Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

A great human resources professional can impact the well-being of an entire company. Check out these online programs that can help you break into the field.
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Updated on March 27, 2024
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Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Human Resources

Human resources officers are the make-it-or-break ingredients when it comes to company culture and employee wellbeing. That's because HR folks manage the entire lifecycle of the employee including recruiting, hiring, training, salaries, and benefits.

If you believe that people are the key to a successful business, then you should consider getting a degree in human resources. It's a rewarding, versatile career that can pay quite well: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for human resources managers in 2022 was $130,000.

An online HR program can provide the training you need to start your career while also offering flexibility and cost-savings. We've ranked all the programs below.

Featured Online HR Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Human Resources Degrees

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,536
Out-of-state
$29,737
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,180
Out-of-state
$30,900
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
50,804
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,976
Out-of-state
$29,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,250
Out-of-state
$20,250
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
4,687
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,900
Out-of-state
$41,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,068
Out-of-state
$22,068
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
8,270
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,488
Out-of-state
$29,712
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,388
Out-of-state
$23,922
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
35,626
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,024
Out-of-state
$29,024
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,244
Out-of-state
$15,244
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
9,009
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,766
Out-of-state
$24,766
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
10,596
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,593
Out-of-state
$16,385
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,558
Out-of-state
$12,920
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
2,219
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,000
Out-of-state
$35,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,464
Out-of-state
$13,464
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
3,426
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs of 2024

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,162
Out-of-state
$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

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

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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.

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 an 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

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Cost?

Higher education isn't getting any cheaper. It's important to weigh the cost of your degree against your potential career outcomes and financial goals.

One way to make sure you'll get the most out of your investment is to find an affordable college that provides the training you need without landing you in too much debt.

Average Annual Tuition and Fees, Bachelor's Degree | 2021-2022

Public Institution
$9,596

Private Institution
$34,041

Average Annual Net Cost of College | 2020 - 2021

Public Institution
$13,720

Private Institution
$24,735

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

How Much Money Will You Make With a Human Resources Degree?

Average Base Salary

BA in Human Resources
$68,000

Source: Payscale, December 2023

Professionals with bachelor's degrees in HR earn an average base salary of $68,000 a year, according to Payscale. That's higher than the average salary for all U.S. employees — which was $61,900 a year in 2022, 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 $116,060 in 2021. HR managers can earn even more, with wages up to $224,360.

Human Resources Careers

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.

Salaries and Career Outlook for HR Careers
Job Average Annual Salary Career Outlook
HR Administrator $54,072 N/A
HR Specialist $56,585 6%
Training and Development Specialist $61,075 6%
Benefits Manager $84,890 N/A
HR Director $94,829 5%
Source: Payscale, BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Human Resources Degree

What is the best career for HR?

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A bachelor's degree can prepare you for several great HR careers. If you're new to the field, it's common to start out as an HR administrator or specialist. Professionals with a few years of experience or a master's degree in human resources may be more competitive for management or director roles.

How long does it take to earn an HR degree online?

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A bachelor's degree in human resources requires around 120 college credit hours to complete, which usually takes about four years. An accelerated degree program can help you finish faster.

Are human resources degrees in demand?

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The BLS projects jobs for human resources specialists to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average growth for all occupations.

What kind of courses do you take in a human resource program?

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Most human resources programs will have courses in training, talent development, performance management, and compensation. Students can choose to further specialize in areas like recruitment, training and development, compensation and benefits, or labor and employee relations.

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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