Best Online Human Resources Degrees 2023
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Finding A Program That's Right For You
Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey.
- Browse programs to find what you like best
- Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations
- Request more information
- An online HR program can make you competitive for many rewarding human resources jobs.
- Human resources specialists and managers are responsible for the people-side of corporate operations.
- HR grads can find jobs across fields and industries all over the country.
- Job outlook and pay for human resources professionals is on-par with the outlook and average pay for all jobs.
You like people. You like to run things. You're business-savvy. You should probably consider a career in human resources.
HR professionals manage the lifecycle of employees — including hiring, training, placement, salaries, and benefits. They handle workplace complaints and develop policies to help employees thrive. A good HR specialist can set the tone for the entire workplace.
If that sounds like something you'd enjoy, here's what you should do next:
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Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you. -
Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in human resources programs as well as our sponsored programs. -
Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Is a Human Resources Degree Worth It?
A human resources degree can be worth it for people who are interested in two things: other people and making a business run smoothly.
The pay in human resources tends to be pretty good, the job outlook is promising, and folks in the field find the work rewarding.
"What I love about HR is that no two days are ever the same — there are always new, exciting challenges to tackle," said Cody Rusher, a human resources associate partner who supports corporate technology at Red Ventures.
"I get to support leaders as they navigate difficult situations. I get to connect people with the tools and resources they need to grow and develop. I get to impact folks across the organization, while also supporting the business as a strategic planner and consultant."
Benefits of an HR Degree
- Learn to hire, manage, and train employees.
- Master the fundamentals of business, including accounting, economics, and marketing.
- Understand how to manage organizations effectively.
- Gain entry into an array of well-paid management careers.
Why Get a HR Degree Online?
- Fit school into your life, instead of the other way around.Online programs offer all the flexibility you need.
- Save money on relocation and commuting costs, as well as many on-campus fees.
- Develop industry-important soft skills like self-motivation, time management, and communication.
- Dramatically boost your income potential while minimizing your opportunity costs.
Read More: What Specializations Are There in Human Resources?
Featured Human Resource Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Cost?
We all know college isn't cheap. The total average cost for four years (and only about 40% of students finish that quickly) is nearly $60,000. That is why it's so important to find online programs that can get you a quality education without the massive price tag.
Annual Average Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$9,375
Private Institution
$32,825
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
Here are some other ways to keep costs down while you pursue a degree:
-
Attend a public, in-state university. -
Apply for grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid that you won't have to pay back. -
Select a school that accepts transfer credits or rewards credit for work and volunteer experiences. -
Prioritize flexible programs that let you hold down a job at the same time.
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
Best Online Human Resources Degrees
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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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Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | 6- and 12-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $398
Out of State | $398
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University offers an online BS in human resources management. The human resources degree at Franklin University teaches you all of the skills needed to qualify for human resources jobs in areas like recruiting, employee relations, and labor relations. You'll learn how to determine appropriate staffing levels, bargain with labor unions, and resolve conflicts.
This transfer-friendly bachelor's degree in human resources allows you to transfer up to 76% of the required credits for the degree. Doing so can save you quite a bit of money on tuition.
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online or On Campus | Not Specified
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $718
Out of State | $718
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
The bachelor of business administration in human resources management from Brenau University can be taken in person in Gainesville or online. Brenau's bachelor of business administration degree prepares students for careers in the human resources field.
You'll take courses designed to prepare you for the certification exams offered by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), which may help you when applying for jobs.
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | 8-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $405
Out of State | $405
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
McKendree University offers an online human resource management degree. And McKendree's bachelor's in human resources has flexible online classes, so you can take two courses per eight-week session. You'll focus your studies on core business principles, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Some of the courses McKendree offers include organizational behavior, international business, business ethics and social response, business strategy and policy, and consumer behavior.
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa, KS - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Flexible Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $499
Out of State | $499
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Ottawa University-Online offers an online BA in human resources. Ottawa's program includes four concentrations available in economics, finance, health care management, and leadership and management.
The SHRM-approved curriculum teaches you about benefits and compensation, employment and staffing, policies and procedures for human resources, and methods for hiring and firing employees.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Flexible Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers an online BS in human resource management. This human resources degree covers current trends, issues, and technology in human resources. Plus, it teaches you to effectively manage employees.
Maryville University's program offers a transfer credit friendly admissions process and a curriculum that meets SHRM standards. You can gain hands-on experience by participating in an optional internship. And Maryville's early access program allows you to earn credits toward your graduate degrees as part of the bachelor's program.
Montreat College
Montreat, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | 8-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $425
Out of State | $425
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Montreat College offers a bachelor's in human resource management that focuses on human resource fundamentals and how they relate to business. Topics covered in this program include organizational behavior, knowledge management, and team development.
Montreat's program requires an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on all previous college work attempts. And as part of the program, you must complete an individual business project.
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Not Specified
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $747.22
Out of State | $747.22
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Immaculata University offers a bachelor's in human resources management. This bachelor's degree covers topics such as health and safety program administration, risk management, labor relations management, compensation and benefits, and leadership development.
Immaculata's human resources curriculum is aligned with SHRM's recommendations. The balanced liberal arts curriculum covers management, statistics, marketing, business and labor law, and general business.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online, On Campus, or Hybrid | Not Specified
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $285.70
Out of State | $285.70
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Higher Learning Commission
Metropolitan State University's HR program prepares you for careers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Metro State's bachelor's degree in human resources gives you the skills you need to become a personnel manager, recruiter, job analyst, labor relations specialist, and human resources manager.
The curriculum emphasizes current management thought and practice, including the importance of human capital in today's business environment. You'll learn about labor relations, employee relations, employee development, benefits, and compensation.
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Asynchronous and Synchronous
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $435
Out of State | $435
Credits to Graduate
120 (average)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Higher Learning Commission
Baker Colleges' human resources degree provides you with the skills you need to land an entry-level human resources position. This program at Baker College recognizes the importance of learning tangible skills you can apply in your career. Your curriculum covers real-world activities, such as recruitment, selection, and training and development.
You can choose to take your HR courses through Baker Online, which provides asynchronous courses, or Online Live, which provide synchronous courses. Most general education and prerequisite courses are available both online and on campus.
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Flexible Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $156-$234
Out of State | $260
Credits to Graduate
Not Specified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Utah Valley University's online human resources degree provides you the same hands-on experience as students learning in-person. And UVU's program allows you to earn credentials from the Human Resources Certification Institute while earning your bachelor's degrees.
The program encourages you to network with HR professionals across different industries, so you can learn from experienced employees in the field. Upon graduation, you are encouraged to participate in UVU's commencement and convocation ceremonies.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an HR Degree Online?
This degree typically takes four years to complete. You may be able to get it done in as few as three years, if you enroll in an accelerated program. Students who are enrolled part time can expect things to take a bit longer
Required Course Credits*
120 credits
Average Length of Time*
4 years
*Varies depending on your school/program
How Much Money Will You Make With a Human Resources Degree?
Professionals with bachelor's degrees in HR earn an average base salary of $66,000 a year, according to Payscale. This is slightly higher than the average salary for all U.S. employees — which was $58,260 a year in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
But with a few years' experience and the right specialization, you can make well above the average. In fact, the BLS reports that the top 10% of human resources specialists earned more than $108,160 in 2021. HR managers can earn even more, with wages up to $208,000.
Human Resources Jobs
An online HR program can prepare you well for a number of jobs. Some programs also offer specific concentrations (like data management, benefits management, or operations management, for example) that make you more competitive for well-paid leadership positions.
| Job | Annual Salary | Career Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| HR Specialist | $62,290 (median, 2021) | 8% |
| HR Manager | $126,230 (median, 2021) | 7% |
| HR Administrator | $51,000 (average, 2022) | N/A |
| Training and Development Specialist | $61,570 (median, 2021) | 8% |
| Benefits Manager | $80,000 (average, 2022) | N/A |
Read More: How to Grow as an HR Leader: 5 Tips from Real Professionals
Read More: Human Resources Careers
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Business Degree Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Human Resources Degree
What Is the Best Degree for a Career in HR?
A bachelor's degree in human resources is your best option for landing a career in HR, though some people in the field may have degrees in business, business management, communications, or social sciences.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Human Resources?
Graduates with a bachelor's in human resources can pursue careers in business fields related to HR. Many sectors have a growing demand for qualified HR professionals. And a bachelor's degree can also pave the way for a master's or doctoral degree in human resources or a related business field.
With a bachelor's degree, you can specialize in different aspects of human resources. Common specialized positions include:
- Job analysis specialists
- Labor relations specialists or managers
- Training and development specialists or managers
- Human resources specialists or managers
- Compensation and benefits specialists or managers
Are Human Resources Majors in Demand?
Increasing demand for human resources professionals drives growth in the field. As more companies emphasize the value of supporting employees throughout the employment lifecycle, the demand for human resources majors grows, too.
Currently, the BLS projects strong growth for human resources careers. The BLS expects the addition of over 58,000 human resources specialist jobs from 2021-2031. And jobs for training and development specialists are projected to grow by 28,900 positions.
