By: HRMBA Staff
A bachelor’s degree in human resources is a four-year undergraduate degree. It is designed for people who want to develop their skills and gain specialized knowledge in human resources. It is an excellent option for HR professionals with an associate degree who wish to advance their careers. But a bachelor’s in human resources is also the ideal way to prepare for entry-level roles in the field. In this post, we rank the top 25 online bachelor’s degrees in human resources.
Related Resource: Entry-Level Human Resources Jobs
Bachelor’s degree HR programs provide students with advanced skills in areas like:
- Recruitment and Retention
- Benefits Administration
- Employment Law
- Labor Relations
- HR Project Management
- Training and Development
Online bachelor’s in human resources management are highly flexible. So they are a great alternative to on-campus programs. You’ll get the same great-quality education as you would in person. And your HR degree is just as valuable. Additionally, online human resources bachelor’s programs allow busy working students to keep their current jobs.
Best Human Resources Degree Online Accredited Schools
| School Name | Student: Faculty Ratio | Undergrad Net Price | Graduation Rate | SCORE |
| Bellevue University | 19:1 | $15,229 | 23% | 40.0 |
| American Public University | 22:1 | $11,916 | 49% | 42.5 |
| Colorado State University Global | 25:1 | $12,351 | 50% | 45.0 |
| Columbia Southern University | 31:1 | $12,474 | 33% | 47.5 |
| Sullivan University | 9:1 | $15,703 | 20% | 50.0 |
| Park University | 14:1 | $15,999 | 24% | 52.5 |
| Saint Leo University | 16:1 | $18,336 | 46% | 55.0 |
| Salem University | 17:1 | $18,343 | 31% | 57.5 |
| Franklin University | 12:1 | $29,773 | 25% | 60.0 |
| Western Governors University | 42:1 | $10,336 | 64% | 62.5 |
| Wilmington University | 12:1 | $13,780 | 23% | 65.0 |
| Baker College | 8:1 | $14,366 | 21% | 67.5 |
| University of Arkansas | 19:1 | $15,218 | 70% | 70.0 |
| Concordia University | 18:1 | $15,944 | 53% | 72.5 |
| Metropolitan State University | 13:1 | $16,830 | 38% | 75.0 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 19:1 | $16,990 | 62% | 77.5 |
| University of Arizona | 17:1 | $17,242 | 64% | 80.0 |
| Rasmussen University – Illinois | 16:1 | $17,919 | 60% | 82.5 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | 17:1 | $18,808 | 38% | 85.0 |
| Upper Iowa University | 12:1 | $22,888 | 39% | 87.5 |
| LeTourneau University | 15:1 | $25,932 | 64% | 90.0 |
| Louisiana State University – Shreveport | 14:1 | $8,082 | 38% | 92.5 |
| Illinois College | 13:1 | $18,914 | 64% | 95.0 |
| McKendree University | 15:1 | $25,492 | 56% | 97.5 |
| Pittsburg State University | 15:1 | $14,748 | 52% | 100.0 |
Methodology
We created this ranking of the best accredited online human resources degree programs using information from the NCES College Navigator. First, we looked at all schools offering an online human resources degree. Next, we narrowed our list to those offering a curriculum that aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management guidelines. Finally, to determine the best bachelor’s in human resources, we created and applied a ranking system using the following:
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 3 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1= 2 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Net Price
- Less than $10,000 per year= 3 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 2 Points
- More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
- Less than 30%= 1 Point
- Between 30% and 50%= 2 Points
- Greater than 50%= 3 Points
Every institution on our list is regionally accredited. This assures eligibility for federal financial aid, loans, and grants. It also ensures that your degree credits will be recognized if you desire to pursue an advanced degree.
Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?
What are SHRM and PHR?
You will notice that many HR programs online are “fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.” This means the degree program is held to the highest HR standards. Many employers look for this endorsement when hiring HR professionals.
Also common in human resources degree programs is the Professional in Human Resources credential (PHR). It is a certification demonstrating expertise in human resource mgmt. Earning a PHR certification can help get your foot in the door and advance your career.
Here are the 25 best HR degrees online. They are listed in rank from lowest score to highest.
#25 – Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Online BS: Management of Human Resources
Bellevue University offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources. It integrates hands-on learning with theory. This accelerated online format allows students to take one course at a time with the same group of peers. This helps to build a professional network to launch an HR career.
Online students complete a capstone project. And graduates are prepared to earn a Professional in Human Resource (PHR) credential. The curriculum comprises 127 credit hours. It is SHRM-aligned and includes business courses plus those related to the major. These may include:
- Recruitment, Selection, and Placement of Human Resources
- Training and Development of Human Resources
- Employee and Labor Relations
- American Vision and Values
- Business and HR Analytics
- Conflict Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $15,229
Overall Graduation Rate: 23%
Score: 40.0
#24 – American Public University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Online BA in Human Resource Mgmt.
American Public University features a high-quality Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management. It is administered by the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business. The Human Resources Management Degree aligns with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidelines. And it is offered in a fully online format.
Coursework includes case studies for online students to understand how their role in HR can impact their organization. An optional concentration is available in employment law. Courses start monthly and vary from eight to 16 weeks in length. Some of the courses for the online bachelor’s degree include:
- Employee Training and Development
- Interviewing Fundamentals
- Human Resource Management
- Recruitment and Staffing
- International Human Resource Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Net Price: $11,916
Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
Score: 42.5
#23 – Colorado State University Global
Aurora, Colorado
Online BS in Human Resource Mgmt.
CSU Global offers an excellent Human Resources Management Degree. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students can choose from specializations in Emergency Management, Marketing, and Healthcare Management. Students in the program will learn to maximize employee performance and build a collaborative atmosphere.
Almost 90% of CSU alumni are working in the field after graduation. The 120-credit curriculum is offered 100% online and is SHRM aligned. All classes are administered asynchronously, allowing online students to create their own learning schedules. Featured courses for this human resources management degree include:
- Introduction to Political Science
- Public Health and the Environment
- Earth Science with Lab
- Applying Leadership Principles
- Business Policy and Strategy
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Average Net Price: $12,351
Overall Graduation Rate: Full-time first-time undergraduate-level students were not enrolled during the cohort year. Graduation rates were not reported. We used a default 50% graduation rate for our ranking.
Score: 45.0
#22 – Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Mgmt.
CSU offers a fully online BS in Human Resource Mgmt. It is a comprehensive program that prepares graduates for management-level careers in HR. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. In addition, students can take advantage of LifePace Learning, a flexible format with no required login times and no set start or completion dates.
Students can enroll 365 days a year and begin their HR degree when it’s most convenient. Graduates are prepared to become company leaders capable of resolving complex HR challenges. The curriculum comprises 120 credit hours. And some of the courses for this human resources management degree include:
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employment Law
- Training and Development
- International Human Resource Mgmt.
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 31:1
Average Net Price: $12,474
Overall Graduation Rate: 33%
Score: 47.5
#21 – Sullivan University
Louisville, Kentucky
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Leadership
A Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Leadership is offered at Sullivan University. It is recognized by the SHRM as a Top 10 Learning System. Students gain the knowledge and skill development that prepares them for certification. The program is one of the first in the country to incorporate human capital analytics as a key competency within its program.
Students complete an integrative capstone course that prepares them to sit for either the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. The curriculum comprises 180 credit hours and includes courses such as:
- Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective
- Essential Strategies for Applied Communications
- Diversity Perspectives in the Workplace
- Human Resource Perspectives in Guidance and Counseling
- Organizational Development
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Net Price: $15,703
Overall Graduation Rate: 20%
Score: 50.0
#20 – Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Online BS in Business Administration: Human Resources
Park University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. with a specialization in Human Resources. It is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. And it gives students the professional skills needed to recruit, train, and retain employees. In addition, the program emphasizes a behavioral science approach to management. This means students learn how people behave in groups.
Graduates are prepared for exciting human resources jobs, including HR manager and employee relations manager. The online HR degree requires 120 credit hours for completion. The human resources management degree includes courses such as:
- Planning and Staffing
- Compensation Management
- Employment Law
- Introduction to Human Resource Mgmt.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $15,999
Overall Graduation Rate: 24%
Score: 52.5
#19 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Online BA in Human Resource Mgmt.
Saint Leo University offers a cutting-edge program in human resources. It is a fully online BA in Human Resource Mgmt. Students have the opportunity to prepare a research paper under the guidance of an esteemed faculty member. And graduates will become HR professionals ready for industry certifications like the PHR.
Internship opportunities are also available to support students as they develop their professional skills. The 120-credit curriculum includes relevant courses and hands-on learning opportunities. Some of the courses in this online HR degree include:
- Administrative and Personnel Law
- Occupational Safety, Health, and Security
- Recruitment, Selection, and Placement
- Organizational Training & Development
- Total Compensation
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $18,336
Overall Graduation Rate: 46%
Score: 55.0
#18 – Salem University
Salem, West Virginia
Online BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Mgmt.
Salem University offers a top-notch Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. In addition, students can choose a concentration in Human Resource Mgmt. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. And the online format features four-week courses designed to meet the needs of individuals with busy schedules.
Graduates are prepared for a career path and duties as HR specialists, management consultants, and more. The HR manager concentration includes sources such as:
- Human Resources Management
- Compensation and Benefits Management
- Employment Law
- International Human Resources Management
- Special Topics
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $18,343
Overall Graduation Rate: 31%
Score: 57.5
#17 – Franklin University
Columbus, Ohio
Online BS in Human Resource Mgmt.
Franklin University features a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Mgmt. It is offered by the IACBE-accredited Ross College of Business. The transfer-friendly program prepares students for HR roles in recruitment, retention, and development. The program fully aligns with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
New students are admitted throughout the year, and full and part-time program options are available for this HR degree online. Major courses in the 124 credit hour program include:
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Strategic Human Resource Capstone
- Staffing
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $29,773
Overall Graduation Rate: 25%
Score: 60.0
#16 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online BS in Business Administration – Human Resource Mgmt.
WGU offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. – Human Resource Mgmt. Students learn specialized skills in areas that include benefits administration and employee recruitment. There are no on-campus residency requirements. This allows students to balance their education while working a full-time job.
Students work closely with a program mentor who guides them throughout their time in the program. The HR degree online curriculum comprises 41 courses and a capstone project. Some of these courses for this bachelor’s degree include:
- Employment Law
- Workforce Planning Recruitment and Selection
- Cases in Advanced HR Management
- Compensation and Benefits
- Training and Development
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Student to Faculty Ratio: 42:1
Average Net Price: $10,336
Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
Score: 62.5
#15 – Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online BS in Human Resource Mgmt.
Wilmington University offers an online BS in Human Resource Mgmt. This multifaceted HR program aligns with the SHRM guidelines and degree competencies. Wilmington also provides credit for work experience and certifications. This can save students money on their tuition. Students can also complete a Dual-Credit Certificate. This helps them gain a head start on their master’s degree by incorporating master’s level coursework into their degree at no extra cost.
New courses start every eight weeks. The curriculum comprises 120 credits in 40 courses. Some of the courses for the bachelor’s degree include:
- Staffing Organizations
- Organizational Development
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Strategic Human Capital Management
- International Human Resource Mgmt.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $13,780
Overall Graduation Rate: 23%
Score: 65.0
#14 – Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Mgmt.
Baker College offers an excellent Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Mgmt. Some of the courses are delivered online in real-time, allowing students to engage with instructors and peers during class. Other online courses enable students to view lectures and submit assignments when it’s most convenient for them.
This 120-credit-hour program can be completed in four years. It is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. The bachelor’s degree is rigorous, quality-focused, and market-driven. The Human Resource Mgmt. major includes courses like:
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Business Ethics and Culture
- Advanced Business Analytics
- Business Work Experience
- Staffing Human Resources
- Compensating Human Resources
- Performance Management of Human Resources
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Average Net Price: $14,366
Overall Graduation Rate: 21%
Score: 67.5
#13 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Online BS in Engineering: Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
The University of Arkansas offers a BS in Engineering. Students can choose an emphasis on Human Resource and Workforce Development Education. The bachelor’s degree is available online on a 15-week spring and fall semester schedule. Summer courses are also available. Graduates are qualified to assist firms in making wise and efficient investments in their personnel.
The curriculum comprises 120 credit hours. Completion typically takes two to four years. Required courses include:
- Foundations of Human Resource Development
- Career Development
- Writing for Human Resource and Workforce
- Development
- Strategic Human Resource Development
- International HRD and Cultural Differentiation
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $15,218
Overall Graduation Rate: 70%
Score: 70.0
#12 – Concordia University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Online Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Mgmt.
Concordia University is one of the best human resources online schools on our list. CU offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Mgmt. It is administered through the John Molson School of Business. The SHRM-recognized bachelor’s degree is 100% online. The dynamic online curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with busy lifestyles. Synchronous coursework allows students to interact with faculty and peers like they would on campus.
Graduates are equipped as HR professionals capable of working in an HR department. They also meet the educational criteria for the Certified Human Resources Professional designation. Some courses for this human resources degree include:
- Organization Theory and Design
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Industrial Relations and Collective Bargaining
- Management Research for Decision Making
- Compensation and Benefits Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $15,944
Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
Score: 72.5
#11 – Metropolitan State University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online BS in Human Resource Mgmt.
MSU features a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. It is aligned with the SHRM and accredited by the ACBSP. Elective courses allow students to tailor the bachelor’s degree to meet their professional and personal goals. The curriculum uses a case study approach to assess the HR needs of an organization and create strategies and plans for improvement.
Graduates will be prepared for roles as HR professionals in industry, government, and non-profit organizations. They will also understand theories and practices for HR manager roles. The curriculum is offered entirely online. Students will take general education courses and those related to the human resource management program. Some of the required courses include:
- Staffing Organizations
- Compensation Management
- Employee Benefits Management
- Fundamentals of Information Technology in Organizations
- Employee Development and Training
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $16,830
Overall Graduation Rate: 38%
Score: 75.0
#10 – University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Online BS in Human Resource Mgmt.
The University of Alabama features a high-quality Bachelor in Human Resource Mgmt. It is aligned with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. The curriculum is taught by award-winning, student-oriented faculty. And students are mentored by industry experts.
They can also pursue sponsored internships to build professional resumes. Additional hands-on learning opportunities are available, including real-world projects for leading organizations. Students can also participate in collaborative networking opportunities to develop their professional network. Core courses in the human resources degree include:
- Human Resource Mgmt.
- Compensation Administration
- Organizational Staffing
- Employment Law
- Managing Through Leadership
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $16,990
Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
Score: 77.5
#9 – University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Online BA in Human Resources Management
The University of Arizona offers an online BA in Human Resources Management. It is administered by the Forbes School of Business and Technology. This IACBE-accredited program features a curriculum that aligns with SHRM guidelines. And the program is offered online in an accelerated format.
Courses are offered in five and six-week terms, and students move through the program taking one course at a time. Graduates comprehend and grasp how human resources work in modern, complicated businesses. Students can customize their HR degree by choosing from emphasis areas, including:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Economics
- Supply Chain Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $17,242
Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
Score: 80.0
#8 – Rasmussen University – Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Online BS in Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
RU offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Leadership. The program is SHRM-aligned and offered entirely online. Students have the opportunity to complete an assessment of the skills and knowledge they already know. This enables them to skip select courses.
Students in this program will grasp the theoretical foundation of leadership and HR manager concepts. Graduates are prepared for industry exams through the SHRM and the HRCI. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months. Featured courses for this HR degree include:
- Law and Ethics for the Human Resource Professional
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Compensation Administration
Rasmussen offers additional online HR education opportunities with their low-cost human resources associate degree online and accelerated Master’s pathway.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $17,919
Overall Graduation Rate: 60%
Score: 82.5
#7 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Online BS in Business Administration: Human Resource Mgmt.
Indiana Wesleyan University is one of the top online schools for human resources. And it offers an excellent online BS in Business Administration. Students can choose a specialization in HR Management. The program is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students will adopt a global management perspective while using problem-solving skills. And they will gain a solid foundation in accounting, finance, management, ethics, and other subjects.
Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the SHRM certification exam. The program can be completed in as little as 20 months. With multiple start dates throughout the year, students can get started on their education without needing to wait. Course offerings include:
- Managing Compensation and Benefits
- HR Development
- Ethical and Legal Business Concepts
- Quality and Project Decision-Making for HR managers
- Managerial Finance
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $18,808
Overall Graduation Rate: 38%
Score: 85.0
#6 – Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
Online BA in Human Resource Mgmt.
Upper Iowa University offers one of the top bachelor’s degrees in human resources. This BA in Human Resource Mgmt. is offered entirely online. It provides students with the real-world skills they need to succeed in the high-demand field of HR. Courses align with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. And they are taught by faculty with industry experience.
Students learn critical insights into human resource Mgmt. for national and global businesses. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level careers in HR and specialized areas. Core curriculum courses include:
- Labor Relations and Negotiations
- Compensation and Benefits Management
- Training and Development
- Personnel Selection and Evaluation
Human resource Mgmt. is also available as a minor and a certificate at UIU.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $22,888
Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
Score: 87.5
#5 – LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Bachelor of Business Administration: Human Resource Management Degree
Le Tourneau University is a Christian institution. It offers an excellent Bachelor of Business Admin. program. In addition, students can choose a concentration in Human Resource Management. The program is entirely online, so it is highly flexible.
The HR degree emphasizes interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively. And it is aimed at giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates meet the academic requirements needed to sit for the SHRM-CP exam. And they have the skills to integrate ethics and service into their roles. The 120-credit hour curriculum comprises courses such as:
- Human Resource Management
- Compensation and Benefits
- Staffing
- Conflict Resolution
- Quantitative Methods: Data Analytics
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $25,932
Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
Score: 90.0
#4 – Louisiana State University – Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Online BS in Management and Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
LSU offers the most affordable program on our list. It is an online BS in Management & Administration. In addition, students can choose a concentration in Human Resource Management. The program is offered through the AACSB-accredited College of Business. The curriculum is SHRM aligned and designed to give students the skills they need to pursue a career in HR.
Accelerated coursework and multiple start dates make the program flexible and convenient. Graduates are prepared for various HR careers, including manager and benefits administrator. Course offerings include:
- Legal Environment of Business
- Decision Sciences and Operations Management
- Principles of Management
- Staffing Organizations
- Labor Law
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $8,092
Overall Graduation Rate: 38%
Score: 92.5
#3 – Illinois College
Jacksonville, Illinois
Online BA in Human Resources Management
Illinois College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management. It can be completed in just 15 months and is available 100% online. Asynchronous courses are offered in an eight-week session. So classes can be taken wherever and whenever it’s convenient. The curriculum is based on the Society of Human Resource Management’s standards (SHRM).
Students can complete an internship in HR management or a course focused on transferring from the classroom to the workplace. Graduates gain leadership knowledge and advanced communication skills to excel in HR. Human resource course offerings include:
- Developing and Compensating Employees
- Talent Acquisition and Retention
- HR Management
- Developing Talent and Intercultural Dependance
- Human Resources Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $18,914
Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
Score: 95.0
#2 – McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
Online BBA with Human Resource Management Concentration
McKendree University is another one of the top human resource schools online. The school offers an excellent Bachelor of Business Admin. Students can choose a concentration in Human Resource Management. The program provides students with the tools needed to manage today’s diverse employees.
Courses are offered in eight-week sessions in a flexible online format. Students can take one or two courses each term, adjusting their pace to balance their education with other obligations. Graduates are ready to work in careers in areas that include strategic human resources management and recruiting. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months. Course offerings include:
- Organizational Behavior
- Business Strategy and Policy
- Consumer Behavior
- Business Ethics & Social Response
- Business Strategy & Policy
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $25,492
Overall Graduation Rate: 56%
Score: 97.5
#1 – Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Online BS in Workforce Development – Human Resources Online
Our top choice for the best human resources schools online is Pittsburg State University. The school features a renowned Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development. It is administered by The Department of Technology and Workforce Learning. In addition, students can choose an emphasis on Human Resources. This online program is designed with the flexibility needed by working adults.
Students in this part-time program take courses in sequential order over three years. It is aimed at human resources students who already have an associate degree. Graduates are prepared for entry-level managerial and supervisory roles in HR. The curriculum comprises 60 credits and includes HR courses like:
- Organizational Staffing
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Strategies in the Development of Human Resources
- Coaching Skills for Workforce Supervisors
- Presentation Skills
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $14,748
Overall Graduation Rate: 52%
Score: 100
Bonus Schools for Online Human Resources Programs
When searching for the best online undergraduate HR programs, we found many noteworthy institutions. However, here are five additional schools with online human resource programs that we couldn’t leave out:
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Human Resource Management Degree
The online Human Resource Management Degree from SHU features an SHRM-aligned curriculum. Students can choose an emphasis on business education. Students learn how to recruit top talent and improve benefits packages to attract and retain their employees. There are no set class meeting times, making this an excellent choice for working HR professionals with busy schedules.
Peirce College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online BS in Human Resource Management
Peirce College offers an online BS in human resource management. It prepares students to sit for the Professional in Human Resource certification exam. Students can transfer up to 90 credits of undergraduate coursework to this HR degree program. Courses are delivered in a flexible online format. Students meet with their professors weekly in live, virtual sessions. Financial opportunities are available to help students reduce the cost of their education.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Online BBA-Human Resource Management
The Bachelor of Business Admin. in HR Management from DU is a comprehensive program. Students study real-world scenarios to understand today’s workplace issues. Tuition is affordable. Almost 95% of students receive financial aid assistance in this human resources program.
Ottawa University
Ottawa, Kansas
Online BA in Human Resources
Ottawa University features an online BA in human resources in an accelerated format. Students will gain skills in benefits administration, recruiting, and training for organizations of all sizes. Graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, and their relevant education makes them in demand by top employers. Specializations are available in:
- Economics
- Finance
- Health Care Management
- Human Resource Development
- Leadership and Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate Degree in Human Resource Management
UMC Global offers an affordable online undergraduate program in human resource management for HR employees in nearly every industry. Students gain an understanding of essential HR functions, including training and labor relations. In addition, the program prepares students for HR exams, including the PHR and SHRM-CP certifications.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources?
A bachelor’s in human resources can prepare you for many rewarding and lucrative careers. While some of them require experience in the field, most of them require a bachelor’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the highest-paying HR jobs include:
Compensation and Benefits Manager: $127,530 per year
These professionals are HR supervisors who manage the compensation and benefits team. They handle payroll, insurance, and employee investing. In addition, they set compensation guidelines for each position inside their own company and throughout their sector.
Human Resources Managers: $126,230 per year
Human resources managers are in charge of the HR department. They deal with the recruiting, administration, and training of employees. They are also in charge of implementing programs that boost employee performance and production.
Training and Development Managers: $120,130 per year
These human resources managers are in charge of training programs, personnel, and budgets. In addition, they are responsible for developing or choosing training program course content and resources.
Labor Relations Specialists: $77,010 per year
Labor relations specialists analyze and implement labor contracts. They are concerned with pay and salaries, healthcare, pensions, and union and management activities.
Human Resources Specialists: $62,290 per year
Human resources specialists manage employee relations through hiring, training, and onboarding new workers. They also manage the salary and benefits for current workers.
What Are Online HR Bachelor’s Programs Like?
Online degrees in human resources are a popular alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar programs. Accredited HR bachelor’s programs are available in many online formats. These include:
Asynchronous programs
These HR programs are the most flexible of all. Students can log in and complete their studies whenever it is most convenient. And there are usually no set class times. That means you can complete your coursework at two am from anywhere in the world!
Synchronous Programs
Synchronous programs have set class times where students all meet online together. These programs are ideal for students who need more structure. And they are also perfect for those who want to network with their fellow students.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs take place both online and on campus. Students will travel to the school to complete some of their work in person. And depending on the program, they will complete a certain amount of courses online. Students in these programs will need to live near the school to enroll.
Online HR programs can be asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid. Or, they can be a combination of one or more of these learning formats.
They are designed to accommodate the needs of adult learners and nontraditional students. These programs offer the same level of academic rigor as on-campus degrees. Your diploma will not state that you earned the degree online.
Related Resource: Is an HR Degree Worth It?
How Long Does It Take To Get a Human Resource Management Online Degree?
Bachelor’s human resources degrees online typically take three to four years to complete. Students complete between 120 and 128 credit hours to earn their degree. Some programs are offered as degree completion programs. Degree completion programs are for students who already have an associate degree. They are also perfect for students who have met their general education requirements. These programs may be offered in an accelerated format. That allows students to move through the curriculum at a faster pace. As a result, they can earn their degree sooner.
What Kind of Degree Is Needed for a Career in HR?
There are human resource degree programs at every level. You can start with an associate degree in human resources. And the highest level of academic achievement in the field is a doctoral degree. However, a bachelor’s program is the primary standard for those planning on a human resources career. Students in these best online human resources degree programs get specialized training. And they gain the in-demand HR skills employers are looking for.
Are Human Resource Programs Online Worth It?
Earning an online undergraduate degree in HR is a great career move. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for human resources specialists is $62,290 annually. And human resources managers earn around $126,230 a year. Additionally, the demand for these HR roles is expected to increase by seven to eight percent through 2031. And, of course, the salary for human resources professionals increases with education and training. So earning a degree at one of the best online schools for human resource management can open the door to a rewarding career.
This concludes our ranking of the best online schools human resources programs.
