University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for a bachelors in human resources.
Overview of a Bachelor’s in Human Resources
Human resources is a growing profession, with the number of job opportunities expected to rise in the coming years and an above-average median income. This profession is ideal for the person who wants to use their soft skills to help others, while also thinking strategically about labor relations, program development, and resource planning within their organization.
Students interested in entering this field may wish to pursue a bachelor’s in human resources online as a logical first step toward a promising career, though related fields like business, psychology, sociology, and others may be reliable alternatives. While this level degree is usually the minimum price of entry, many employers prefer candidates with additional certifications, a master’s degree, or both, along with years of experience for managerial roles or specialized positions. Human resources professionals might, for instance, include a concentration in business administration in their human resource management degree program.
Those looking to earn a traditional or online human resources degree (HR degree) at the undergraduate level will learn about strategic human resource management and gain general knowledge and skills in business education and business and management. Students looking to get a human resources degree from their state university or other schools may even earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a human resources concentration. This will set them up well to become human resource professionals in human resource management (HR management).
Featured Online Programs
PROS
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers typically need an undergraduate degree to work in the human resources management field. While you can find work in HR with degrees in things like business, psychology, or IT, completing a human resources degree program specifically may help you stand out in a pool of entry-level applicants, allowing you to start building experience right away.
While many of the skills needed to succeed are soft-skills like leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills, completing bachelor’s programs that require students to take classes that talk about employee benefits packages, conflict resolution, and organizational psychology and management can give students a leg up and set the stage for earning the certifications needed to stand out and move up in your career.
CONS
Generally speaking, earning a bachelor’s in human resources is a smart investment, as compared to other degree programs where there’s a less tangible employment goal waiting after graduation. However, if you don’t plan on continuing your education after completing an undergraduate program, you may find that the opportunity for advancement is somewhat lacking.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that you may find yourself in an administrative role that feels more like you’re there to process paperwork rather than jumping right into leadership. That’s par for the course with many entry-level jobs, but newer HR professionals may be “paying their dues” for the first few years.
And, when you are ready to move up, you are likely to need one or several certifications in order to do so. It may be necessary to nearly immediately begin earning a master's online or taking online courses for certifications if you hope to move up quickly.
Top 25 Online Bachelors in Human Resources Management Programs
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Score: 83.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,239
- Out-of-State: $36,001
- Net Price: $17,535
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 50,637
- Undergrad Students: 36,344
- Graduate Students: 14,293
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Florida International University
Score: 77.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
LeTourneau University
Score: 75.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,500
- Out-of-State: $35,500
- Net Price: $26,974
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,536
- Undergrad Students: 3,350
- Graduate Students: 186
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Regis University
Score: 75.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,980
- Out-of-State: $43,980
- Net Price: $26,377
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 4,668
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 2,270
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Thomas Jefferson University
Score: 74.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $45,683
- Out-of-State: $45,683
- Net Price: $28,110
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 8,286
- Undergrad Students: 3,771
- Graduate Students: 4,515
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Score: 74.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,896
- Out-of-State: $33,751
- Net Price: $16,926
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 33,403
- Undergrad Students: 25,777
- Graduate Students: 7,626
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Arkansas
Score: 73.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,748
- Out-of-State: $28,772
- Net Price: $16,208
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 30,936
- Undergrad Students: 26,269
- Graduate Students: 4,667
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
American Public University System
Score: 73.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Temple University
Score: 73.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,082
- Out-of-State: $37,462
- Net Price: $23,935
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 33,196
- Undergrad Students: 24,106
- Graduate Students: 9,090
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 71.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Score: 71.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,250
- Out-of-State: $34,250
- Net Price: $24,485
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 4,988
- Undergrad Students: 2,817
- Graduate Students: 2,171
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Score: 71.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,166
- Out-of-State: $27,166
- Net Price: $26,757
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 9,959
- Undergrad Students: 5,809
- Graduate Students: 4,150
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Score: 71.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,627
- Out-of-State: $16,419
- Net Price: $5,465
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,198
- Undergrad Students: 1,712
- Graduate Students: 486
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Indiana Wesleyan University
Score: 70.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,168
- Out-of-State: $31,168
- Net Price: $21,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,603
- Undergrad Students: 2,236
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Score: 70.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,832
- Out-of-State: $21,864
- Net Price: $16,834
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 21,639
- Undergrad Students: 13,032
- Graduate Students: 8,607
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Penn State World Campus
Score: 70.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,204
- Out-of-State: $15,204
- Net Price: $19,551
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 13,979
- Undergrad Students: 8,210
- Graduate Students: 5,769
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Western Illinois University
Score: 70.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,952
- Out-of-State: $14,952
- Net Price: $11,213
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,643
- Undergrad Students: 5,309
- Graduate Students: 2,334
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Score: 69.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,160
- Out-of-State: $43,160
- Net Price: $22,843
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 4,133
- Undergrad Students: 1,100
- Graduate Students: 3,033
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Geneva College
Score: 69.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,610
- Out-of-State: $33,610
- Net Price: $20,999
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,232
- Undergrad Students: 1,123
- Graduate Students: 109
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
DeSales University
Score: 69.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,800
- Out-of-State: $44,800
- Net Price: $29,104
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 2,991
- Undergrad Students: 2,225
- Graduate Students: 766
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Illinois College
Score: 69.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,470
- Out-of-State: $37,470
- Net Price: $16,296
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 1,029
- Undergrad Students: 1,028
- Graduate Students: 1
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Score: 69.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,000
- Out-of-State: $25,000
- Net Price: $17,776
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 5,544
- Undergrad Students: 3,071
- Graduate Students: 2,473
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Carlow University
Score: 69.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,502
- Out-of-State: $34,502
- Net Price: $17,437
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,104
- Undergrad Students: 1,247
- Graduate Students: 857
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Houghton University
Score: 69.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,290
- Out-of-State: $17,290
- Net Price: $21,550
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 833
- Undergrad Students: 805
- Graduate Students: 28
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Winona State University
Score: 68.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,498
- Out-of-State: $17,230
- Net Price: $18,187
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 6,154
- Undergrad Students: 5,403
- Graduate Students: 751
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Certificate vs. Bachelor's
What Human Resources Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?
Students thinking about earning an online or on-campus bachelor’s degree in human resources have a few options. You can get a BA or a BS in human resources, specifically, or you can earn a business, psychology, communications, or IT degree and take some additional classes in this area.
- Online Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management
A Bachelor of Science in Human Resources will provide students with a curriculum that focuses on human resources principles and strategies, as well as business management courses like marketing, accounting, and organizational management. Students will be expected to complete roughly 36 credit hours of general education courses including math, science, English, and social science, plus HR-specific coursework spanning compensation and benefits, employment law, labor relations, negotiation, training, and company culture. - Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources
A Bachelor of Arts program will cover many of the same foundational work as a Bachelor of Science in HR. The difference is, students will focus on humanities more than math and science in their general education requirements.
Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Human Resources
This degree typically covers the study of human resources within a broader context of general management. Students will learn more about contract negotiation, employee compensation, training development, organizational theory, employment law, accounting, and a foundational background in business strategy and management theory.
While this degree type focuses on many of the same core principles you’ll find in a BA or BS human resources program, it’s important to note that the emphasis here is more on managing people than the administrative side of the field. Still, a bachelor’s degree holder will likely apply to jobs like HR generalist or benefits assistant like graduates with an HR degree.
Online Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for an associate human resources program include high school transcripts or a GED. Other requirements vary based on the institution. Most traditional and online schools will ask students to submit ACT or SAT scores and may have a minimum GPA requirement. Be aware that, if you think applying to an online degree will mean you don't have to fulfill any of the usual obligations for admission, you're probably wrong. Many online schools have just as high of standards as their traditional counterparts and, if they don't, you might want to double check their accreditation and reputation.
How long does it take to earn an online Human Resources Bachelor's?
In most cases, it takes about four years to earn an online bachelor’s degree in human resources or any other subject matter, whether you attend online or not. Students may take more time to complete their coursework based on how many credits they enroll in per semester or whether they’re working while earning their degree. In other cases, students may take a heavier course load so that they can complete their degree in less time, while those who attend part-time online while working can take an extra year or more to finish. Another option to speed up your educational journey is to look for an accelerated online human resources management program, which can help you graduate with a bachelors in less than the normal 4 years.
Additionally, while not required to enter the field, many human resources professionals voluntarily get certified through organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), or the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, which are all organizations that, according to the BLS, signify expertise in the field. With that in mind, aspiring HR professionals may need to factor continuing education and credentialing fees into their decision to pursue this type of work. Luckily, most of the courses for these certifications are available online or through flexible learning options.
Potential Careers in Human Resources with a Bachelor’s
- Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee policies, procedures, and compliance related to employees and personnel within an organization. In this role, you’ll deal with things like paid leave and benefits packages, as well as vacation days, and making sure internal activities comply with federal and state laws. Human resources managers typically need a bachelor’s degree at a minimum to enter the field and they should have excellent leadership skills, be strong problem-solvers, and great communicators.
Aspiring HR managers should note that it may take a few years in the field to become a manager. While a bachelor’s degree may be the minimum educational requirement for this role, those professionals with certifications in the area, and potentially a master’s degree in human resource management may be given preference.
Average Income: $68,000Search Programs Offering Human Resources Majors
- Recruiting Manager
A recruiting manager typically works in a larger company to help that organization attract and retain quality talent. This person is usually the first point of contact between job applicants and a company and works to find recruits that match job descriptions laid out by department heads with positions to fill.
Average Income: $73,800 - Compensation and Benefits Managers
This HR professional focuses on developing and implementing a company’s benefits and compensation policies. This includes establishing a salary structure, factoring in things like performance bonuses, cost of living increases, commission structures, and non-monetary perks like vacation days and paid leave. This person might also work with insurance companies to put together medical insurance packages, life insurance, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts. This job typically requires 5+ years of experience in HR, and you’ll likely need to earn certifications within the compensation and benefits specializations to qualify for this role.
Average Income: $87,700 - Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers are HR professionals that conduct and supervise employee training programs. This person might work as a consultant or for a larger company if there’s a need for ongoing training, onboarding, and professional development initiatives. To qualify for this role, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a few years of HR experience under your belt. In some cases, you may need a master’s degree, particularly if you’d like to work in a consultant role, advising businesses on how to best manage and improve employees’ job skills.
Average Income: $76,900 - HR Generalist
The HR Generalist works as part of an HR team and works with upper management to come up with strategies aimed at maintaining positive employee relations. This person does a little bit of everything, as the name suggests. They might play a role in a company’s recruiting efforts, handle payroll, coordinate employee training, or put together insurance packages.
Average Income: $54,900
Options to Advance
As mentioned, most work in this field requires a bachelor’s degree as the minimum barrier to entry. There are some exceptions, but this is a blue collar, middle management occupation (for the most part) and in today’s landscape, there’s an expectation that incoming applicants have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Often, recent graduates will start their career as an HR specialist or assistant and can climb the ladder by moving into specializations, earning certifications online, or accumulating work experience. In some cases, HR professionals may wish to return to school for an online master’s degree or an MBA with a concentration in HR. We’d recommend this path if you’d like to become an HR director, VP, or move into a business consulting role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the specialties in human resources?
Human resources (HR) is a field that encompasses various functions and specialties, some of the main specialties in human resources include the following.
- Recruitment and Staffing: sourcing, screening, and hiring candidates for open positions
- Employee Relations: managing employee issues and conflicts, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations
- Training and Development: designing and implementing training programs to improve employee skills and performance
- Compensation and Benefits: managing employee compensation and benefits packages, including salary, health insurance, and retirement plans
- Performance Management: evaluating employee performance and providing feedback and coaching to improve performance
- Compliance and Legal: ensuring compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies
- Talent Management: identifying, developing, and retaining top talent within an organization
- Employee Engagement: creating and maintaining a positive work environment and culture that promotes employee engagement and retention
These aren’t all specialties, but should give you an idea of what your options are.
What might my career path look like in HR?
A career path in human resources (HR) with a bachelor's degree can vary depending on the specific role, the organization, and the industry you’re in, but here’s a layout of your options.
- Entry-level:
You’ll usually start your career in entry-level roles such as HR assistant, recruitment coordinator, or benefits administrator. These help you gain experience in the field and understand the various components of HR. - Specialist:
After gaining experience, you may progress to a specialist role in an area like recruitment, employee relations, or compensation and benefits. These roles involve more responsibilities, decision making, and specialized knowledge. - Management:
With experience and additional qualifications, you may be able to move into management roles such as HR manager or Talent Acquisition Manager where you will lead teams, manage budgets, and develop and implement HR strategies. - Senior Management:
With further experience and qualifications, you may be able to move into senior management roles, leading and overseeing the entire HR department for a company, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and working with senior management. - Generalist:
Some professionals may prefer to work in generalist roles, where they handle all aspects of HR, and work with different departments and projects.