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.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Human Resources Programs
- #1: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota — Saint Mary’s online accelerated program can be finished in as little as a year.
- #2: University of Alabama at Birmingham — UAB includes experiential learning opportunities in its flexible online degree.
- #3: Maryville University of Saint Louis — Maryville features a customizable curriculum on a self-paced schedule.
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.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs
How We Rank Schools
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — Best Accelerated Program
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Fastest Online HR Program
The online human resources degree completion program from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota takes just a year to complete. The core degree requires just 36 credits. You can cut back on general education requirements by transferring up to 90 credits toward the degree.
Why Attend Saint Mary's Online
- One-Year Completion: The core degree requirements take just a year to finish.
- Generous Transfer Options: You can transfer more than three-quarters of the credits required for your degree.
- Easy Application: Saint Mary’s offers a two-step application process, featuring a simple application and a streamlined process for gathering previous transcripts.
Know Before You Go
- You can count past military experience toward your degree.
- Saint Mary’s is a degree-completion program, so you’ll need at least 30 credits to qualify.
- You’ll need a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 to qualify.
54%
$42,500
79%
$42,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,831
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Alabama at Birmingham — Most Experiential Learning
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Curriculum for Real-World HR Experiences
Experiential learning is at the heart of UAB’s online bachelor’s degree in human resource management. You can take on a business analysis project with real-world applications as part of the degree. UAB’s curriculum has an industry focus, and you’ll be connected with employers throughout your degree program.
Why Attend UAB Online
- Industry-Informed Curriculum: UAB’s curriculum meets Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) guidelines.
- Real-World Focus: Experiential learning opportunities are integrated into the degree program.
- Mentorship Opportunities: UAB connects students with real-world industry leaders through its HR Management Advisory Council.
Know Before You Go
- You can get a waiver for the experiential learning requirement if you already have real-world experience.
- As an online student, class seats won't fill up, so you will have a guaranteed spot in each class you register for.
69%
$ 8,832
82%
$21,864
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,160
- Institution Type
- Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis — Most Flexible Program
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Online HR Degree for Working Professionals
Maryville University makes flexibility a core part of all of its online programs. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that its human resource management bachelor's program has the distinction of being the best degree for working professionals on our list. This flexible, asynchronous program lets you work toward your degree on your own schedule. You won’t have to put your career or personal life on pause.
Why Attend Maryville Online
- Designed for Working Professionals: Maryville’s self-paced online degrees are built for maximum flexibility.
- Personalized Learning: With an average class size of 14 students, you’ll have access to your professors.
- Easy Admission: You won’t have to pay any application fees or take entrance exams to qualify for admission.
Know Before You Go
- You’ll have access to an optional internship as part of the program.
- You can transfer up to 68 credits from two-year colleges and even more from four-year institutions.
84%
$24,766
83%
$24,766
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,883
- Institution Type
- Private
Mount Mercy University — Best Career Outcomes
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Job Placement in an HR Degree
Mount Mercy University boasts a 96% employment rate in graduates of its online bachelor’s in human resource management degree. The accelerated online degree features flexible scheduling blocks with a focus on working professionals.
Why Attend Mount Mercy Online
- High Employment Rate: 96% of program graduates were employed as of nine months after graduation.
- Accelerated Courses: You can take courses in five- or 10-week modules.
- Master’s Degree Pathway: You can take up to 12 credits toward your master’s degree during your bachelor’s.
Know Before You Go
- Mount Mercy charges the same tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.
- Mount Mercy offers streamlined admission for students with at least 12 credits of previous college coursework.
34%
$38,070
70%
$38,070
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,451
- Institution Type
- Private
DeSales University — Most Industry-Focused
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Online HR Degree for Professional Certificates
DeSales offers more than just a degree. It also has a number of high-demand certificates to go along with it. The DeSales bachelor’s in human resource management program features stackable certificates in human resources and other focused business areas to help you tailor your education to your career goals.
Why Attend DeSales Online
- Industry Focus: DeSales includes customizable, stackable certificates as part of its program.
- Designed for the Modern Learner: DeSales features flexible, asynchronous courses created with nontraditional students in mind.
- Self-Paced: DeSales offers flexible degree lengths based on your needs, so you can work toward your degree at your own pace.
Know Before You Go
- You’ll need to be a nontraditional student to qualify. That can mean having been out of high school for at least five years, being a veteran or active-duty service member, or having a bachelor’s degree.
- DeSales offers a dedicated adult studies department with support for nontraditional learners, including tutoring and mentoring.
38%
$43,000
81%
$43,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,934
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like flexibility, real-world experiences, employer connections, and the relevance of the curriculum to the industry. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in August 2025.
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 2025 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, 52% 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.
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