants. Those students also see success and finish their degrees at Rutgers.
Rutgers offers classes in numerous subject areas within HR management, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and career management.
Top Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $615
Out-of-State | $615
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in New Jersey, Rutgers is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the U.S. Rutgers' BA in business administration helps students with 18 or more transferable credits complete their degrees in an industry-focused, 100% online setting. You can concentrate in corporate finance, data analytics, digital marketing, or strategic human resource management.
You may pursue an internship or a 12-day experience in another country as part of the curriculum, as well. Rutgers also allows you to complete an MBA or an MSBA while finishing your undergraduate degrees.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $206
Out-of-State | $619
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's bachelor of business administration in human resource management requires 60 credits of upper-division coursework and 60 credits from the lower division. Major courses include recruitment and staffing, compensation and benefits, and international human resources. If you have enough transfer credits, you may complete this 100% online degree in as few as two years.
Once you graduate, you can pursue a career as a medical manager, postmaster, administrative manager, or training and development specialist. You may also qualify for admission to FIU's master's program in human resources.
St. Joseph's University, New York
Brooklyn, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $740
Out-of-State | $740
Credits to Graduate: 120
SJNY Online's BS in human resources prepares graduates for careers in staffing and employee development. This fully asynchronous online program requires 42 credits in the major and 12 business electives. Human resources courses include talent management, human resources law, and employee benefits management.
You need a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission, and if you are a transfer student, you must hold a GPA of 2.0 or better. SJNY Online accepts prior learning assessment credits. If you have more than 24 transferable credits, the school may waive the high school transcript requirement.
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,396
Out-of-State | $1,396
Credits to Graduate: 120
Jefferson's bachelor of science in human resource management is available in both online and hybrid formats. This accelerated degree-completion program requires students to earn 24 major credits, including in global HR management, staffing and recruitment, and compensation and benefits. The program concludes with a hands-on capstone project.
Students begin new courses every eight weeks. If you have fewer than 30 transferrable credits, you should submit your high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. June 1 and Dec. 1 are the application deadlines.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 124
Offered through the Fox School of Business, Temple's bachelor of business administration in human resource management teaches students the interpersonal and communications skills they need to help companies succeed in the marketplace. Courses include compensation management, human resource management and public policy, and organizational staffing and career management.
Temple's program prepares graduates to earn the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional credential. Students may also qualify to enter Temple's MS or MBA in human resources management program.
Mercer University
Macon, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mercer’s bachelor of business administration in human resource management is available online or as a hybrid of online and in-person learning at Mercer's Atlanta or Henry County locations. The program requires students to complete courses in organization theory, total quality management, and labor-management relations. Qualifying students may also complete a research course and an honors thesis.
If you are transferring, you may transfer up to 64 credits from a two-year college or 88 credits from a four-year institution. To graduate, you need to earn a minimum of 32 credits at Mercer.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 128
In Maryville's bachelor of science in human resource management program, you can explore principles of talent recruitment and development to help realize your organization's strategic goals. The coursework in this 100% online program aligns with Society for Human Resource Management standards.
Courses include labor relations and negotiations, interpersonal management skills, and a capstone in workforce management and strategic leadership. To apply, you need a GED or high school diploma with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $668
Credits to Graduate: 120
Available online and on campus, A&M-Central Texas' BBA in human resource management program prepares you for broad opportunities in the field. As part of the program, you may complete a nine-credit micro-credential in cybersecurity, supply chain management, business analytics and intelligence, project management, and/or financial management and analysis.
A&M-Central Texas offers mentoring and networking opportunities to help students enter the workforce more quickly after graduation. According to the program, an HR graduate in Texas earns an average annual salary of $42,078 in their first year of work.
University of St Francis
Joliet, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $425
Out-of-State | $425
Credits to Graduate: 126-127
As a student in USF's bachelor of science in business administration program, you can choose from several concentrations, including in managing human resources. HR courses include performance improvement, supervisory management, and team building and development. Each course lasts eight weeks.
This fully online degree completion program requires students to possess a minimum of 64 transfer credits for admission. USF accepts up to 33 prior learning assessment credits, including military, CLEP, and DANTES credits. The school admits new students at six entry points throughout the year.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Term:
In-State | $3,755
Out-of-State | $3,755
Courses to Graduate: 41
WGU's bachelor of science business administration in human resources program can equip you with critical HR skills. Courses include talent acquisition, agile HR, HR technology, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program concludes with a real-world capstone project.
About 72% of students in this accelerated, fully online program graduate in 43 months. WGU human resources graduates earn approximately $14,637 more annually after completing their degrees, according to the school. To apply, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
More Bachelor's in Human Resources Programs
Mount Mercy University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Athens State University all fell just outside of the top 10 for best bachelor’s in human resources programs. These schools still offer great outcomes for students, including strong competition rates and affordable prices, but didn’t meet those criteria to the same degree as the top ten universities.
Is a Human Resources Degree Worth It?
Getting an online human resources degree can help you prepare for a career in a fast-growing field. Here are some pros and cons to think about as you think about heading into human resources.
Pros
-
The human resources field is projected to grow faster than average, according to the BLS. -
The field has a relatively high median pay of more than $60,000, although starting salaries may be lower. -
Human resources degrees offer broad training, and the field of human resources applies across industries.
Cons
-
The cost of college can be high. Our ranking factors in affordability, including for lower-income students, when ranking schools. -
Degrees take time, although online degrees can allow you to work while earning your degree. -
Human resources is challenging but rewarding work. Your job may be challenging and involve difficult conversations.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Human Resources Program
Getting a degree can be a rewarding but timely and expensive endeavor. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider a human resources degree:
-
Cost
College can be expensive. It’s important to weigh your financial options and consider what your return on investment will be before heading into the field. -
Time
A bachelor’s degree typically takes 4-5 years to complete, although some programs offer an accelerated format. -
Transferable credits
If you took college courses in high school or have studied at a community college, some of those credits might save you money as you earn your bachelor’s. Be sure to evaluate a school’s policy on transferable credits you might have. -
Format
If you’re already a working professional, a part-time or online program format can allow you to stay in the workforce without having to take time off.
