The right online degree in human resources can launch you into a rewarding career in organizational change, labor relations, dispute resolution, and payroll management.
Tasked with recruiting, hiring, and training employees, human resource professionals serve vital functions in professional settings of all kinds. An online human resource degree covers topics such as business ethics, organizational psychology, and conflict resolution, while simultaneously fostering communication and decision-making skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% job growth for entry-level human resources professionals between 2019 and 2029. Human resource careers also include roles as compensation specialists and training and development specialists, which are both projected to see comparable growth.
As the COVID-19 pandemic redefines the workplace, human resource professionals continue to serve a vital role. Human resource professionals facilitate remote work, help ensure effective employee and employer communication, and manage recruitment and training for the changing workplace.
Online human resources programs like those listed below prepare learners for a rewarding and exciting career working with people.
#1 | Colorado State University-Global | Aurora, Colorado |
#2 | Florida International University | Miami, Florida |
#3 | TrineOnline | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
#4 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
#5 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, Rhode Island |
#6 | Ottawa University-Online | Ottawa, Kansas |
#7 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
#8 | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana |
#9 | Regis University | Denver, Colorado |
#10 | DeSales University | Center Valley, Pennsylvania |
The Best Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Colorado State University-Global |
Aurora, Colorado Apply Now | ||
2 |
Florida International University |
Miami, Florida Apply Now | ||
3 |
TrineOnline |
Fort Wayne, Indiana Apply Now | ||
4 |
Davenport University |
Grand Rapids, Michigan Apply Now | ||
5 |
Johnson & Wales University-Online |
Providence, Rhode Island Apply Now | ||
6 |
Ottawa University-Online |
Ottawa, Kansas Apply Now | ||
7 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul |
Saint Paul, Minnesota Apply Now | ||
8 |
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College |
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana Apply Now | ||
9 |
Regis University |
Denver, Colorado Apply Now | ||
10 |
DeSales University |
Center Valley, Pennsylvania Apply Now | ||
11 |
Anderson University |
Anderson, South Carolina Apply Now | ||
12 |
Granite State College |
Concord, New Hampshire Apply Now | ||
13 |
Amridge University |
Montgomery, Alabama Apply Now | ||
14 |
Mount Mercy University |
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Apply Now | ||
15 |
University of Maryland Global Campus |
Adelphi, Maryland Apply Now | ||
16 |
Dickinson State University |
Dickinson, North Dakota Apply Now | ||
17 |
Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
New Brunswick, New Jersey Apply Now | ||
18 |
LeTourneau University |
Longview, Texas Apply Now | ||
19 |
Western Governors University |
Salt Lake City, Utah Apply Now | ||
20 |
Georgia Southwestern State University |
Americus, Georgia Apply Now | ||
21 |
Thomas Jefferson University |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Apply Now | ||
22 |
Bellevue University |
Bellevue, Nebraska Apply Now | ||
23 |
Colorado Christian University |
Lakewood, Colorado Apply Now | ||
24 |
Indiana State University |
Terre Haute, Indiana Apply Now | ||
25 |
McKendree University |
Lebanon, Illinois Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!

Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Human Resources Degree?
Online bachelor's degrees in human resources typically comprise around 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. Courses may cover topics like international human resource management, compensation and benefits, human relations and development, and managing diversity in organizations.
Outside of general education and major courses, many programs require students to complete a culminating project that demonstrates the skills and knowledge they gained throughout. Some programs also include an internship, which online students may usually complete at approved local sites.
The degree appeals to students who want to help companies manage their employees more effectively and efficiently. HR students should enjoy working with different people and problem solving.
Choosing an Online Human Resources Degree Program
Students should consider multiple factors when choosing an online human resources degree. Bachelor's degrees in human resources typically span four years, but schools that allow transfer credits may allow learners to earn a degree on an accelerated timeline.
Curricula also vary by program, giving learners the opportunity to choose a degree based on what coursework meets their personal and professional goals. Additional considerations are discussed at the links below.
How to Choose Your Major What to Look for in an Online CollegeWhat to Expect From a Human Resources Major
Online human resources bachelor's degrees vary by school, but common core classes cover fundamentals of the discipline, like organizational structures, finance basics, and employment law. Additional classes introduce learners to common methods and tools used by human resources professionals, while concentrations emphasize specific subsets of the field.
Human Resources Curriculum
- Compensation Management: Compensation management coursework explores payment methods, benefits and compliance, and nonfinancial rewards in the workplace. Students learn both the strategic and technical aspects of compensation distribution.
- Employment Law: Coursework in employment law introduces students to federal, state, and local regulations as they apply to wages, safety, and worker rights. Learners explore statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions as they relate to the workplace.
- Financial Accounting: Financial accounting classes train students to record, summarize, and report on monetary transactions. Coursework emphasizes the five main classifications of financial data: revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity.
- Marketing: A marketing course introduces students to common principles and methods of market research, strategy, and management. Learners explore communication, public relations, and consumer behavior, helping them understand and implement marketing practices.
- Organizational Change: This course focuses on common types of organizational change, including their outcomes and how to manage transitions within the workplace. Students learn to combat organizational inertia and resistance to change while building leadership skills, training them to effectively guide organizations through periods of transition.
Human Resources Professional Certificates
Professional organizations and certification bodies offer human resource professionals opportunities to build niche knowledge and skills as they grow their careers. For example, human resource professionals who wish to focus on compensation and benefits can earn a certification in the topic. Other certification options include multinational human resources, conflict resolution, and training and development.
SHRM offers two certifications: The SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP) credential helps early- to mid-career professionals advance their careers, while the SHRM senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) credential supports senior-level professionals looking to shape long-term policies in their workplaces. Both certifications require candidates to pass four-hour exams comprising 160 questions. SHRM members receive a discount on the exam fee.
Human Resources Certification Institute
HRCI offers eight professional certifications, including aPHR -- a foundational certification for professionals new to HR. GPHR, the capstone credential, is for professionals with global HR experience who want to advance their international HR careers. All HRCI certifications require candidates to pass an examination, and some require specific degrees and years of relevant experience.
Human Resources Organizations
Human resources students and professionals alike can benefit from joining professional organizations. Many organizations offer professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities. They may also offer professional discounts and financial aid opportunities for students.
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Society for Human Resource Management Founded in 1948, SHRM is the largest professional association for human resource specialists. It has 300,000 members from 165 countries.
Members can access certification programs, local chapters, an executive network, and a young professionals group designed for new HR professionals. Other membership perks include industry trends and forecasting data, career preparation and planning resources, domestic and international events, and both online and in-person training programs. -
National Human Resources Association Established in 1951, NHRA is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization devoted to furthering the skills, knowledge, and careers of U.S. human resource professionals. The association provides career advancement opportunities and reports on HR news and trends.
Members can access an exclusive job board, professional conferences, training programs, and networking opportunities. The group maintains affiliate groups in several cities, including Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Rochester. -
Academy of Human Resource Development AHRD is a global membership organization that serves HR academics and professionals. The group encourages academic research, data collection, and the study of trends, theories, practices, and processes.
Members can access four sponsored journals: Human Resource Development Quarterly, Human Resource Development International, Advances in Developing Human Resources, and Human Resource Development Review. The organization also hosts an annual research conference and a faculty mentorship program. - International Public Management Association for Human Resources Established in 1906, IPMA-HR has more than 40 chapters across the country, representing the interests of human resource professionals. The association provides educational resources, professional development opportunities, and industry news. Members can access an HR policies toolbox, local and national events, peer networking opportunities, and professional certifications.
- Human Resources Certification Institute A leading organization for human resource credentialing, HRCI has promoted HR excellence for more than 40 years. The organization offers eight professional certifications for professionals at various stages in their careers, plus certification opportunities for qualifying organizations. HRCI also offers upSkill, an online program that helps HR professionals learn more about the discipline
Human Resources Careers
Careers in human resources, especially in managerial roles, offer lucrative opportunities. The BLS reported that human resources, training and development, and compensation and benefits managers all earned mean salaries above $110,000 in 2019. Specialist positions in those aspects of human resources also boasted mean salaries over $60,000 in 2019.
An online human resource degree also opens opportunities for careers beyond those listed below. The knowledge and skills gained through an online bachelor's degree in human resources can apply to roles within healthcare, information technology, and academic settings, alongside traditional business environments.
Career | 2019 Median Pay |
---|---|
Compensation and Benefits Managers | $122,270 |
Human Resources Managers | $116,720 |
Training and Development Managers | $113,350 |
Labor Relations Specialists | $69,020 |
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $64,560 |