Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Updated May 1, 2024
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network
TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Many schools offer human resources degrees online. These programs prepare learners to pursue a variety of careers in the human resources (HR) field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for HR specialists to grow 6% from 2022-2032. These professionals only need a bachelor's degree to enter the field.
This page lists the best online HR degrees. Read on to learn the benefits of online human resources degrees, including costs and common classes. The final section explains how to become a human resources specialist.
Featured Online HR Programs
Best Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Degrees
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 2 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Six-Month Term:
In-State | $3,755
Out-of-State | $3,755
Credits to Graduate: 41 courses
WGU's online human resources management BSBA degree covers topics like benefits administration; HR technology; and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in HR. The self-paced program requires 41 courses and lets you move from one class to the next after you pass an assessment and demonstrate your mastery of the subject.
Required classes include emotional and cultural intelligence, strategic training and development, and a human resource management capstone. You can join WGU's Society for Human Resource Management virtual student chapter to explore networking and professional development opportunities
#2 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Aurora, CO - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSU Global's online bachelor's degree in human resource management provides a flexible, asynchronous schedule that works well for working professionals. You can get the skills you need to qualify for leadership roles like HR manager and training specialist.
The curriculum requires classes like business policy and strategy, applying leadership principles, creating a diverse and ethical workforce, and a capstone in managing and leading human capital. Popular specializations for this degree include project management, emergency management, marketing, and healthcare management.
#3 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Trine University
Fort Wayne, IN - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
Trine's online human resources bachelor's degree can prepare you to help organizations forecast and meet their goals. The program features asynchronous courses with no set meeting times.
HR majors take classes like risk management, principles of project management, safety and health management, and compensation and benefits. The program also requires a capstone project as part of the business core. Classes start every eight weeks.
With Trine's combined four-year degree program, you can earn graduate credit toward an MBA or MS in business analytics while earning your bachelor's degree in human resources.
#4 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $668
Credits to Graduate: 120
A&M Central Texas's human resource management bachelor of business administration program explores HR theory and practice. The curriculum can prepare you to pursue careers like diversity and inclusion manager, recruitment coordinator, and HR generalist. Coursework aligns with standards set by the Society of Human Resource Management.
You can earn micro-credentials while earning this degree, including in supply chain management, cybersecurity, and business analytics and intelligence. To qualify, you must hold 30 transfer credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
#5 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $318
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMGC's online human resource management bachelor's program is an approved education partner of the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). You can join UMGC's student chapter of SHRM and benefit from HR technology simulators, real-world case studies, and virtual reality tools.
The curriculum covers diversity and inclusion, HR information systems, and HR regulations and legal issues. Required courses include talent acquisition and management, finance for the nonfinancial manager, and the total rewards approach to compensation management.
#6 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $368
Out-of-State | $911
Credits to Graduate: 120
UAB's BS in human resource management degree from the Collat School of Business focuses on the strategic planning side of HR management. The fully online program aligns with curriculum standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management and explores workplace diversity, employment law, HR technologies, and compensation.
Qualifying HR management majors may receive scholarships. An internship coordinator and the Collat career services office can connect you with internships at companies like Alabama Power and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
#7 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
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 accelerated bachelor of science in human resource management degree completion program from the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce, Continuing and Professional Studies is available online or through a hybrid option, making it convenient for working professionals. The transfer-friendly program features eight-week classes.
The HR management curriculum includes classes like global HR management, organizational development and change, employment law, and an HR management capstone. You can receive practical experience through hands-on projects, preparing you for the workforce after graduation.
#8 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Excelsior University
Albany, NY - 2 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Excelsior's online bachelor of professional studies in business and management covers human resource management and can prepare you to pursue various HR careers. The transfer-friendly program accepts up to 113 credits toward the 120-credit degree.
The curriculum provides a foundation in business and management with classes like business leadership, financial accounting, and project management. You can develop HR skills when you take classes like managing human resources and organizational behavior. The program also requires an integrated business and management assessment capstone.
#9 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $419
Out-of-State | $545
Credits to Graduate: 120
TESU's BSBA degree in HR management/organizational management provides a foundation in business practices and prepares you to become a human resource management practitioner. The program explores industrial relations, employee training, organizational behaviors, and compensation.
This HR management degree culminates with a strategic management capstone. The curriculum also includes classes like the sociology of work, organizational theory, principles of financial accounting, and managerial communications. Although not required, the program strongly recommends that all HR management majors take a business ethics course.
#10 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 120
JWU's BS in human resource management program, offered by the College of Professional Studies and the College of Business, uses eight-week online courses. The degree can prepare you to pursue careers in human capital.
The curriculum, designed with the Society for Human Resource Management standards in mind, explores ethical management, diversity management, and business administration foundations. To qualify for admission, you need at least two years of professional experience post-high school.
Online Human Resources Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Questions About Human Resources
Which degree is best for HR?
Most employers look for job candidates with a bachelor's in human resources. A master's degree in this subject may help graduates qualify for more advanced roles.
What are some HR career options?
HR graduates may work as HR managers or specialists. Some degree-holders work as training and recruitment coordinators or benefits specialists.
How long does it take to become an HR manager?
Most professionals take about four years to become a human resources coordinator. This career only requires a bachelor's degree.
Why Get a Degree in Human Resources?
Earning this degree may lead to HR jobs that pay above-average salaries. HR specialists earn a median $64,240, according to the BLS. This figure surpasses the median annual salary of $46,310 for all occupations. Human resources managers earn $130,000.
Professionals who pursue human resources careers often find meaning in their work. HR professionals get to create functional and healthy work environments. They advocate for employees and create competitive benefits packages. These workers may also engage in conflict resolution practices.
Online human resources degrees provide convenience and flexibility. Many online programs run asynchronously. This format lets degree-seekers complete their studies around work and family.
How Much Does a Human Resources Degree Cost?
Online bachelor's degrees cost an average of $51,090, according to EducationData.org. However, cost varies by school and learners' residency status. Students attending public, in-state schools typically pay the most affordable tuition.
Master's degrees range from $30,000-$120,000. Students pursuing online human resources degrees can enroll in the most affordable program without relocating or commuting. This may help them save money on their degree.
Additional Online Student Fees
Some colleges waive fees for in-person services for online students. However, online enrollees typically pay the same fees as in-person students. Online degree-seekers should budget for extra expenses, like graduation or technology fees.
Learners pursuing human resources degrees online should also plan to buy books. Students can save money by buying used or digital versions. HR degree-seekers may also need to buy special software. Additionally, online students need a reliable computer and internet.
How Much Do Human Resources Majors Make?
Salaries vary for different human resources jobs. Many factors influence pay, including employer, geographic location, and years of experience. HR managers in California earn a mean annual wage of $86,260. The same professionals in Ohio only earn $68,650.
HR managers with less than one year of experience earn an average of $56,000 annually, according to Payscale data. The same professionals with more than 10 years of experience earn $78,000.
Courses in Human Resources Programs
An associate degree in human resources requires about 60 credits and takes full-time learners two years to finish. A bachelor's degree in this subject requires about 120 credits and takes four years to complete.
Earning a human resources degree online provides flexibility. Colleges may offer asynchronous or synchronous online classes. Some colleges provide a combination of both.
Many programs let HR degree-seekers choose a concentration. Some schools may refer to this as a specialization, minor, or track. Common concentrations include business administration and organizational leadership.
See below for three common classes in an online human resources program.
This class identifies common company perks. Learners compare and contrast benefits packages. They learn how to negotiate with insurance companies to provide employees with the best coverage. The class also examines how time off and remote working policies attract young talent.Employee Benefits
Students learn how to mediate conflicts. They complete mock mediations to practice. The class also includes best practices for interpersonal communication. Learners discover how to mediate and settle disputes. They also learn how to prevent miscommunication and conflicts in the workplace.Conflict Resolution
Enrollees learn how to ethically and effectively lead teams. They identify common leadership theories and methods. They also develop a framework for navigating ethical dilemmas. Degree-seekers study unions and laws that protect employee rights. They participate in class discussions and case study evaluations.Leadership in the Human Resources Field
How to Become a Human Resources Specialist
Aspiring HR professionals need an undergraduate degree. Some employers hire human resources specialists who only hold an associate degree. These professionals usually work in assistant or specialist roles. Human resources management jobs typically require at least a bachelor's degree.
Graduates can apply for jobs after earning the required degree. Learners should create a resume that lists professional references and related experience. A cover letter may also help an application stand out.
The HR field does not require certification. However, earning certifications may help candidates stand out in a competitive job market or help them qualify for higher-paying jobs. The Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute both offer certifications.
Related Articles
More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
