Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs of 2025
Earn your HR degree online from anywhere, on your schedule. Discover the best online bachelor’s in human resources programs for 2025 below.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
If you’re interested in breaking into the human resources field, an online program is a convenient way for you to reach your goals. An online human resources degree program will allow you to work on your coursework from anywhere at any time, so it’s easier to balance your studies with personal and work obligations.
Learn about the benefits of earning an HR degree online below, including details about the cost, time commitment, and career options that are available once you complete your degree.
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs Highlights
- There were 2,149 graduates with a human resources management degree in 2023.
- In 2024, the median salary for an HR specialist and HR manager was $72,910 and $140,030, respectively.
- The employment rate for graduates with a human resource management bachelor’s degree was 70% in 2023.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs
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.
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.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
Why We Chose This School
SMUMN's online BS in human resource management features a curriculum aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) best practices. It's also specially accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Courses focus on essential topics, including organizational leadership, employee management, and legal compliance. You'll also learn about employee engagement strategies, performance evaluation standards, and more.
We like this degree completion program's efficient structure and generous transfer credit policies. You can transfer in up to 90 credits, and SMUMN recognizes technical college coursework, military training and experience, and other non-traditional sources.
Pros
- Graduate in 12 months
- Six start dates throughout the year
- Head start on your master's degree
Cons
- Requires at least 30 transfer credits
- No internship or practicum opportunities
- No concentration options
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
$40,520
$40,520
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
SMUMN's online BS in human resource management features a curriculum aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) best practices. It's also specially accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Courses focus on essential topics, including organizational leadership, employee management, and legal compliance. You'll also learn about employee engagement strategies, performance evaluation standards, and more.
We like this degree completion program's efficient structure and generous transfer credit policies. You can transfer in up to 90 credits, and SMUMN recognizes technical college coursework, military training and experience, and other non-traditional sources.
Pros
- Graduate in 12 months
- Six start dates throughout the year
- Head start on your master's degree
Cons
- Requires at least 30 transfer credits
- No internship or practicum opportunities
- No concentration options
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
Why We Chose This School
UAB's online BS in human resource management combines advanced HR coursework with well-rounded general business studies. The program falls under UAB's 100% Enhanced Online with Premium learning banner, which offers added conveniences like automatic course pre-registration to ensure uninterrupted learning.
We like the program's emphasis on HR technologies, which play an increasingly important role in the modern business administration landscape. We also appreciate UAB's inclusion of experiential learning requirements, which can place you with an external partner organization to help you apply your developing skills while building your professional network.
Pros
- Accredited by AACSB
- Affordable flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
- SHRM-approved curriculum
Cons
- No acceleration options without transfer credits
- No concentration tracks
- Limited internship opportunities for non-local students
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
$11,040
$26,520
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UAB's online BS in human resource management combines advanced HR coursework with well-rounded general business studies. The program falls under UAB's 100% Enhanced Online with Premium learning banner, which offers added conveniences like automatic course pre-registration to ensure uninterrupted learning.
We like the program's emphasis on HR technologies, which play an increasingly important role in the modern business administration landscape. We also appreciate UAB's inclusion of experiential learning requirements, which can place you with an external partner organization to help you apply your developing skills while building your professional network.
Pros
- Accredited by AACSB
- Affordable flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
- SHRM-approved curriculum
Cons
- No acceleration options without transfer credits
- No concentration tracks
- Limited internship opportunities for non-local students
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
Why We Chose This School
Maryville's online bachelor's in human resource management focuses on the here-and-now of HR professional practices. This 100% online program emphasizes current and emerging industry trends, with the 128-credit curriculum undergoing regular updating to ensure its cutting-edge relevance.
We especially like Maryville's active approach to pedagogy: You'll apply your learning by completing projects, exploring case studies, and participating in HR simulations. Maryville also has generous transfer credit policies, which you can leverage to obtain advanced standing and reduce your graduation timeline.
Pros
- Aligned with SHRM standards
- No SAT/ACT
- Optional internship
Cons
- No acceleration options without transfer credits
- No programmatic accreditation
- No concentration tracks
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
$24,766
$24,766
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Maryville's online bachelor's in human resource management focuses on the here-and-now of HR professional practices. This 100% online program emphasizes current and emerging industry trends, with the 128-credit curriculum undergoing regular updating to ensure its cutting-edge relevance.
We especially like Maryville's active approach to pedagogy: You'll apply your learning by completing projects, exploring case studies, and participating in HR simulations. Maryville also has generous transfer credit policies, which you can leverage to obtain advanced standing and reduce your graduation timeline.
Pros
- Aligned with SHRM standards
- No SAT/ACT
- Optional internship
Cons
- No acceleration options without transfer credits
- No programmatic accreditation
- No concentration tracks
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,606
$36,606
75%
34%
Why We Chose This School
Mount Mercy's online human resource management program offers personalized pacing and a skills-focused curriculum that delivers an efficient, industry-aligned learning experience. It is one of just 10 programs in the United States officially certified by SHRM — a feature Mount Mercy backs with a unique format with acceleration potential.
Beyond its rare SHRM certification, we like the program's creative and interactive learning tools. You'll use multimedia technologies, including video modules, situation simulators, and quiz tools, to deepen your engagement with your coursework.
Pros
- 96% employment rate
- Nine start dates throughout the year
- Rolling admissions
Cons
- Higher-cost program
- 56% graduation rate
- No HR specialization options for undergraduates
$11,106
$11,106
74%
1,526
Private
Yes
$36,606
$36,606
Cedar Rapids, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,606
$36,606
75%
34%
$11,106
$11,106
74%
1,526
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Mount Mercy's online human resource management program offers personalized pacing and a skills-focused curriculum that delivers an efficient, industry-aligned learning experience. It is one of just 10 programs in the United States officially certified by SHRM — a feature Mount Mercy backs with a unique format with acceleration potential.
Beyond its rare SHRM certification, we like the program's creative and interactive learning tools. You'll use multimedia technologies, including video modules, situation simulators, and quiz tools, to deepen your engagement with your coursework.
Pros
- 96% employment rate
- Nine start dates throughout the year
- Rolling admissions
Cons
- Higher-cost program
- 56% graduation rate
- No HR specialization options for undergraduates
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,100
$41,100
79%
44%
Why We Chose This School
DSU's online BA in human resource management uses an accelerated 100% online format to balance extensive HR coursework with a comprehensive business core. You'll emerge with targeted HR expertise and strong foundations in essentials like accounting, business law, economics, and marketing.
Recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the curriculum moves through compact courses quickly to expedite your graduation. We like that you can complete a dual BA and human resources MBA in just four and a half years if you maintain a 3.0 GPA in your bachelor's coursework.
Pros
- 91% of DSU undergraduates receive a scholarship or grant
- Transfer in up to 75 credits
- Barrier-free admission policy
Cons
- Higher-cost program
- Intensive, fast-paced schedule
- Only available under DSU's Adult Studies admissions
$21,120
$21,120
81%
2,929
Private
Yes
$41,100
$41,100
Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,100
$41,100
79%
44%
$21,120
$21,120
81%
2,929
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
DSU's online BA in human resource management uses an accelerated 100% online format to balance extensive HR coursework with a comprehensive business core. You'll emerge with targeted HR expertise and strong foundations in essentials like accounting, business law, economics, and marketing.
Recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the curriculum moves through compact courses quickly to expedite your graduation. We like that you can complete a dual BA and human resources MBA in just four and a half years if you maintain a 3.0 GPA in your bachelor's coursework.
Pros
- 91% of DSU undergraduates receive a scholarship or grant
- Transfer in up to 75 credits
- Barrier-free admission policy
Cons
- Higher-cost program
- Intensive, fast-paced schedule
- Only available under DSU's Adult Studies admissions
Why You Should Get a Bachelor’s in Human Resources
Higher earning potential: HR professionals with a bachelor’s degree usually earn higher salaries and have more advancement opportunities than those without one.- Diverse career opportunities: The HR field includes a variety of roles, such as talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee relations.
- Broad job opportunities: Human resources professionals are essential in every industry, making it a high-demand career.
Benefits of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Online
- In our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online bachelor’s students said they would recommend earning a degree online to others.
- Around 80% of online business students said the online learning is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Additionally, 64% of online business students and graduates we surveyed say their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
How to Choose the Best Human Resources Bachelor’s Program for You
To choose the best human resources program for you, consider the program’s cost and length, financial aid options, and the career options available once you graduate.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Cost?
Cost of Online Bachelor’s in Business, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,473
Avg. Net Price
$5,918
Source: NCES PowerStats
The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in business — which includes human resources degrees — varies widely. However, you can expect to spend an average of over $10,000 in tuition and fees per year on your degree.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid an average of $10,473 in tuition and fees in 2019-2020 for their online business degree. With financial aid, the average net price was notably lower, at just under $6,000 per year.
The actual costs could be less, depending on the financial aid and scholarships you receive. With that in mind, contact your chosen school’s financial aid department to see what programs you qualify for — and don’t forget to submit the FAFSA each year you’re in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your Bachelor’s Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Human Resources?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
It takes an average of 120 credits, or four years, to complete your HR degree online. However, if you have prior college credits, you may be able to transfer those to your current program and reduce the total credits needed. Also, some programs award credits for previous work experience.
Keep in mind that some schools offer accelerated degree programs, which allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in less time than traditional programs. You can often complete an accelerated bachelor’s degree in around two to three years.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Human Resources?
With a bachelor’s degree in human resources, you can qualify for entry-level positions in the field, such as recruiter or HR assistant.
You can eventually pursue mid-level and advanced positions as you gain experience. These include employee relation specialist, HR generalist, talent acquisition specialist, and HR manager or director.
Below are some popular jobs in human resources, along with their median annual salaries.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $106,880 | Oversees office spaces, coordinates safety standards, organizes records, and supports employees. |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist | $77,020 | Develops salary structure and employee benefit plans, analyzes job roles, and writes job descriptions. |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | Recruits and hires employees, manages employee orientations, and maintains employee records. |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | Develops HR strategies, oversees recruitment, supports career development, and encourages employee engagement. |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $93,500 | Handles labor agreements, manages disputes, and serves as a contact between employees and labor unions. |
| Training and Development Specialist | $65,850 | Increases employee knowledge, conducts surveys, and holds trainings and workshops. |
Source: BLS
Is a Bachelor’s in HR Worth It?
A bachelor’s degree in HR is definitely a worthwhile option if you want to enter the human resources field.
According to BLS data, the demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than the national average over the next decade. Additionally, once you earn your degree, you’ll become eligible for many positions in the field, including labor relations and training and development specialist.
If you’re juggling multiple commitments, you’ll find there are many online bachelor’s degree programs in HR that offer flexibility. These provide a solid foundation in HR principles and practices, opening the doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Human Resources
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can further your education by pursuing a master’s or doctorate in human resource management.
You can also choose a master of business administration (MBA) with a human resources emphasis.
These degrees can help you qualify for senior-level positions, such as HR director, chief human resources officer, and employee relations manager. You could also become a human resources professor at a college.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees
The best option depends on your professional interests. For example, a degree in human resource management will be best if you want to focus on hiring or managing an organization’s employees.
You can also consider minoring in a subject that is complementary to your human resources degree, such as psychology, economics, mathematics, or evenstatistics.
Explore More College Resources
Human Resources Careers
Learn about the exciting and diverse career opportunities in human resources (HR) and how to pursue and advance your career in this field.
Updated May 31, 2024
Best Online Associate in Human Resources Programs
Discover how to earn an online associate in human resources. This guide discusses what you’ll learn and the career outlook for this industry.
by Tessa Cooper
Updated September 19, 2024
Best Online MBA in Human Resources
An online MBA in human resources degree can help you step into leadership positions in HR departments across industries. Check out our top program picks.
Updated May 2, 2025
Other Business and Management Resources
Business and Management
programs
careers