Best Online Human Resources Degrees of 2024
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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 Degrees
Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT- 2 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,765
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$8,400
- Out-of-state$8,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate35%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled10,844
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,242
- Out-of-state$16,034
- In-State$5,353
- Out-of-state$12,697
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,156
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled55,323
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,040
- Out-of-state$26,520
- In-State$8,424
- Out-of-state$34,260
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled21,464
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,900
- Out-of-state$41,900
- In-State$22,068
- Out-of-state$22,068
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled8,270
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Excelsior University
- Albany, NY
- 2 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,372
- Out-of-state$9,556
- In-State$12,150
- Out-of-state$12,150
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,365
- Out-of-state$13,365
- In-State$14,706
- Out-of-state$14,706
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled2,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Best Human Resources Degree Online Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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 an HR Degree Online?
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.
