Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for online HR degrees is Florida International University, followed by Western Governors University.
- Online HR programs focus on flexible, accelerated formats for working professionals with comprehensive HR-specific courses.
- Accreditation and rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report are key selection criteria.
In this article, we profile the top 30 online human resources programs.
You might be wondering what exactly is a human resources degree? Human resource professionals are an intricate part of any organization. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a favorable job outlook over the next eight years for HR specialists and managers.
Featured Programs
To increase the number of qualified human resource professionals, online programs from reputable colleges and universities allow students to earn an HR degree online. This means you won’t have to give up your day job to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s in human resource degree.
30 Online Human Resources Programs Methodology
We reviewed over 100 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and. We also consulted other reputable online sources that offered online HR management degree programs.
We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), at least one bachelor’s in human resources program offered online, institution and/or program rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then ranked the programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 human resource degree programs online.
#1 – Florida International University
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
At Florida International University, the human resources programs for distance learners are some of the most affordable in the country. In fact, FIU offers the most affordable online bachelor’s in human resource management.
The online BBA consists of 120 credits that are completed entirely online, allowing students to juggle other professional and personal commitments. Courses for aspiring human resources managers and HR specialists cover topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employment Law
- Career Planning
- Happiness at Work
- Project and Risk Management
- Human Resource Information Systems
- Training and Development
To apply to the HR professional online program, you must complete an online application and submit official transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. FIU ranks with major publications. In fact, recent rankings from U.S. News and World Report include #218 in best national universities and #52 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#2 – Western Governors University
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Raleigh, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,670
Western Governors University offers human resources programs designed with the working student in mind. For undergraduates, an online BBA in HRM is available. This HR professional degree program is ACBSP-accredited and designed to complete in just 37 months.
The curriculum aligns with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and their HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Some of the courses you will take while enrolled in the online program include:
- Emotional and Cultural Intelligence
- Finance Skills for Managers
- Managing in a Global Business Environment
- Project Management
Online students have access to career services and an academic advisor. WGU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West and the 12th most innovative school in the country. Some students pursuing a degree in human resources may qualify for financial aid.
#3 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
Platteville, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,353
Among the top online human resource programs in the country, the human resource management degree online at the University of Wisconsin is a BBA with an emphasis in human resource management. The program is designed to prepare students for many different career paths with the knowledge and understanding that people are an organization’s most important assets.
Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who lead the on-campus program. These online classes cover topics in HR and business, such as:
- Business Analytics
- Business Communication
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership and Management
- Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting
- Strategic Management
Upon completion of this human resources degree, students are prepared for further study in a master’s degree program. In addition to offering quality curricula, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 95th best regional university in the Midwest.
#4 – University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,560
Earning an online human resource management degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus means completing 120 credits, all of which may be done online. Courses taught by university professors cover a series of business and human resource management topics. These courses include:
- Employee Training and Development
- Employment Law for Business
- Global Human Resource Management
- Labor Relations
- Organizational Culture and Change
In addition to classes, the human resources program offers student clubs and organizations, such as the Society for Human Resource Management – UMGC Chapter. The school is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #20 in most innovative schools.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid and speak to an academic advisor prior to enrollment.
#5 – Athens State University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Athens, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,710
The College of Business at Athens State University offers an online bachelor’s degree program designed for students wishing to become HR professionals, such as an HR manager, training and development specialist, or labor relations specialist, for example. Courses may be taken online and are designed for working and busy students.
These courses cover HR and management topics like:
- Advanced Human Resource Management
- Business Policy
- Employment Law for Business
- Labor Management Relations
- Performance Management in Organizations
In addition to the HR course requirements, students must also take classes in communications and general business. Online students have access to academic advisors and career services. Athens State is accredited and affordable. Also, the school has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the South.
#6 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,851
One of the nation’s best human resources degrees, Bellevue University’s online degree in HR is a BBA with a concentration in human resources. The fully online business degree emphasizes business and management classes as well as human resource and performance topics.
In fact, HR courses you will likely take while enrolled in the program cover the following topics:
- Compensation and Performance Management
- Human Resource Law
- Human Resource Management
- Strategies for Recruitment
- Selection of Human Resources
- Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting
To be admitted to the online education program, you must provide an official high school transcript, GED certificate, or homeschool letter of completion. Bellevue is fully accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs rank #176 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Financial aid may be available to students who qualify.
#7 – Thomas Edison State University
Online BSBA in Human Resources Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,926
One of the most affordable schools for online human resources degrees, Thomas Edison State University offers an affordable degree online that is designed for working students and distance learners. The BSBA in HR management program prepares students to become human resources practitioners in high-performing businesses and organizations.
Possible roles include human resource manager, training and development specialist, or labor relations specialist, for example. Classes for the online bachelor’s degree are taken entirely online and cover a wide range of business courses, practical skills in HR, and management topics. In fact, classes for human resources majors include:
- Business Law
- Human Resources Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Organizational Development and Change
- Organizational Theory
All students are also required to complete a capstone project in HR management. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, Thomas Edison State is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#8 – Metropolitan State University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,114
If you’re seeking human resources degrees that are both accredited and affordable, Metropolitan State University offers such a degree. The ACBSP-accredited program prepares students for professional careers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Recent college grads have achieved HR job titles like compensation specialists, labor relations specialists, manpower planners, and even training and development managers.
Some of the required business courses for the human resources management curriculum cover topics like:
- Compensation Management
- Employee Benefits Management
- Employee Development and Training
- Human Resource Management: A Strategic Framework
- Staffing Organizations
Metropolitan State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 293rd-381st best national university in the county. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
#9 – Colorado State University Global
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree Online (Management)
Aurora, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,400
Colorado State University Global offers an online degree designed to put you ahead of the competition you will face when finding human resources jobs. With SHRM curriculum alignment and rigorous study, CSU Global offers a highly sought-after HR bachelor’s degree.
Courses are delivered online and taught by experienced CSU Global faculty. These courses include general education courses as well as specific classes for human resources majors like:
- Applying Leadership Principles
- Business Policy and Strategy
- Managing and Leading Team Dynamics
- Training and Staff Development
- Human Resources Management in a Global Environment
In addition to offering a quality SHRM-aligned curriculum, the school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online bachelor’s programs rank #11 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Qualified students may be eligible for financial aid.
#10 – Sam Houston State University
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Huntsville, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,536
Sam Houston State University offers human resources degrees designed for students interested in earning a business and HR degree. The online Bachelor of Business Administration prepares students to manage human resources in any organization or to become training and development specialists or training and development managers.
Though online, the program offers many experiences for students learning from home. Access to community engagement projects with local businesses, internships, and networking sessions with guest speakers are some of the benefits offered. As all classes are delivered online, students also see flexible schedules that allow them to work and study.
The curriculum for the BBA in HRM at Sam Houston is fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Sam Houston ranks among major publications like the U.S. News and the World Report. Online students save money by paying in-state tuition.
#11 – University of Alabama
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Birmingham, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568
The Collat School of Business at The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online human resource management degree that is tailored to students seeking various jobs in human resources. Online courses taught by university professors offer quality and rigor. These classes cover topics like:
- Compensation Administration
- Employment Law
- Human Resource Management
- Managing Through Leadership
- Organizational Behavior
- Organizational Staffing
Many of the faculty are longtime members of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the curriculum meets the standards set forth by this professional organization. In addition to offering quality SHRM-aligned courses, the school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #153 in best national universities and #129 in best value schools.
#12 – Indiana State University
Online Bachelor’s in HR Development for Higher Education and Industry
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,236
Indiana State University offers a uniquely designed online human resources degree for undergraduates seeking careers in HR higher education, as well as other industries and HR jobs. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same experienced faculty who lead program courses on campus. Required courses cover topics like:
- Adult Learners in Higher Education and Training
- Characteristics of HR Development
- Evaluating Learner Performance
- Labor Relations in Human Resource Development
Admission requirements for online programs are standard and ask that applicants provide high school transcripts and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Indiana State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #183 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – University of Arkansas
Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,384
One of the most affordable online programs on our list is offered at the University of Arkansas. With a two- to four-year completion time, this online bachelor’s in human resources is also one of the most accelerated programs featured in this ranking.
All courses are offered online on a traditional 15-week fall and spring semester schedule. Courses cover HR topics like:
- Career Development
- Foundations of HR Development
- Professional and Leadership Development
- Strategic Human Resource Development
- Writing for Human Resource and Workforce Development
The program is fully accredited, and the school has earned rankings in major publications like the U.S. News and the World Report. In fact, rankings include #153 in best national universities and #167 in best value schools.
#14 – Park University
Online Bachelor’s in Management – Human Resources
Parkville, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,190
One of the top human resources bachelor’s degree online programs on our list is the bachelor’s in management with a concentration in human resources at Park University. This fully online degree program focuses on the study of organizations and how to best utilize human capital.
With a behavioral science approach to management, students focus their attention on gaining a vital understanding of how people interact within groups. Online human resources courses cover topics like:
- Compensation Management
- Employment Law
- Introduction to Human Resource Management
- Planning and Staffing
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major. In addition to offering accredited online programs, Park University has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #223 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management
Melbourne, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240
Florida Tech’s online degree program in HR is designed for undergraduates and centers on an interdisciplinary approach to managing human resources in any organization. The program may be completed 100 percent online and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The courses you will take online cover topics and current trends in business, management, and human resources. These major core courses include foundational course work like:
- Global Business Perspectives
- International Management
- Management of Human Resources
- Psychology of the Workplace
- Selection and Placement
In addition to being accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Florida Tech ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 202nd best national university in the country. Online students save money by paying in-state tuition.
#16 – Ottawa University
Online BBA in Human Resources
Ottawa, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,316
Ottawa University’s degree online bachelor’s program allows students to earn a business administration degree (BBA) while gaining valuable skills in a concentration. For example, students interested in seeking careers as HR specialists or other HR jobs will earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in human resources. Courses offered for this human resource management program cover topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Conflict Management
- Employment Law and Policies
- Human Resources Administration
- Training and Development
In addition to offering accredited programs, Ottawa has earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Ottawa’s recent rankings include #43 in best regional colleges in the Midwest and #49 in top performers on social mobility.
#17 – Peirce College
Online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,060
Peirce College’s online human resources degree program prepares students for career advancement in human resources, business settings, and management fields. The 121-credit online program allows up to 90 transfer credits toward the degree. Courses cover business, HRM, and management topics. In fact, the following courses are required for the human resource management curriculum:
- Applied Management Concepts
- Human Capital Management
- Labor and Employee Relations
- Managing Employment Law
For those interested in earning a master’s degree, up to 12 graduate credits may be earned for this program that also applies to the master’s in organizational leadership and management degree. Peirce College ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the North.
Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #183 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#18 – Golden Gate University
Online Bachelor’s in Management – Human Resource Management
San Francisco, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,095
Golden Gate University’s 120-credit hour degree program is one of the top choices for online bachelor’s in HR management programs. At GCU, students take online courses taught by experienced faculty. In fact, many of the professors and instructors bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom for students enrolled online. These courses will help students demonstrate mastery of HRM topics like:
- Compensation Decision Making
- Labor Management Relations
- Training Methods and Administration
Golden Gate ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include the top regional university in the West. Also, the school is fully accredited to confer undergraduate degrees in business, human resource, and management. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid.
#19 – Temple University
Online Human Resource Management BBA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,970
Earning an online degree in HR at Temple University means developing skills that make you an asset to any organization. Offered through the Fox School of Business, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in HRM prepares students for careers as HR leaders, including benefits specialists.
The HRM classes required for this bachelor’s degree cover course materials in topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits Management
- Human Resource Management and Public Policy
- Organizational Staffing and Career Management
The human resources program is highly affordable for in-state residents as well as those enrolled online. Aside from offering low tuition costs and quality programming, Temple ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Temple ranks #104 in best national universities and #99 in best value schools.
#20 – Regent University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,620
Regent University’s HR degree program is a business degree (Bachelor of Science degree) with a human resource management concentration. This fully online and ACBSP-accredited program offers eight-week courses taught by Regent’s experienced faculty. The curriculum is anchored to Christian principles and values, adhering to the mission of the institution. Regent’s HR courses cover topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits Management
- Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
- Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining
- Staffing and Talent Management
Regent ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 281st best national university. Other rankings include #49 in top performers on social mobility and #58 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#21 – Davenport University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Undergraduate Tuition: $19,338
The human resources bachelor’s degree online programs at Davenport University prepare students to lead an organization’s team. This means that while enrolled in the online bachelor’s in human resource management program, you will gain knowledge in compensation, dispute resolution, negotiation, communication skills, staffing, and training.
nowing all aspects of the HR field will make you a valuable asset in your career aspirations. Courses for the bachelor’s in human resources program cover topics like:
- Advanced Composition
- Business Law Foundations
- Employment and Labor Law
- Organizational Behavior
- Strategic Human Resources
A capstone project may also be required for online HR degree completion. Davenport is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Davenport ranks #111 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#22 – Liberty University
Online Human Resource Management BSBA
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,747
The most valuable asset to any organization is the people. Liberty University recognizes this belief and offers an accredited online degree in HR. This bachelor’s degree program prepares committed students to lead HR efforts within any organization. This ACBSP-accredited program features 100% online coursework and classes taught by esteemed Liberty faculty. The courses for the human resources program cover topics like:
- Compensation Management
- Employee and Labor Relations
- HR Development
- Workforce Planning and Employment
Aside from quality courses for on-campus students as well as students enrolled online, Liberty offers institution rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings ensure the school has earned recognition in areas of academics and quality.
Most recently, the online bachelor’s degree programs have ranked #223 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Liberty University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#23 – Concordia University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,800
In terms of online programs, Concordia University is another top-ranked institution that offers affordable tuition for a degree in HR. The bachelor’s in human resource management is a fully online program designed to prepare graduates for various HR roles. It’s comprised of seven-week classes and hands-on, comprehensive curriculum.
Required courses for online students pursuing the bachelor’s degree cover an array of topics in:
- Applied Accounting and Finance
- Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource Management and Employment Law
- Legal Environment of Business
Concordia is a fully accredited institution that is also ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #76 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #53 in best value schools for online and on-campus students.
#24 – Geneva College
Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,190
Geneva College’s online undergraduate degree in HR is designed as a foundation or launching pad for individuals who aspire careers in HR leadership. Online courses typically run eight weeks in length and students generally enroll in two classes at a time. These courses include topics like:
- Aging Services and Case Management
- Career and Professional Development
- Policies and Personnel Management
- Principles of Human Resources
- Training and Development
Geneva is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Geneva’s rankings include #92 in best regional universities in the North and #100 in top performers on social mobility. Besides school rankings, the online bachelor’s programs rank #183 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#25 – Brenau University
Online Human Resource Management BBA
Gainesville, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,084
The bachelor’s degree in human resource program at Brenau University is designed to develop student’s knowledge and abilities in the field and to prepare graduates for HR jobs.
Specifically, online students learn to evaluate and manage human assets in any organization (i.e., an organization’s employees). The degree also prepares students for careers in employee selection and training.
Successful admission to the program requires applicants to have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent and maintained at least a 2.75 GPA. Major courses future HR professionals will likely take while enrolled in the bachelor’s program cover topics such as:
- HR Strategic Planning
- Measurement of Human Resource Management
- Research Methods in Organizations
Online HR degree students have access to career services and an academic advisor. Brenau ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 38th best regional university in the South and 37th best value school in the country.
#26 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,136
A leader in online education programs, Southern New Hampshire University, offers a human resources bachelor’s degree online program that is designed for working students. As job growth and employment for HR specialists and managers increase, so does the need for educated and qualified professionals in the HR field to help shape company culture.
SNHU offers an online human resource management BBA that prepares students for careers in both business and HR. Courses are flexible and delivered completely online. These classes for future HR professionals enrolled online include:
- Human Resources Strategy and Development
- Principles of Management
- Total Rewards
- Cultural Diversity in the Business Environment
The bachelor’s degree program is also fully accredited and affordable for undergrads. Also, SNHU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd-best regional university in the North. Students with an associate degree from a community college may qualify for transfer credits.
#27 – LeTourneau University
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Longview, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,270
One of the top online undergraduate degree programs on our list that focuses on business and HR is offered at LeTourneau University. This fully online business degree offers courses taught by experienced LeTourneau faculty. Courses for human resources degree online students cover topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Conflict Resolution
- Human Resources Management
- Staffing
- Cultural Diversity in the Business Environment
The classes for HR professionals are generally taken one at a time and last for about five weeks. LeTourneau is a fully accredited institution that has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s most recent rankings include #25 in best regional universities in the West and #14 in best value institutions.
#28 – McKendree University
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Lebanon, Illinois
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,640
Offering business degrees for busy adults with career goals in HR, McKendree University is a top choice for a human resources online degree. The online bachelor’s in human resource management offers a flexible schedule and online learning. Interesting business core courses and HR classes cover topics like:
- Business Ethics and Social Response
- Business Strategy and Policy
- Consumer Behavior
- International Business
- Organizational Behavior
- Employee and Labor Relations
Graduates of this bachelor’s degree in human resource program have gone on to enroll in MBA, MA, and JD programs, as well as secure employment in various management roles in the HR field. McKendree ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 53rd best regional university in the Midwest and 40th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #80 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#29 – Southwestern College
Online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management and Development
Wichita, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,650
Looking for an undergraduate degree program in HR? Southwestern College’s online bachelor’s in human resources offers a flexible curriculum through online learning. The program is designed to enable students for a range of career paths in the HR department.
Classes run six weeks in length and can be taken day or night, depending on your schedule. Courses for aspiring HR professionals enrolled online include business core courses as well as major-specific topics like:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Developing Workforce Talent for Current and Future Roles
- Legal and Regulatory Environment of HR
- Recruiting Workforce Talent
- Proactive Human Resource Strategies
- Cultural Diversity in the Business Environment
- Legal and Ethical Issues in HR Development
Students pursuing online degrees may also have to complete a comprehensive business plan as a culminating element of the program. A total of 124 credit hours are required to complete the bachelor’s degree program.
Aside from offering an accredited degree, Southwestern also offers rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Southwestern ranks #117-#153 in the best regional universities in the Midwest.
#30 – DeSales University
Online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $38,700
DeSales University offers an accredited online human resources degree designed for undergraduates who desire to pursue careers in the HR field. From a business core to recruiting to staffing, interpersonal relationships, and other human resource functions, the online bachelor’s in HR management focuses on preparing students with concepts applicable to today’s HR specialists.
Courses for online degrees feature an accelerated format and convenient evening and weekend options. All courses are delivered online and taught by experienced and respected DeSales faculty. To meet admission requirements, applicants must have been out of high school for over five years, be a veteran or active duty service member, have a full-time career, or hold a bachelor’s degree.
There may be other requirements for international students and transfer students. The online HR degree program is fully accredited by ACBSP and the school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a degree in human resources management?
Graduates of bachelor’s in human resource programs find jobs in all industries where they can apply their business acumen and management skills. Human resource specialist jobs require less experience than positions at the manager level.
However, with a basic understanding of HR and a college education like a bachelor’s degree in human resources, you should qualify for a variety of positions and career goals. We’ve detailed some of these job opportunities below:
- Compensation and benefits specialist:
These highly skilled specialists help organizations comply with compensation and benefits labor laws and policies and administer benefits. They are often responsible for evaluating positions and job descriptions to help determine pay scales, employee classifications, and salaries.
Usually compensation and benefits managers set wages, but specialists analyze and assist with compensation and benefits packages like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Human resources manager:
A human resource manager is responsible for overseeing an organization’s human resource department. Additional responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, determining employee skill sets, and advising management on HR issues.
- Human resources specialist:
Human resources specialists often oversee the hiring process. While this role answers to the HR manager, HR specialists do have agency over accounts and hiring. Some specialists may work exclusively with recruiting, while others focus on compensation, labor relations, or talent management.
- Training and development specialist:
Training and development specialists determine the needs of workforce training within an organization. They often outline development strategies and deliver training programs to new hires or existing employees.
What classes will I take in a human resource management degree program?
Course topics vary by degree program. Some programs emphasize business while others focus on management. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in human resources online often take courses that cover topics like business ethics, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, global or international business strategies, organizational behavior, and social psychology in the workplace.
Psychology courses under the umbrella of a human resources major emphasize behavior. In these courses, students get introduced to the emotional and mental aspects of workplace environments. They are also exposed to leadership tactics that help motivate employees. In certain psychology classes, students learn about behaviors and theories from both past and present thought.
The ethics courses taken in a human resource management degree program teach critical thinking and problem solving for business leaders. These classes focus on the role of the human resource manager and how one examines and handles ethical dilemmas in the business world as they manage employees. Corporate and individual responsibility for business professionals are also part of the study.
The organizational behavior courses like those in operations management show students how individuals and groups within any organization work and interact. Some classes take analytical approaches while others emphasize the development of such approaches.
In addition to the above courses, advanced human resource training is covered. These classes focus on human resource management, HR leadership, project management, and other topics specific to the HR industry.
What is the job outlook for individuals with a degree in human resources management?
Employment of human resource managers and specialists look favorable for the next eight years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a seven-percent projected job growth for HR managers and eight-percent job growth for HR specialists.
Managers and specialists will be needed to oversee programs and ensure organizations adhere to the ever-changing and complex employment laws. However, for management positions, strong competition can be expected.
According to BLS, employment growth for human resource managers largely depends on the growth of individual organizations. As organizations grow and expand operations, more human resource managers will be needed. This is also true of human resource specialists. As a company grows, they will need specialists to administer their HR programs.
While there should be plenty of jobs in HR available for those who develop competence in the field over the next several years, strong competition may be expected for some positions. To set yourself apart from your competitors, advanced degrees, training, experience, and certification are looked upon as favorable by employers. Candidates with certification and degree credentials should have the best job prospects.
Industries that should see the best job prospects include healthcare, occupational safety, and technology. According to BLS, an additional 10,800 HR manager jobs and 33,000 HR specialist jobs will be added in the next few years.
How much money will I earn with a human resource management degree?
While human resource managers earn more than specialists, we’ve detailed both job outlooks and median annual wages below. With an online bachelor’s in human resources, favorable earnings and employment opportunities are expected over the next several years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resource specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,290 as of May 2021. The lowest ten percent of earners in this occupation made less than $37,680. The highest ten percent earned $108,160.
BLS also reported earnings for human resources managers. According to data provided in May 2021, human resource managers earned a median annual salary of $126,230. The lowest ten percent of earners made $75,000 and the highest ten percent earned more than $208,000. Clearly, HR managers earn more than specialists.
Breaking down the pay even further, BLS reported the top-paying industries for human resource managers. Professional, scientific, and technical services human resource managers earned a median annual salary of $133,980. The company management industry paid HR managers a national average of $130,340. Other high-paying industries included manufacturing, government, and healthcare and social assistance.
Most HR specialists and managers work full time and during regular business hours. However, some human resource management roles require more than forty hours per week.
Are there professional associations I can join while earning my human resource management degree?
While pursuing human resources degrees, there are several professional associations students may join. These associations provide benefits to students, such as access to conferences and industry events, networking, and professional development opportunities.
The associations are welcoming to students. Below are three professional associations open to students earning an online human resources degree.
- Academy of HR Development:
The Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD), a global organization, provides its members access to sponsored journals, including the HR Development Quarterly and Human Resource Development Review. Also, an annual research conference is open to students who belong to this professional association.
- National Human Resources Association:
The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) offers access to networking and professional development opportunities to members. Also, live and online training seminars provide students with information on topics in leadership and personal development.
- Society for Human Resource Management:
Members of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) gain access to industry publications and journals, research and advocacy information, and more. The Society hosts several conferences and annual events that provide information on talent management and inclusion.
Also, members gain access to online resources, volunteer opportunities, and professional certification trainings and seminars. SHRM sets the standards for many online human resources degrees, assisting with curriculum alignment.
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This concludes our list of the top 30 human resources degrees online.