Online PhD in Human Resources

Find Your Degree!

HR-MBA-Top Online Programs

This article features the top 15 Online Ph.D. Programs in Human Resources.

An online Ph.D. in human resources is ideal for professionals in the field. On-campus doctoral degree programs require a significant time commitment. And in many cases, candidates need to relocate. However, an online Ph.D. is much more flexible. These programs are still quite rigorous. However, they allow busy working professionals to schedule their human resource studies around prior commitments. 

Human resources is a growing field, and those in HR management can expect to make an average of $126,230 annually. However, management and leadership positions require high-level training. And that’s where an online doctorate comes in. 

In this post, we’ve ranked 15 of the best online PhD programs in human resources. You will note that these programs are affordable. And they offer the same academic experience you would get on campus. Most take three to five years to complete. 


We’ve highlighted a range of online degrees. Some are entirely asynchronous and allow for maximum flexibility. Other programs are more structured and require a few campus visits each year. And a few are hybrid programs combining online and on-campus instruction. 

If you’re considering pursuing an online Ph.D. program in human resources, check out this list. 

You may also like: Top 20 PhD in Human Resources Programs (Online and On-campus)

Top 10 Online PhD Programs in Human Resources

Online Ph.D. Human Resources Methodology

To identify the top 15 online Ph.D. human resources programs, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. From there, we created a list of colleges offering online doctoral programs in human resources.

From our list, we created a rating system (seen below) to select the best Ph.D. in human resources online programs. Where there were ties, we favored the doctoral programs with the lower graduate tuition rate. Please note that the tuition rates listed are based on in-state costs per academic year. The costs for non-residents or for online doctorate degree students may differ.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

  • 15:1 or less= 3 Points
  • Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

  • Less than $15,000 per year= 5 Points
  • Between $15,000 and $20,000 per year= 3 Point
  • More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

  • Greater than 80%= 3 Point
  • 80% or Less= 1 Point

Below are 15 schools that offer the best Phd in human resources online

Summary of Top 15 Ph.D. Human Resource Online Programs:

School
Tuition
Student/Faculty RatioGradRatePoints
15Regent University$15,59021:162%5
14Sullivan University$15,8409:120%7
13Capella University$14,78432:150%7
12Bellevue University$10,98019:123%7
11Colorado State University$10,83417:169%7
10Old Dominion University$10,20716:149%7
9Indiana Wesleyan University$9,71517:138%7
8University of Southern Mississippi$9,09416:152%7
7Bowling Green State University$8,01718:162%7
6University of Arkansas$7,87519:170%7
5Liberty University$7,84717:162%7
4The University of Texas at Tyler$6,26417:142%7
3Johnson & Wales University$14,70615:163%9
2University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign$14,63521:185%9
1Northcentral University$10,26015:159%9

Ranking the Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Human Resources 

#15 – Regent University – Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Regent University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership-Human Resource Development 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,590 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 5

Regent University offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. There are five concentrations. This allows students to personalize the program to meet their goals and interests. They include: 

  • Ecclesial Leadership
  • Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Human Resource Development
  • Individualized Studies
  • Organizational Leadership

This human resources program requires 60 credit hours of graduate studies. This degree prepares students to influence their organizations as teachers, scholars, and leaders. They will learn to analyze the impact of cultural, political, and religious trends. And they will become influential human resource managers in the human resources field. This is a research-based terminal degree that is taught from a Christian worldview. Some of the core courses include: 

  • Organizational Theory & Design 
  • Organizational Behavior 
  • Design of Adult Learning Communities 
  • Ethical Human Resource Development 
  • Trends in Organizational Leadership Research 

After completing all coursework successfully, students of this Regent University online Phd will have comprehensive exams. They will then begin work on their dissertations. 

#14 – Sullivan University – Louisville, Kentucky 

Sullivan University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Management – Human Resource Leadership 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,840 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

Sullivan University features an innovative online PhD in Management Program. And students can further customize the program with a Human Resource Leadership concentration. It is ideal for students planning to work in human resources departments or as human resource managers.

Sullivan uses a scholar-practitioner model. This prepares students to become both leaders and scholars in their organizations. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission. And it can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing for maximum flexibility. Students will take core management courses plus human-resource-related courses. Some of these may include: 

  • Workforce Analytics and Technology 
  • Organizations and External Environments 
  • Proposal Development
  • Human Capital Management 
  • Human Capital Effectiveness

This PhD in hr management online program is excellent for students who are currently working. And it is also ideal for those with too many commitments to attend a Ph.D. program in person. There are no residencies or on-campus visits required. So it can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection. It is also one of the few doctoral human resource programs that can be completed full or part-time. 

Sullivan features a professional and dedicated faculty that mentors students throughout the human resources program. The school has the lowest student to faculty ratio on our list. And candidates will work with peers from all over the world on research projects. 

#13 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Capella University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Human Resource Management Specialization-PhD in Business Management 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,784 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

Capella University offers an online PhD in Business Management. Students can further customize this program with a concentration in Human Resource Management. This Ph.D. in human resource management online program focuses on the practical applications of HR. Students will learn about emerging trends and new technology from diverse perspectives. And the rigorous curriculum will teach candidates to become effective human resources managers.

This top PhD in human resources features a flexible course load. This allows students to take between one and three courses each quarter. Some of the courses in this 90-credit program include: 

  • Foundations of Human Resource Theory and Practice 
  • Creating Adaptive, Innovative Workplaces 
  • Attracting and Retaining Talent 
  • Human Resource Practices for Developing Talent 

Students will complete core coursework, electives, exams, and a dissertation. There is no need to go to the Minneapolis campus. Instead, the required residencies can be completed virtually. The program is also ACBSP-accredited. Some of the skills candidates will learn in this program include: 

  • Hiring the best staff 
  • Staying current with HR trends 
  • Evaluating HR practices 
  • Using research-backed strategies in the workplace

Capella uses a GuidedPath format for this program. This format allows students to interact with their peers and faculty. There is a set schedule, and students are required to meet the deadlines. This makes it an ideal program for those who need a structured format. Online students benefit from the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts. And they earn the same human resource management degree.

#12 – Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska 

Bellevue University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Human Capital Management 

For more information: Bellevue University 

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,980 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

Bellevue University features an online PhD in Human Capital Management. This executive-level program is focused on the latest knowledge in the hr management field. Students will need to complete 51 credit hours to meet the major requirements. And the HR coursework at Bellevue University is divided into easy-to-follow modules.

Students in this human capital management Bellevue program learn the skills to treat employees as valuable assets. This unique approach provides them with a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics. Additionally, candidates at Bellevue University develop strong research and analytical skills. And they collaborate with other PhD human capital management students and faculty throughout the program. This allows them to network with human resource professionals all over the country. Some of the courses in this human resource management online program include: 

  • Human Learning and Decision Making
  • Economics of Human Capital Valuation Issues
  • Research in Organizations
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Performance Management
  • Strategic Human Capital Management
  • Assessing Human Capital Effectiveness

This top online human resource management degree program also requires a dissertation and a comprehensive exam. The dissertation involves an extensive research project around human capital management. Students will address and solve a real-world HR program in an organization.

#11 – Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado 

Colorado State University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies 

For more information: Colorado State University 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,834 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

This top HR online PhD from Colorado State University is focused on organizational performance and change. This is a hybrid human resource management degree program designed for working human resource professionals. Students will complete some work online. However, the program also requires candidates to meet biweekly on Saturday mornings. This takes place at the Colorado State University Denver campus.

Faculty are all industry experts with extensive research experience in the hr management field. And they specialize in areas like: 

  • Socialization and onboarding 
  • Constructivist inquiry 
  • Workplace learning systems 
  • Leadership scenario planning 
  • Political, social, and relational aspects of the workplace 

The curriculum features a blend of coursework. And it is designed to focus on research skills and applied expertise. Students take two courses each semester and move through the program as a cohort. This allows them to develop professional relationships with colleagues in the hr management field. Some of the courses in the online doctorate degree program include: 

  • Theory and Practice of Change 
  • Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
  • Human Resource Development
  • Scenario Planning in Organizations
  • Human Resource Development
  • Social, Cultural, and Political Foundations of the Workplace 

Candidates in this program will work on growth-oriented practical activities. This allows them to walk away with knowledge they can immediately apply to their work. This highly selective program is open to only a few applicants each year.

#10– Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia 

Old Dominion University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. Occupational and Technical Studies Concentration, Human Resources Training Emphasis 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

ODU offers one of the top online PhD in Human Resources programs. This degree has an occupation and technical studies concentration with an HR training emphasis. And it is designed to prepare students for government, industry, and business leadership positions. Through this program, students will develop skills aligned with the following: 

  • The Association for Talent Development Standards 
  • The International Society for Performance Improvement Standards 

Candidates will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours. There are two residencies that require students to be on the Norfolk campus. These are each two weeks long and take place during the summer. Other than these two experiences, no additional campus visits are required. Students will complete core research, HR, and elective courses. They will also need to complete a dissertation. Some of the online courses include for this human resource management degree include:

  • Principles and Practices of Human Performance 
  • Human Performance Assessment 
  • Trends and Issues of Economic and Workforce Development 
  • Instructional Systems Design 
  • Research Design and Analysis 

Some courses meet at specific times online. However, students can complete much of the coursework on their own schedule. All students have an expert faculty mentor to guide them throughout the program. And they also have access to many online resources. This includes tutoring, the library, a writing center, career coaching, and more. 

See Also: 5 Careers for a Human Resources Ph.D. Graduate 

#9 – Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, Indiana 

Indiana Wesleyan University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

For more information: Indiana Wesleyan University 

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $9,715 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an excellent online PhD degree in Organizational Leadership. This hybrid program is delivered through a blend of onsite and online classes. IWU is a Christian university providing a Christ-centered doctoral program. And it is based on the latest research and best practices in the field. Students can earn their degrees in just 40 months. And all candidates move through the program as a cohort. 

Online PhD students complete three week-long summer institutes in person. During this time, they will attend workshops and events. And they will have plenty of networking opportunities with other human resources managers. Some of the core courses for this popular human resources online PhD program include: 

  • Organization Theory and Design 
  • Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship 
  • Organizational and Adult Learning 
  • Advanced Research Design 
  • Global Perspectives on Leadership 
  • Ethics and Leadership 

This program offers a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. As a result, it is highly flexible. It emphasizes leadership through a multicultural and global lens. And it is specifically focused on integrity, inclusion, and international perspectives. The program is ideal for candidates who want to develop their skills for work in human resources departments, leadership, consulting, and more.

At under $10,000 per academic year, IWU offers one of the best online doctorate programs for affordability. The school has regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

#8 – University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi 

University of Southern Mississippi: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Development 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,094 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Human Capital Development. This internationally-recognized program combines on-campus learning with online instruction. So students will need to live near the campus to be eligible. Faculty are all experts in the field. And they bring their experience into the classroom. As a result, candidates gain a broad understanding of topics such as: 

  • Workforce Development 
  • Performance Improvement 
  • Human Capital Analytics 
  • Organizational Culture 
  • Change Leadership 
  • Strategic Planning 

To complete the program, students must complete a minimum of 54 hours of graduate study. This includes core, elective, and research courses. Additionally, all candidates are required to complete a comprehensive examination and research dissertation. Some of the courses in this hybrid program may include: 

  • Research in Human Capital Development 
  • Change Leadership in Human Capital Development 
  • Emerging Technologies for Human Capital Development 
  • Strategic Human Capital Management
  • Assessing Human Capital Effectiveness

The partially online PhD program is offered through the USM School of Leadership. At just over $9,000 per academic year, it’s one of the best online doctorate programs for affordability. Additionally, financial assistance is available. For example, the university has over 900 assistantships available for graduate students. Assistants receive full tuition waivers and stipends. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants are also available for this doctoral program. 

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Mississippi 

#7 – Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio

Bowling Green State University: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Technology Management-Human Resource Development and Training 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,017 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

BGSU offers a high-quality education with it’s online PhD in Technology Management. This program features several concentrations, including one in Human Resource Development and Training. This online degree is delivered in cooperation with five other nationally-accredited universities. And it is designed to teach leadership skills to today’s technical HR professionals.

Students in this program will be equipped for high level roles as training and development managers. The curriculum is rigorous, and the program requires 66 credit hours for completion. Some of the courses include: 

  • Internet Research Methods 
  • Legal and Ethical Dimensions of HRD Practitioners 
  • Management and Coordination of Training and Development 
  • Improving Human Performance in Organizations 
  • Evaluation of Human Resource Development Programs 

Candidates will also complete nine credit hours of professional studies. These can be independent study courses or electives. Or they may be projects or internships that relate to their specialization. Students will work with their instructors to design the coursework. Internships can also be designed to provide doctoral students with practical experience.

This program is unique, with students participating from all over the country. And it is ideal for students who want to earn a Ph.D. but cannot relocate due to prior commitments. Additionally, at just over $8,000 per academic year, it is one of the best online doctorate programs in terms of affordability.

Related: 10 Best Internships for Human Resource Majors

#6 – University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas 

University of Arkansas: Ph.D. Human Resource Management

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

EdD in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,875 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

UARK offers an EdD in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education. The university has provided this top online HR doctorate degree for over seven years. As a result, the curriculum has evolved to meet current HR trends. In addition, students can complete the program 100 percent online. And there are no on-campus residency requirements. This makes it an excellent choice for busy working HR professionals and training and development specialists.

New students are admitted each fall, spring, and summer semester. Students must complete at least 96 total semester hours of graduate studies. Some of the courses in this online program include: 

  • Qualitative Research Design and Analysis 
  • Quantitative Research Design and Analysis 
  • Project and Program Evaluation 
  • History and Foundations of Human Resources
  • Organization Development 
  • Human Resource Training & Development 
  • Entrepreneurial Development 

Exceptionally promising new students to the doctoral program may qualify for financial assistance. This includes tuition waivers, assistantships, and fellowships. Additionally, some students may be eligible for a stipend. However, this is one of the most affordable human resources doctoral programs online.

Although the program is remote, it requires a significant time commitment. The university allows candidates seven years to complete the doctoral degree. An exam and dissertation are required. Additionally, students must take the GRE to be considered for admission to this workforce development education program.

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Arkansas

#5 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia 

Liberty University: Human Resources Online

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Human Resources 

For more information: Liberty University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,847 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

The HR Business Administration program at Liberty University is a fully remote. And it takes just three-and-a-half years to complete. HR courses are delivered in a convenient online format with optional intensives. And because the coursework is asynchronous, you can complete the human resources degree at your own pace. For flexibility, Liberty University has one of the best online HR management doctoral programs on our list. 

Students in the Liberty University program gain practical, real-world knowledge. And this knowledge is designed to carry over from the classroom to the workplace. As a result, candidates will learn to solve complex HR problems in their organizations. Some of the featured HR business administration courses may include: 

  • Workforce Planning
  • Employment Compensation Management 
  • Human Resource Development 
  • Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making 
  • Organizational Learning, Performance, Change

This rigorous and challenging online doctorate human resources degree program sets candidates apart and prepares them for advanced roles in human resources departments. As with most business schools, students will gain specialized knowledge in leadership, finance, accounting, and many other areas. Graduates of this HR business administration program have found satisfying careers as: 

  • Recruitment Specialists 
  • Development Specialists 
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers 
  • Human Resources Directors

Professors keep students engaged through hands-on case studies and experiential exercises. All these experiences are designed to prepare students for high-level leadership positions. Liberty University is a leader in providing high-quality education online. As a result, the school has many support resources to help HR business administration students succeed. Liberty also offers a master’s degree in HR.

#4 – University of Texas at Tyler – Tyler, Texas 

University of Texas at Tyler: Human Resources Online

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Ph.D. in Human Resource Development 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,264 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

The University of Texas at Tyler features a hybrid Ph.D. in Human Resource Development. This program requires students to come to campus just five times each semester. And candidates can earn their doctoral human resources degree in only two-and-a-half years of study. Faculty includes Dr. Jerry Gilley, the author of the first textbook on HR development principles. 

Students will work alongside expert professors on a range of research projects in HR. It is offered through the Soules College of Business, one of the best business schools in the country. To be considered, applicants need a master’s degree in HR or a related field. Additionally, they should have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on previous master’s degree coursework. Some of the online coursework includes: 

  • Talent Management and Development 
  • Proposal Development 
  • Foundations of Qualitative Research 
  • Leadership Theory and Practice 
  • Advanced Theoretical Foundations of HRD 
  • Advanced Quantitative Research in HRD 

An exam is required after completing all coursework. Then, students will work on a dissertation of original research. Candidates have five years to complete the program after admission. Transfer coursework is not accepted.

At just over $6,000 per academic year, UT Tyler offers one of the best online doctorate programs for affordability. Financial support for this human resources management online program is available. This includes scholarships, grants, loans, and Federal financial aid. Additionally, students may apply for various fellowships and assistantships. 

See also: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Texas

#3 – Johnson & Wales University – Providence, Rhode Island 

Johnson & Wales University: Human Resources Online

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Doctor of Business Administration – Organization Development 

For more information: Johnson & Wales University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,706 

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education Doctorate in Doctorate in Human Resources Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 9

Johnson & Wales offers a DBA with a concentration in Organizational Development. This is a fully remote program with no on-campus residencies. Online students will work with a small group of cohorts, generally under 18 participants. And they will have the opportunity to collaborate on various projects with faculty and other human resources professionals. The curriculum teaches students to solve complex business challenges. And it gives them the practical skills to become innovators within the human resources field. 

Online students work on one eight-week course at a time. And most courses in the human resources management online program are asynchronous. This means there are no set class times. Instead, students can complete their studies on their own schedule. This flexibility is excellent for those who are currently working. Some of the courses in this business administration HR management program include: 

  • Innovation and Change 
  • Organizational Strategy and Design 
  • Leading and Managing Large-Scale Transformation 
  • Contemporary Leadership Issues 
  • Research Design 
  • Executive Decision-Making 

The entire HR business administration program can be completed in three years. Students will also need to complete a dissertation and oral defense. However, Johnson & Wales has a unique lock-step dissertation process. This model guides students methodically through the dissertation. 

The student to faculty ratio at the school is an impressive 15:1. And all faculty at Johnson & Wales hold terminal degrees in their fields. And students will develop relationships with faculty mentors. These instructors will guide them throughout the HR business administration program. Additionally, they will develop a network of HR professionals and colleagues. And this will assist them long after they have completed the program. The college also offers a master’s degree in human resource management.

#2 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Human Resources Online

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

EdD in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in HR Development 

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $14,635 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 9

The University of Illinois College of Education features an online EdD program. This program offers a unique concentration in HR Development. The program is designed to improve individual learning and workplace development in organizations. This top online doctorate in HR management includes courses like: 

  • Principles in Human Resource Education
  • Instructional and Training System Design
  • Learning Technologies
  • Organization Development
  • Advanced Theories in Human Resource Development

Students in this program will receive a offers a high-quality education from one of the most popular colleges in the country. They will learn to design, implement, and evaluate HR programs. And they will learn to become innovative training and development managers. This online doctorate degree is ideal for those who want to pursue an academic career in employee relations. But graduates of this online education program have also found employment in health care, financial services, and more.

#1 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California 

Northcentral University: Human Resources Online

Online Doctorate in Human Resources:

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management 

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,260 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 9

Our top choice for a PhD in Human Resources online is Northcentral University. This program is designed for individuals seeking leadership positions or work in academia. And it is one of the most flexible doctoral programs to make our list. Students can earn their degrees from anywhere in the world. There are no group assignments, scheduled lectures, or semester start dates. Faculty have all earned their doctorate degrees. And they are eager to share their knowledge and experience with their students. As a result, candidates receive one-on-one mentoring. Some of the courses include: 

  • Labor Relations
  • Human Resources Management in the 21st Century
  • Organizational Behavior in Human Resources Management
  • Legal Issues in Human Resources Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Compensation Management

The program requires 60 credit hours and takes an average of 49 months to complete. However, some students finish in as little as 38 months. In addition, the school offers six full-tuition scholarships to incoming Ph.D. students. Federal financial aid, loans, grants, and other scholarships are also available for this online learning program.

This is a research-based degree human resources program. And it prepares students to contribute their knowledge to the HR field. The unique one-on-one learning model ensures that all students get personalized attention. Northcentral further supports its online students with a wealth of virtual resources.

The school also offers a master’s degree in human resource management.

Online PhD in Human Resources

Online Doctorate in Human Resources

The work of HR may constitute the most varied “to-do list” among all occupations. It includes a wide range of administrative tasks such as benefits and payroll. But it also involves interacting with personnel, development, and training. 

There has been strong global competition and technological advancements in the field. As a result, organizations have made allowances for inevitable changes. This planning is the backbone of human resources management. And it forms the basis for modern HR management doctoral degree programs.

Online vs. On-Campus Doctorate

Online learning provides a flexible option for professionals in the field. These programs offer the same courses of study and are taught with the same rigor. As a result, they lead to the same professional opportunities after graduation. PhD human resources online programs are ideal for students who have family or other obligations. And they are more hassle-free in regard to commuting or scheduling.

What Courses Will I Take for an Online HR Ph.D. Program?

Prospective students pursuing a Ph.D. in HR management can expect to take a range of courses. Generally, these will be online human resource courses that teach the following objectives: 

  • Global Conceptions of Leadership
  • Leadership and Individual Development
  • Application of Research Methods
  • Organizational and Adult Learning
  • Team Building

The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the top professional organization in the field. And it lists these disciplines within the industry:

  • Health, Safety, and Security of Employees
  • Employee Relations
  • Rewards, Compensations, and Benefits
  • Organizational Development

These topics will likely be covered in online doctorate in human resources programs. Additionally, some colleges and universities offer an array of concentrations. As a result, prospective online students can choose an online learning program that most closely aligns with their goals.

What Is an Accelerated Online Human Resources Ph.D. Degree Program?

An accelerated online Ph.D. program uses shorter teaching sessions. For example, instead of the traditional 16 weeks, students take online education courses in seven, eight, or ten-week increments. If you take extra credits each semester, you can earn your degree faster. Accelerated programs are ideal if your goal is to earn your Ph.D. quickly. However, additional stress accompanies such accelerated programs. So you should consider your strengths and weaknesses before enrolling in an accelerated online phd program.

Can I Still Work While Pursuing My Ph.D. in Human Resources Online?

For many students, undertaking a Ph.D. in human resources is a full-time job. However, sometimes necessity requires that you continue working while earning your Ph.D. in HR management. Ideally, you will find employment in the field. This way, you will see the day-to-day applications of your studies. The workload of traditional vs. online Ph.D. programs is the same. A good rule of thumb is to plan on spending around 40 hours a week studying for your degree. This guideline can help you determine if it will still be feasible to work while pursuing an online education.

What Are the Graduation Requirements for an Online Ph.D. in HR?

Generally, the doctorate degree requirements are between 58 and 66 credit hours. And there is typically a minimum of 20 courses. You must also pass a comprehensive examination and produce your dissertation to earn your degree in HR management.

This concludes our ranking of the best online phd programs human resources