The 20 Best Online Bachelor in Human Resources Degree Programs

An online Bachelor in Human Resources degree provides a path to a rewarding career in Human Resources (HR). Human resources professionals, a necessary component of successful businesses, work in practically every industry. A talented human resource professional optimizes the performance of a company through matching the best people with the best jobs, putting skills and abilities to good use.

Some HR professionals work as HR generalists for small companies, whereas others work as HR specialists in a particular area of human resources for medium and large companies. Some large corporations have separate HR specialist positions for corporate and field jobs.

What is a Bachelor in Human Resource Degree?

A Bachelor in Human Resources degree provides students with the undergraduate education necessary to pursue entry-level positions in the human resources field. Additionally, the degree acts as a stepping-stone toward future graduate study. Through curricula which cover fundamental aspects of human resources, students prepare to navigate the complexities of the field. Students study subjects such as business law and ethics, management principles, workforce planning and development, compensation and benefits, occupational training, conflict resolution, labor law, and more. Many Bachelor in Human Resources degree programs include practical or field-experience coursework, such as an internship or capstone project, to give students real-world knowledge and help develop professional connections.

For more degree and career information, skip down to these topics:

• What can you do with a Bachelor in Human Resources Degree?
• How much does someone with a Human Resources degree make?
• Are there any certifications or professional organizations for Human Resources professionals?

Online Bachelor in Human Resources Degree Program Ranking Guidelines

We selected the degree programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school’s reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.

RANKING METHODOLOGY

Methodology for College Rankings

The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:

The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.

To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet—TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):

1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]

• Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
• Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
• Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
• Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
• Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
• Considers range of electives within that discipline
• Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline

2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]

• Considers education background of the faculty
• Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
• Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
• Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
• Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources

3. Reputation [weight = 20%]

• Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
  • Faculty
  • Curriculum
  • “Freshness” of academic knowledge
  • Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
  • Suitability of graduates for the workplace

4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]

• Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
• Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants

5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]

• Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
• Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business

6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]

• Considers the following of the online classes:
  • Types of online technology used to deliver content
  • Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
  • Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
  • Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
• Considers the following of instructors:
  • Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
  • Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
  • Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
  • Ratio to number of students in a class
• Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees

Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.

To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:

• Accreditation
• Public or private status
• Acceptance rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• ACT/SAT requirements
• Cost in-state / out of state
• Undergrad, grad, or both offered
• Region
• State
• City

Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!

If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.

Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org’s underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article “Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS.” Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the rankings of other well-known educational ranking companies. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: “Making Sense of College Rankings.” For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!

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The Best Online Bachelor in Human Resources Degree Programs

1 Penn State World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Part of a tradition dating back to 1892, Penn State World Campus, the online affiliate of Pennsylvania State University, offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, all online. With plenty of academic and professional resources, and military and veteran discounts available, Penn State World Campus meets the needs of non-traditional students from many diverse backgrounds.

Penn State World Campus offers online Bachelor of Arts and online Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employment Relations degree programs that each prepares students to pursue careers in human resources. Both programs feature curricula that provide a strong foundation in important concepts in human resources, including business ethics and organizational psychology.

The Bachelor of Science program emphasizes management, communications, and quantitative aspects of the human resource field. Conversely, the Bachelor of Arts program places more emphasis in the social sciences and humanities.

The online Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Employment Relations programs each require 123 credit hours, and include the following core courses:

• Labor Economics
• Employment Relations
• Research Methods in Labor and Employment Relations
• History of Work in America
• Human Resource Ethics
• Introduction to Industrial Organizational Psychology

Penn State World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

2 Colorado State University-Global Campus – School of Management and Innovation

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Making up half of Colorado State University-Global Campus, the School of Management and Innovation offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs. The School of Management and Innovation meets the educational needs of working and non-traditional students though flexible programs.

The School of Management and Innovation offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree program that utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. The program provides a wide variety of specialization options. Students learn to navigate the complex responsibilities of the human resources field, including conflict management, business law, and ethics. The program prepares students to pursue careers in human resources, or future graduate studies.

The online Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Applying Leadership Principles
• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Business Policy and Strategy
• Human Resources Development and Management
• Managing and Leading Team Dynamics
• Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Employment Law, Compensation, and Policy

Students in the online program must also complete a capstone project.

Colorado State University-Global Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

3 University of the Incarnate Word – School of Professional Studies

San Antonio, Texas

The School of Professional Studies at the University of the Incarnate Word caters specifically to the needs of adult, working, and non-traditional students. Through a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, the School of Professional Studies provides non-traditional students with the educational advancement they need, with the flexibility of online and evening courses.

Emphasizing career-readiness and real-world knowledge, the School of Professional Studies offers plenty of resources and support to help its students meet their personal and professional goals.

The School of Professional Studies offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources degree program, featuring a curriculum aligned with SHRM guidelines for HR education. The program prepares students for the diverse responsibilities of human resources professionals, and the challenges of the field. Students engage in coursework which develops knowledge and skills in critical thinking, communication, technology, and more. Students develop a foundation in human resource management concepts, blending theoretical and practical learning.

The online Bachelor in Human Resources degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Human Resources and the Law
• Organizational Development
• Staffing
• Training and Development
• Compensation and Benefits
• Performance Management
• Leadership in Organization

Students in the online program must also complete a capstone project.

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4 Saint Leo University Online – Donald R. Tapia School of Business

St. Leo, Florida

The largest Catholic business school in the US, the Donald R. Tapia School of Business at Saint Leo University Online provides business students with plenty of options for study, through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Integrating the University’s Catholic mission into its programs, the School of Business emphasizes leadership and business principles alongside religious and spiritual grounding.

Through numerous partnerships with businesses on its industry advisory councils, the School of Business provides students with opportunities for professional connection and advancement.

The School of Business offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management degree program that utilizes courses aligned with standards from the SHRM for HR education. The program emphasizes strong leadership skills alongside human resource management principles. Students establish a foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, including personnel law and organizational psychology.

The online Human Resource Management Bachelor’ degree requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Risk Management
• Selection and Placement
• Human Resource Development
• Total Compensation
• Human Resources Strategic Planning
• Administrative and Personnel Law
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Students in the online Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management must also complete an internship.

Saint Leo University Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5 University of Alabama at Birmingham – Collat School of Business – Department of Management, Information Systems, and Quantitative Methods

Birmingham, Alabama

Housed in the Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Department of Management, Information Systems, and Quantitative Methods offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The School of Business provides non-traditional students valuable support for advancing their careers. Through on-campus centers and outreach initiatives, the School gives students opportunities to network, engage in the field, and serve the community.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management online degree program features a curriculum aligned with SHRM guidelines for HR education. With a strong emphasis on career-readiness and success, the program engages students through theoretical and practical learning. Students prepare to pursue careers in the field or future graduate study through developing a strong foundation in key human resource management concepts.

The Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management online degree program requires 120 credit hours to earn the degree. Of the total credit hours, 24 credit hours are part of the Business core and 24 credit hours are specific to the degree in human resource management. The program includes the following core courses:

• Organizational Behavior and Decisions
• Human Resource Management
• Compensation
• Employee Selection and Development
• Employment Law
• Managing through Leadership

Students in the online BS in Human Resource Management degree program must also complete an experiential requirement, which they can satisfy with an internship.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Collat School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

6 Indiana State University – Indiana State Online

Terre Haute, Indiana

The online wing of Indiana State University, Indiana State Online presents non-traditional students with a variety of options for study through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With plenty of resources available, Indiana State Online meets the needs of non-traditional students in flexibility and support.

Indiana State Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development online degree program, affiliated with SHRM. Students prepare for careers in human resources through a balanced curriculum which emphasizes theoretical and practical learning. Coursework for the program develops a foundation in key aspects of human resources, such as liability and occupational training. Students may choose elective courses to specialize in a particular area.

The online Bachelor in Human Resource Development degree program requires 51 credit hours to complete the major, and includes the following required courses:

• Labor Relations in Human Resource Development
• Developing Occupational and Training Programs
• Occupational Liability and Safety
• Career Development and Employee Appraisals
• Continuous Performance Improvement
• Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Development

Students in the online Human Resource Development Bachelor’s degree program must also complete an internship.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

7 University of Maryland University College – The Undergraduate School

Upper Marlboro, Maryland

The Undergraduate School at the University of Maryland University College offers students a wide variety of online undergraduate degree and non-degree options for study. Specializing in online and hybrid programs, the School provides non-traditional students with flexible, quality options to pursue higher education and professional advancement. Military and veteran students may receive valuable discounts and financial aid.

The Undergraduate School’s Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management online degree program utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. Students engage in human resource management fundamentals, such as organizational culture, and employment law. Through developing a well-rounded foundation of knowledge and skills, students prepare to pursue careers in the field, or future graduate study.

The online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Human Resource Management
• Organizational Communication
• Labor Relations
• Organizational Culture
• Employment Law for Business
• Global Human Resource Management

The University of Maryland University College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

8 Florida Institute of Technology – Florida Tech Online

Melbourne, Florida

A private university initially founded in 1958 as a way to educate the future professionals who would win the “space race,” Florida Institute of Technology has since expanded to offer programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Its online wing, Florida Tech Online, dedicated to the advancement of the non-traditional student, offers many of the same programs, but with the flexibility of online education.

Florida Tech Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management online degree featuring a curriculum aligned with guidelines from the SHRM for HR education. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to explore the diverse aspects of human resource management.

Students prepare for careers in the field through a balanced curriculum that builds a strong foundation in the leadership methods, the psychology of leadership, business ethics, and more.

The online HR Management degree requires 121 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Management of Human Resources
• Continuous Quality Management
• Business Ethics
• Organizational Behavior and Development
• Administrative and Personnel Law
• Management Information Systems

The Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

9 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

West Terre Haute, Indiana

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, founded in 1840, traces its origins to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and the Sisters of Providence. Continuing the mission of its founders, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers value-centered education programs rooted in the catholic tradition and designed toward personal and professional advancement. The Catholic women’s liberal arts college provides numerous degree and non-degree programs.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management degree program which utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. Students prepare for careers in human resource management through engaging in diverse issues from the field.

The curriculum provides balanced development through focusing on fundamental aspects of human resource management, such as employment law, staff management, and benefits. Students may pursue internships to gain valuable professional experience and networking.

The online Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Human Resource Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Legal Issues in Human Resource Management
• Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
• Marketing Research
• Racial and Cultural Minorities

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

10 Concordia University St. Paul

St. Paul, Minnesota

Founded in 1893, Concordia University St. Paul provides a variety of degree and non-degree programs at all levels. A Christian liberal arts university, Concordia University St. Paul incorporates its foundational values into its many programs, promoting a diverse, Christian-centered community.

Concordia University St. Paul offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management online degree featuring a curriculum aligned with SHRM guidelines for HR education. The program emphasizes human resource fundamentals, such as ethical management, employment law, and staff management.

Students prepare to pursue careers as leaders in human resources through balanced study.

The online BA in Human Resource Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Principles of Ethical Management
• Human Resource Management and Employment Law
• Applied Accounting and Finance
• Marketing in the Global Environment
• Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding
• Strategic Compensation Systems
• Strategic Human resources

The courses in online HR Management degree program utilize an asynchronous delivery model.

Concordia University St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

11 Ottawa University – Angell Snyder School of Business

Ottawa, Kansas

Dedicated to developing well-rounded and well-qualified professionals, the Angell Snyder School of Business at Ottawa University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Building on a liberal arts base, each program in the School of Business emphasizes the importance of technical and analytical skills and business acumen alongside ethical decision-making.

Through the David C. Owen Leadership Institute, the School of Business seeks to empower students and the university community toward growth and positive change.

The School of Business offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources degree program which utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. The program allows students to specialize their studies through concentrations in five different areas: Communication; Health Care Management; Leadership and Management; Entrepreneurship; and Global Operations.

Students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue an entry-level position in human resource management and future graduate study.

The online Bachelor in Human Resources degree program requires 124 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Human Resources Administration
• Employment and Staffing
• Compensation and Benefits
• Training and Development
• Planning and Budgeting
• Behavior in Organizations

Students in the online degree program must also complete a capstone project.

Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

12 Athens State University – College of Business

Athens, Alabama

Housed at Athens State University, the College of Business provides students with a variety of study options through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and professionalism, the College of Business seeks to produce well-qualified graduates across numerous fields.

The College of Business offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree program, featuring a curriculum aligned with guidelines from the SHRM for HR education. Students prepare to pursue careers in human resource management, as well as to future graduate study. The program provides balanced coursework which includes employment law, communication, and management principles. Students enhance their ability to handle the diverse responsibilities of human resource management.

The online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management degree program requires 124 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Organizational Communication
• Labor Economics
• Management Information Systems
• Principles of Management and Leadership
• Human Resources Management
• Employment Law for Business
• Advanced Human Resource Management

Students in the Bachelor in Human Resource Management online degree program must also complete a capstone project.

Athens State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

13 Metropolitan State University – College of Management

St. Paul, Minnesota

The College of Management at Metropolitan State University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in the study of business and management. Emphasizing career-readiness and the importance of practical, real-world knowledge, the College of Management incorporates faculty with years of professional experience.

The College of Management’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. Students study the diverse responsibilities required in human resource management, including staffing, ethics, and employee benefits.

The online HR Management degree program prepares students to pursue entry-level careers in the field through developing a balanced foundation of knowledge and skills.

The online Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Human Resource Management: A Strategic Framework
• Staffing Organizations
• Employee Training
• Compensation Management
• Employee Benefits Management

Students in the online program must complete a capstone project.

Metropolitan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

14 Dickinson State University – College of Education, Business, and Applied Sciences-
Department of Business and Management

Dickinson, North Dakota

The Department of Business and Management at Dickinson State University offers students a number of undergraduate degree and non-degree programs. The programs promote sound business practices and ethical decision-making alongside the cultivation of professional skills and knowledge.

The Department of Business and Management’s Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management online degree features a curriculum aligned with SHRM guidelines for HR education. Students study the fundamentals of human resource management, balancing theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students in the program enhance their ability to address the diverse responsibilities of human resource management and pursue entry-level careers in the field.

The online Bachelor in HR Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Business Law II
• Human Resource Management
• Staffing and Workforce Diversity
• Compensation Management
• Human Resource Development
• Labor Relations

Dickinson State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

15 Wilmington University – College of Business

New Castle, Delaware

With a commitment to career-readiness, the College of Business at Wilmington University utilizes a practitioner-based faculty to lead its programs. The College of Business provides students with plenty of options for study through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Emphasizing sound business practices and an understanding of community needs, the College prepares students for a variety of careers in diverse fields.

The College of Business offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree program that utilizes courses aligned with SHRM standards for HR education. The program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary for students to enter the human resources field.

The program emphasizes understanding and application of human resource management fundamentals. Students may pursue internship and co-op experience opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop professional connections.

The online Bachelor in Human Resource Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Business Ethics
• Staffing Organizations
• Organizational Development
• Human Resource Management
• Strategic Human Capital Management
• International Human Resource Management
• Legal Aspects of Human Resource Management
• Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

16 Limestone College – Department of Business and Economics

Gaffney, South Carolina

The Department of Business and Economics at Limestone College offers a variety of undergraduate programs and an MBA. The department’s many online programs allow it to extend this mission to non-traditional students of diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Business and Economics offers a Bachelor in Human Resource Management online degree which prepares students for a variety of careers in the human resource management field. Students engage in a curriculum built on human resource fundamentals, including ethical decision-making, communications, and labor relations.

The Bachelor in HR Management online degree program develops foundational knowledge and skills in the field through theoretical and practical instruction. The program includes the option for students to pursue an internship.

The online Bachelor in Human Resource Management degree program includes the following required courses:

• Business Communications
• Ethical Issues in the Workplace
• Compensation and Benefits
• Staffing and Labor Relations
• Strategic Human Resources Management

Limestone College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17 Regis University – College of Business and Economics

Denver, Colorado

Committed to advancing the Jesuit tradition through education, the College of Business and Economics at Regis University emphasizes experiential learning. Offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, the College of Business provides students with plenty of options to study and advance. Students have access to valuable resources through several research and professional development centers on campus, including the WELL Center.

The College of Business and Economics offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree program, featuring a curriculum aligned with guidelines from the SHRM for HR education. Students prepare to pursue careers as successful human resources managers through studying the fundamentals of the field. Blending practical and theoretical knowledge, students develop the skills and foundation necessary to navigate the complex responsibilities of human resources management.

The online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management degree program requires 128 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Business Finance
• Labor Relations and Economics
• Management of Human Resources
• Diversity in the Workplace
• Organizational Behavior
• Ethical Decision Making in Business

Students in the online program must also complete a capstone project.

Students have the option of combining the Bachelor of Science program with an MBA program.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

18 Southwestern College Professional Studies

Wichita, Kansas

Southwestern College Professional Studies provides viable study options for professional and non-traditional students to receive education on flexible terms. The College provides a variety of evening and online programs.

Southwestern College Professional Studies provides a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development online degree program which prepares students to enter competitive professional environments. Students engage in human resources fundamentals, including legal and ethical issues, compensation, and performance management.

The online Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development requires 124 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Principles of Human Resource Management and Development
• Legal and Regulatory Environment of Human Resources
• Compensation and Benefits
• Performance Management
• Developing Workforce Talent for Current and Future Roles
• Understanding Personnel Characteristics and Group Dynamics
• Project Management

Students must also complete a capstone project.

Southwestern College Professional Studies is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

19 DeSales University – Division of Business

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Through undergraduate and graduate programs, the Division of Business at DeSales University provides students with the foundation they need to succeed in careers in business. The Division of Business encourages students to develop real-world experience alongside theoretical knowledge by offering numerous internship opportunities. The Division’s programs promote growth through developing a strong foundation in sound business practices and principles.

The ACCESS Program at DeSales University – an accelerated Bachelor’s degree program for adult learners – offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management degree that combines a liberal arts foundation with practical training. Students learn to apply human resource management principles to solve common business problems. The program prepares students for careers as competent and informed human resource managers.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management degree program requires 120 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Principles of Management
• Principles of Marketing
• Managerial Accounting
• The Legal Environment of Business
• Human Resource Management
• Strategic Compensation and Benefits
• Employment Law

Students in the online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management degree program must also complete a capstone project.

DeSales University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

20 Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Franklin University, established in 1902, has campuses in Ohio and Indiana. The University focuses on working adult learners. The University provides a wide array of degree programs.

Franklin University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management degree program covers subjects such as performance management, legal compliance, employee and labor relations, workforce planning, organizational development, talent management,. The program aligns with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook. The program includes 124 semester hours. Franklin University also provides an online Human Resources Management – Subsequent Bachelor of Science degree, designed for students who already completed a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The online Bachelor in Human Resources Management degree program includes courses such as:

• Human Resources Management
• Training and Development
• Staffing
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Compensation and Benefits
• Strategic Human Resources Capstone

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Important Human Resources Education and Career Information

What can you do with a Bachelor in Human Resources Degree?

Individuals with a Bachelor in Human Resources degree may pursue a variety of positions in the field.

Human Resources Jobs:

• Benefit Specialist or Manager
• Compensation and Benefits Specialist or Manager
• Development and Training Specialist or Manager
• Employee and Labor Relations Specialist or Manager
• Employee Assistance Plan Manager
• Health, Safety, and Security Specialist or Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Human Resources Coordinator
• Human Resources Generalist
• Job Analysis Specialist
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Recruiting and Placement Manager
• Recruiting Coordinator
• Technical Recruiter
• Training and Development Specialist

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Bachelor in Human Resources Degree Salary Information

Jobs in Human Resources come with a range of salaries, depending on the level of an individual’s position and their responsibilities. Some examples, median salaries (sourced from the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, as of 2016):

• Compensation and Benefits Manger – $105,830
• Human Resources Generalist – $116,240
• Human Resources Manager – $106,910
• Human Resources Specialist – $59,180
• Training and Development Manager – $52,005 (from Payscale, 2017)

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Human Resource Certification

With a Bachelor in Human Resources degree, individuals may pursue several notable professional certifications. Certification identifies its holder as an expert in the field, and serves as a very attractive qualification to an employer.

Society for Human Resource Management – The SHRM offers valuable certification for HR professionals. Through either the SHRM-CP or the SHRM-SCP exam (depending on education, professional experience, and responsibilities) individuals may achieve SHRM certification. Many of the best degree programs align their curricula to SHRM standards.

HR Certification Institute – The HRCI seven certification options meet various professional needs. These certifications include the PHR, a general certification for professionals, and the aPHR for entry-level professionals. Each certification signals the competence and professionalism of the holder.

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Human Resources Organizations

Human resources professionals have a variety of organizations to choose from, each offering unique benefits. These include:

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) ¬– The world’s largest HR professional organization, SHRM boasts over 285,000 members worldwide, with seven decades of experience and reputation under its belt. Membership includes networking with its member community, professional conferences, career development programs, access to its publications, and plenty of useful resources.

National Human Resources Association (NHRA) – A professional membership organization, the NHRA provides individuals with numerous member benefits, such as career development and job search assistance, newsletters, conferences and networking, and connection with NHRA affiliates.

Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) – Founded in 1993, the AHRD remains committed to the advancing the human resources field through dialogue and connection. Membership includes benefits such as conferences, networking, access to publications and other useful resources, and more.

International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) – The IPMA-HR provides its members with connection in the human resources field on the international scale. Membership includes access to publications and research, career advancement help, conferences, and a worldwide member network. IPMA-HR also offers certification.

HR Certification Institute – Besides its notable professional certifications, the HRCI offers numerous useful resources to advance the field, and holds professional conferences.
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