Human resource (HR) professionals are in high demand. As companies grow and expand, they need individuals who can manage the ever-increasing complexities of employee relations. If you’re looking for a career in human resources or just starting your HR career, an online bachelor’s degree program can help you meet your goals.
There are many different online bachelor’s degree programs in human resources available. It can be tough to decide which one is right for you. We’ve put together this list of the top twenty online HR programs. All of these programs are highly respected and well-regarded. They will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in human resources.
What is Human Resources?
The career of human resources is the art of managing and coordinating the people who work in an organization. It includes finding, hiring, training, and developing employees. HR professionals also deal with pay, benefits, workplace safety, and employee relations.
There are many different types of jobs in HR. Some people work in the personnel department and process new hires. Others work as compensation and benefits specialists, helping to design and administer employee benefits programs.
Those with positions in human resources information systems develop and manage databases of employee information. And finally, there are careers in recruiting, where specialists identify and recruit potential job candidates.
As more and more businesses realize the importance of having a well-run HR department, the demand for qualified HR professionals continues to rise. Suppose you are looking for a career where you can positively impact workers’ lives. In that case, you should consider a degree in human resources.
Careers in Human Resources
In searching for online degrees, you may ask what kind of careers you can get with an online bachelor’s degree in human resources. There are several career paths you can take.
Below are just a few positions in HR. The salaries come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale data.
Human Resources Manager
Salary: $121,220 per year
Projected Growth: 9%
Human resources managers handle the overall management of an HR department. This includes developing policies, managing employee records and benefits, and overseeing workers in this department.
Human Resource Specialist
Salary: $63,490 per year
Projected Growth: 10%
These specialists manage employee recruitment and placement. They also administer employee benefits and work with unions. In some companies, they develop and implement policies related to human resources.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Salary: $125,130 per year
Projected Growth: 4%
These managers administer employee compensation and benefits programs. They ensure that employees receive fair pay and benefits. They also work with senior management to develop and implement compensation and benefits policies to attract and keep workers.
Training and Development Manager
Salary: $115,640 per year
Projected Growth: 11%
As the name suggests, these managers create and run training programs that improve productivity and employee performance. They also identify areas where employees need improvement and develop strategies to help them succeed.
Training and Development Specialists
Salary: $62,700 per year
Projected Growth: 11%
If an organization is large enough, it will have training and development specialists working under a training and development manager. These specialists carry out appropriate programs for the staff. Many specialists work in human resources departments, but some work in other departments, such as marketing, information, or sales.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Salary: $47,020 per year
Projected Growth: -2%
Payroll and timekeeping clerks collect, track, and process employee payroll data. Their duties include maintaining records of hours worked, calculating wages, preparing paychecks, and verifying attendance.
Payroll and timekeeping clerks must be detail-oriented and able to work with numbers.
Executive Recruiter
Salary: $91,427 per year
Projected Growth: 10%
Executive recruiters are responsible for finding, screening, and recommending candidates for high-level positions. They work with senior executives and managers to identify potential candidates for vacant positions.
These professionals usually have a vast network of contacts in the industry. They must be able to assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications quickly and accurately. They must also be able to build strong relationships with clients and candidates to gain their trust.
Chief HR Officer
Salary: $151,692 per year
Projected Growth: 8%
Chief human resources officers are the highest-paid employees in an HR department. As the head of HR, they control all aspects of the department, including recruiting and training new employees and ensuring compliance with company policies. They may also manage employee benefits and compensation.
Choosing an Online Degree Program — What You Should Consider
When deciding to pursue an online degree program, you should consider a few factors. The most important being:
Accreditation
Accreditation is important because you want to ensure that you’re getting a quality education. When looking for an online degree program, check that a reputable organization accredits the school.
Cost
A college education is an investment and one that can be costly. However, the return on that investment can be high, especially when earning a degree in human resources. When it comes to finding the right online program for you, it’s important to consider the cost of tuition and any associated fees.
Fortunately, there are many affordable online human resources degree programs available. And many online programs offer the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.
Curriculum
When researching online bachelor’s degree programs in human resources, it is essential to consider the curriculum. Most programs require core courses in human resources management, business administration, and psychology.
These courses provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this field.
In addition to these core courses, many programs offer electives that allow you to specialize in your degree. Popular areas of specialization include labor relations, employee development, and compensation and benefits.
You can develop a deeper understanding of the most relevant topics to your career goals by taking specialized courses.
Flexibility of the Degree Program
One of the great things about pursuing an online bachelor’s degree program is the flexibility. You can often tailor your program to fit your specific schedule. Many programs allow you to complete your studies at your own pace, which can be a great option when juggling work and family commitments.
Top 19 HR Bachelor Degree Online Programs
The best online bachelor’s degree programs in human resources allow students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in HR. The online HR degree programs on this list have accreditations from the following bodies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
These accreditations ensure that programs meet the highest standards for quality and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
Degree programs in human resources can fall under different colleges and different majors. Our top 20 programs include the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources
- Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration / Human Resources Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resources
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Management / Human Resource Management
With that in mind, the programs below are the best online bachelor’s degree programs in human resources.
1. Grand Canyon University — Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Resources Management
Grand Canyon University’s online program in Applied Human Resource Management is flexible. It allows you to work around your schedule as you move into the next stage of your career.
It may also help improve employee engagement and alignment. This degree program focuses on organizational development through business leadership skills training, recruiting strategies, performance management, and human resources management, among many more areas.
You might also want to pursue management or higher-paying managerial roles with this degree. HR management courses offered in this program will generally include topics such as:
- Contemporary marketing
- Finance decision-making
- Workforce planning
Faculty with professional experience contribute to the collaborative virtual classroom. You may choose a specialization to link your studies with your future job prospects, such as organizational behavior, business communications, and other HR-related disciplines.
This HR degree online prepares students to take the HRM exam.
2. Purdue University Global — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resources
This program allows students to develop technical, business, communication, and management skills to advance their careers in various professions. Additionally, you can complete your degree entirely online at your leisure.
In this online degree course, you can study Leadership, Collaboration, Negotiation, Professionalism, Networking, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Finance, and more.
Operations manager, sales manager, project manager, financial analyst, web commerce manager, and operations planner are some of the career opportunities available to graduates.
3. Lindenwood University — Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Lindenwood University has two HR-related degree programs: a BA in Human Resource Management and a BS in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
Both degrees are offered online and allow students to specialize in training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, workforce planning and recruiting, and more.
Students learn excellent decision-making abilities to resolve workplace issues ethically. Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as a recruiter, training specialist, compensation and benefits specialist, human resources information systems analyst, etc.
4. Saint Ambrose University — Bachelor of Business Administration / Human Resources Management
With this Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Ambrose University, you’ll learn about human resources management and acquire skills and understanding of the field. The HR management program helps students launch or advance their careers in human resources by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Coursework covers staffing problems, pay and benefits, and performance management. Additionally, students acquire the skills to run a healthy, safe, and secure workplace.
General business courses such as marketing, economics, accounting, and management round out the program. The following are the job prospects you can expect as a graduate of this program:
- Human resource manager
- Labor relations manager
- Compensation and benefits manager
5. Campbellsville University — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resource Management
This Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is an entirely online program. To specialize in an area of interest, students may select a concentration in Human Resource Management within the program.
In addition to general business and management topics, this program’s upper-level courses cover accounting, computer applications, marketing, business law, and finance.
Graduates from this program can pursue more advanced managerial roles and go on to graduate programs such as an MBA or other postgraduate programs. This HR management online program covers topics including:
- Organizational behavior
- Recruiting, retention, and development
- Compensation and performance management
- Labor relations
- Conflict resolution
By understanding such concepts, students will be able to find and attract the best talent, retain employees, and manage payrolls while ensuring compliance with employment laws.
6. Concordia University-Saint Paul — Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
This online BA in Human Resource Management program helps prepare students for a career in human resources.
The degree will allow you to identify, attract, develop, and retain top talent. You’ll also learn to manage payroll and benefits while complying with employment regulations.
A bachelor’s degree in human resources from this university will give you the skills and knowledge to be a successful human resources professional.
Courses in this program cover topics such as:
- Organizational behavior
- Labor relations
- Equal opportunity employment
- Training and development
- Compensation and benefits
Because it’s online, the degree is suitable for both working professionals and full-time students.
7. Aurora University — Bachelor of Arts in Business Management / Human Resource Management
The bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in Human Resource Management teaches students how to help employees flourish within their company.
This advanced track focuses on employee and labor relations, staff training and development, and compensation and benefits administration. The core leadership skills taught in this online HR management program include communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
Students in this degree program study:
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation management
- Facilities
- Operations management
- Financial management
- Marketing communication management
Lastly, internships provide the opportunity for real-world experience in a management position.
8. Thomas Jefferson University — Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
This online B.S. in Human Resource Management aims to educate students on how to direct human capital in businesses and organizations of all sizes.
In this degree program, you will develop a management style to help you build efficient and productive employees in any number of sectors. This online HR program has courses in:
- Training and Development
- Compensation and Benefits
- Labor/Management Relations
- Leadership Theory and Ethical Practices
9. Illinois College — Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management
In this program, you will participate in a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. This program aims to help working professionals earn their degrees.
With the flexibility to work and learn simultaneously, you can advance your current operation, acquire certification through SHRM-CP, or begin a new career in HR. Courses include topics such as:
- Business ethics
- Business law
- Accounting and economics
This is an accelerated program with adaptable courses that you may tailor to your academic demands and career aspirations.
Students may collaborate with professors, undertake exclusive internship possibilities, and gain knowledge pertinent to management jobs.
Graduates from this program may pursue opportunities such as:
- Employee relations specialist
- Employee training and development manager
- Compensation and benefits analyst
- Workforce planning and analysis specialist
- Recruiter
10. Liberty University — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resource Management
This program provides students with the fundamentals of Human Resource Management. You learn about workforce planning, employee and labor relations, and compensation administration.
HR specialists undergo training to study human resources and participate in team-building activities to prepare people for today’s workplace. Students who complete the program can pursue career possibilities such as Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Assistant, and Human Resources Director.
Graduates will be prepared to integrate their faith into their professional lives and use ethical management techniques. Throughout the curriculum, there is a priority on educating business students to become “Champions for Christ.”
11. South College — Bachelor of Business Administration / Human Resource Management
With this degree, you will acquire the skills and information needed to work in this profession by learning the following:
- Training and career development
- Labor relations
- Conflict resolution
- Compensation and benefits
- Employee selection and placement
- Personnel policy
Through the program, you will be able to develop the skills required to administer human resources in a company. You will also learn how to maintain a healthy and productive workplace culture.
12. Southern New Hampshire University — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resources Management
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. The program is for students who want to pursue careers in human resources. It’s also for those already working in the field and want to advance their careers.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of human resources management, from managing employee benefits and compensation to recruiting and selecting employees.
Students also learn about labor relations, employee training and development, and workforce planning.
Graduates of the program are ready for careers as human resources managers, human resources specialists, and labor relations specialists. Furthermore, they can pursue graduate studies in human resources or related fields.
13. Colorado Christian University — Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
The online students receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. This program is for working adults who need flexibility in their schedules. The program includes topics such as:
- Training and development
- Compensation
- Performance management
The small class sizes contribute to more customized learning via instructors bringing professional expertise to the online classroom.
As the school holds a Christian emphasis, students combine biblical and ethical leadership concepts with HR management theories and insights. Through this religious focus, students acquire an essential skill set that sets them apart in today’s competitive market.
This degree can lead to various career options, including human resources, employee relations, labor relation management, information systems, business analyst positions, etc.
14. Saint Leo University — Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management
As an HRM student at Saint Leo, you’ll study people as strategic resources and their roles in business. With this information, you’ll develop policies and procedures to manage a company’s most important asset — its people.
You’ll also learn about:
- Employee onboarding and orientation
- Workforce planning and forecasting
- Employee retention strategies
- Employee training and development programs, etc.
15. Florida Institute of Technology — Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management
This program combines a multidisciplinary approach to managing an organization’s most important asset — its employees.
In this program, you will discover the psychology, leadership, and business skills necessary to manage human resources successfully. This online HR Management degree program includes courses in business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and specialized human resource topics.
Students learn the following subjects:
- Recruitment and placement
- Training and development
- Compensation and benefits
16. Mount Vernon Nazarene University — Bachelor of Business Administration / Human Resource Management
The online program is for ambitious professionals seeking a high-quality education while maintaining their personal and professional obligations.
The curriculum provides students with the necessary abilities to be competent and confident leaders in today’s global economy. The faculty steer students to achieve these objectives and expectations with honesty.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management program focuses on:
- Training and development
- Performance and reward systems
- Employee relations and services
- Human resource strategy
- Managing diversity for organizational success
This degree prepares students for management and human resources management jobs.
17. Colorado State University-Global Campus — Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
The online program is one of the best online degrees in HRM. This degree gives students the fundamental understanding and leadership abilities needed to thrive in the human resources sector.
Once enrolled, students learn to apply leadership principles and ethical decision-making when managing human resources in an organization. The online HR degree program provides students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This prepares them for real-world challenges in human resources.
The curriculum includes:
- Training and professional development
- Business policy and employee law
- Management of team dynamics
- Conflict resolution
Although this isn’t a requirement, students can choose a specialty in over 15 areas.
18. Immaculata University — Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
As a well-rounded program, it includes elements of liberal arts and business education, such as:
- Economics
- General business
- Business and labor law
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management
- Statistics
Students also acquire fundamental ideals of service and honesty, which assist students in becoming service-oriented, ethical professionals capable of helping their organizations.
Graduates gain the abilities to:
- Assess a company’s market position
- Analyze corporate behavior
- Apply interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills to their full potential
- Use technology to enhance productivity
Graduates can help companies run smoothly by providing staff training, leadership development, job design, remuneration and benefits, labor relations, and health and safety program administration.
19. Indiana State University — Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development
This program allows professionals to advance their careers by specializing in human resources. The online curriculum covers education, business, psychology, and other behavioral sciences disciplines.
This training and education program provides graduates with the technical, supervisory, motivational, diversification, and orientation skills to be successful and productive. Graduates from this program can plan, implement and manage education, training, and other human resource development operations.
These are the Top 20 Online Bachelors Degree Programs in Human Resources. Each program offers a unique and specialized curriculum, making it the perfect choice for those seeking to work in the human resources field.
When deciding on which online HR degree to pursue, consider your career goals and objectives. Do you want to specialize in a specific area of HR? Do you want to work in a particular industry?
With so many options available, there’s an online human resources degree program that’s right for everyone.
Take The Next Step
Now that you know more about the Top Online Bachelors Degree Programs in Human Resources, it’s time to take the next step.
If you want to pursue a career in human resources, consider enrolling in one of these online HR degree programs. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect program for your needs and career goals.