Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management - Best of 2024

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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).

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.

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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: $68,000

Search 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.

Best Online Bachelors in Human Resources Degrees for 2024