Earn a Human Resources (HR) Degree Online
A bachelor's degree in human resources prepares students for various HR careers. Graduates may work in recruitment, employee relations, or business. Many schools offer HR degrees online for added flexibility and convenience.
Learners pursuing an HR degree online study the hiring process. They also explore employee retention and conflict resolution methods. HR courses focus on communication, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills. An online HR degree meets the requirements for HR manager roles. Read on for the best online bachelor's programs in human resources. Use this list to find the right fit for your budget and career goals.
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Featured Online HR Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources Programs
What kind of degree do you need for HR?
HR specialists need a bachelor's degree in an area such as human resources, business, or communication. For management roles, some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree.
Do you need a degree in human resources to work in HR?
No. HR departments hire candidates with degrees in fields such as business, psychology, and communication. However, an HR degree offers the most focused coursework for HR careers.
Is human resources a growing field?
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for human resources specialists to grow 10% between 2020 and 2030. The BLS projects jobs for human resources managers to grow 9% over the same decade.
Five Best Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
#1 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
University of Phoenix-Arizona
- Phoenix, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners who want to pursue a bachelor's degree in human resources can benefit from the bachelor of science in business at the University of Phoenix-Arizona. The private school enrolls 89,402 students in its distance programs.
Remote learners can choose from 153 degrees, including the bachelor of science in business with a human resource management certificate. The school maintains a 12% graduation rate. Students often take advantage of financial aid to help with tuition costs, with this kind of assistance benefitting 88% of enrollees.
The online bachelor's in business can be an affordable, flexible path to prepare for a career in human resources.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers several high-quality and affordable online bachelor's programs. From its headquarters in New Jersey, this public college provides a highly ranked online bachelor's in business administration.
Students can access five online bachelor's degrees, and about 16,535 learners study remotely. Financial aid lowers the average tuition cost to $17,835, and 66% of students receive funding.
Online coursework makes pursuing a degree in human resources at this school flexible and adaptable. Studying human resources prepares enrollees for HR-related jobs in a supportive academic environment.
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 years
- Online
Students in search of an affordable online bachelor's degree can consider the quality programs at University of Maryland Global Campus. From its headquarters in Adelphi, this public college provides a highly ranked online bachelor's in human resource management.
The school enrolls 53,917 online learners and offers 32 bachelor's degrees in a remote format. According to the institution, 55% of students receive financial aid. The average tuition cost is $17,210 after aid.
Many people interested in HR careers need flexibility in their degree path, making online offerings a popular choice. Online degree-seekers benefit from a supportive academic environment as they prepare for their careers.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Learners interested in HR can consider the bachelor of science business administration in human resource management from Western Governors University. The Salt Lake City, Utah-based private college offers 65 online degrees.
About 47% of students ultimately graduate. Learners often take advantage of financial aid to help with tuition costs, with financial assistance benefitting 75% of enrollees.
The college's online BSBA in human resource management allows learners to prepare for future jobs in an affordable, adaptable program.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Temple University offers an online bachelor of business administration in human resource management. Individuals who wish to study online often appreciate the remote opportunities from this public, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based school.
The institution offers 140 total bachelor's programs, six of which are available online. The college enrolls 34,137 students in online programs. On average, 71% of applicants are accepted.
Loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid can help keep costs manageable, and about 91% of students receive some form of assistance. Pursuing the BBA in human resource management online can be a great choice for students who need a flexible learning environment.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Utah Valley University
- Orem, UT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Utah Valley University's online bachelor's in human resource management is a great fit for those who are interested in HR and hope to obtain a bachelor's degree remotely. A total of 28,671 students enroll in online programs through this public college in Orem.
The human resource management program is one of 22 remote options. Approximately 32% of students who are accepted obtain their degree from the school. Financial aid such as loans and scholarships can help keep the cost of attending the institution manageable, and about 74% of students receive funding in some form.
The online HR program can be an affordable, flexible way to obtain a bachelor's degree and prepare for a career in the field. Many students choose this bachelor's program because of the accessibility it offers.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many bachelor's degree-seekers prefer to study online. They can earn their degree, such as the online bachelor of science in human resource management, at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The school's attendees can pursue 184 degree pathways, with 51 online bachelor's programs available. While rigorous, the online program provides flexibility for students pursuing their degree remotely.
Enrollees at this public school pay about $488 per credit. Scholarships, grants, and loans help keep the cost manageable for many students. About 81% of all applicants are granted admission to the school, and about 14,776 students are enrolled in online programs.
The supportive academic environment helps students in the online human resource management program prepare for careers in the field.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Online learners planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in HR can benefit from the human resources bachelor’s at Trine University. In total 1,040 learners study online through this private college based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The school offers 27 online programs, including the human resources bachelor’s program. The college accepts 39% of all applicants on average, and about 33% of enrollees graduate. Tuition assistance like loans and scholarships are available can help learners finance their education.
The college's online HR program allows learners to obtain their bachelor's degree and prepare for future jobs in an adaptable format.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Johnson & Wales University
- Providence, RI
- 4 years
- Online
Prospective students looking for an affordable, high-quality online bachelor's program can consider Johnson & Wales University. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, the school delivers a bachelor of science in business administration in human resource management.
The school enrolls distance learners in 27 online programs. About 50% of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
This school is a great choice for learners interested in studying human resources in a flexible online format. Remote students in the online bachelor's in human resource management program learn in an encouraging academic environment.
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Human Resources Degrees
Columbia College
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Several online bachelor's degrees are available through Columbia College, including a bachelor's in human resource management. A total of 6,536 enrollees study online through this private college in Missouri.
In total, the school offers 35 online programs, including the bachelor's in human resource management. About 28% of students complete their programs, and 94% of enrollees receive funding of some kind.
The human resource management program can be an affordable, flexible path to prepare for an HR career. The program offers an accessible learning environment for busy students.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Get a Human Resources Degree?
On-campus and online HR degrees prepare learners for many careers. Graduates can work as HR specialists, recruiters, or benefits specialists. Experienced HR professionals can move into managerial roles. Schools that offer HR degrees, online train learners, for business analysts, public relations specialists, and business consultant roles.
Many top-ranked colleges offer HR degrees online. Working students can earn their degrees while continuing their careers. Online programs also allow learners to attend the most affordable programs without relocating.
How Much Does a Human Resources Degree Cost?
The cost of an HR degree varies by school and program. In-state public schools charge the lowest tuition. Students at these schools spent $9,375 in tuition and fees in 2020-21, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Out-of-state students paid $27,091. Private colleges charge the highest tuition, averaging about $32,770 per year. Full-time students can earn their bachelor's degree in four years. Part-time learners may take longer. Students complete general education, business, and HR courses.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online students should budget for books, supplies, and other costs. Some online colleges charge technology and graduation fees. Learners also need a reliable computer and internet access. Some schools offering HR degrees online require in-person visits. Students should plan for transportation and housing costs. Learners can request an estimated total cost of attendance to create a budget.
How Much Do Human Resources Majors Make?
Many HR graduates work as human resources specialists. They may also work as corporate recruiters or compensation specialists. These roles pay above-average salaries. Human resources specialists earn a median annual salary of $63,490, according to the BLS.
HR salaries vary depending on workers' location, specialization, and experience. HR professionals can earn more money as they gain experience. They can also pursue professional certification or an advanced degree to increase their salary.
Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $121,000. Other high-paying careers include compensation and benefits manager and training and development manager.
Courses in Human Resources
Learners pursuing an online HR degree develop analytical, decision-making, and communication skills. Students take courses in labor relations and organizational communication. Learners also study employment law. Many programs include management and leadership training.
Degree-seekers complete general education requirements, core business classes, and electives. Students can specialize their degree with courses in compensation and benefits or training and development.
Read below for common HR courses.
Human Resource Management
Courses introduce students to the field's key principles. Learners study workplace diversity and employment laws. Students also explore research-based practices for managing organizational needs. The class prepares enrollees for advanced HR coursework.
Labor Relations
Students examine various labor relations topics. They study the history of organized labor and collective bargaining. The class analyzes labor relations from an HR perspective. This material helps prepare graduates for the labor relations process.
Employment Law for Business
Employment laws govern the legal relationship between employees and employers. Students learn key laws and regulations, including the employer's hiring, compensation, and termination obligations. Learners also explore workplace discrimination protections and privacy laws.
How to Become a Human Resources Specialist
HR specialists need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Students benefit from undergraduate coursework in fields such as business and communications. Classes in HR management, labor relations, and employee training also prepare learners for HR careers.
Some HR specialists pursue professional certification. The Society for Human Resource Management offers many certifications. These certifications require a mix of experience and education. Candidates must pass a certification exam.
