Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree Programs

Boasting an above-average expected employment growth rate of 13% between 2012 and 2022, human resources is expected to remain a competitive line of work thanks to the field’s high wages and employability in nearly every industry.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources online is ideal for busy adults who want to get ahead in the workplace. Most online HR programs are flexible and accelerated, allowing students to learn the same material they would in a traditional program, over a shorter period of time and as classes fit their schedules.

The bachelor’s in human resources can be especially appealing for anyone interested in business administration, management and employee relations. Many of the online programs are degree completion in nature, so individuals who hold an associate degree and are currently working in the field may improve their job security and opportunities for advancement within a company by obtaining a bachelor’s.

This list of the 25 best online bachelor’s in human resources degree programs is designed to help you decide which college is right for you. Featuring program highlights, course frameworks, LMS software, price ranges and more, you’ll get a collective look at what some of the top online colleges have to offer.

Rank School Name School Logo City Cost Address & Contact Info School Links Acclaim for Online Programs School Description
1Colorado State University GlobalAurora$$$$$585 Salida Way
Aurora, CO 80011
(800) 920-6723

Enrolling just 200 students when it opened in 2008, CSU-Global now supports a student population of 18,000 and offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a human resources bachelor's degree online. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree, including 64 credits of general education courses from an accredited school. Thirty credits must come from the core human resources curriculum, which includes coursework in business policy and strategy, human resource management in a global environment, creating a diverse and ethical workforce, and labor relations and employment law.

Five specialization areas are offered: applied social sciences, emergency management, healthcare management, international business, and project management. Students need to complete a capstone course to graduate from the program. The curriculum aligns with the guidelines of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), so students can take the SHRM-Certified Professional exam with only 500 hours of work experience. CSU-Global holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and ranks among schools offering the country's top online bachelor's programs.

The university offers 13 online undergraduate degrees, including a BS in human resource management. Obtaining a human resources bachelor's degree online from CSU’s Global Campus will provide students with the skills needed to engage in productive employee administration. Specific areas of study involve conflict management and the dynamics of teamwork. Online students will be able to obtain extra support through the school’s numerous virtual services, including tutoring and a writing center. Additionally, distance learners who want career support can access online career coaching and resume help by contacting the university’s career navigation services.

2Florida International UniversityMiami$$$$$11200 S. W. 8 Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000

From an initial enrollment of approximately 5,600 students in 1972, FIU now enrolls nearly 57,000 students and offers more than 190 programs of study, including an online bachelor of business administration in human resource management. The R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business administers the program, and the curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Students must enroll in at least 24 credits of upper-division human resources coursework, eight classes, to meet the concentration requirement for the program. The human resources curriculum includes courses in employment law, recruitment and staffing, compensation and benefits, and human resource information systems. Transfer students with fewer than 60 transferable credits must submit their SAT or ACT scores. FIU holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and ranks among universities offering top-rated online bachelor's programs.

3Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City$$$$$4001 East 700 South, Suite 700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 274-3280

Founded in 1997 as an online institution of higher learning, WGU set out to maximize the advantages of digital technology to meet the educational needs of adult learners. The university offers a human resource management degree online comprising a bachelor's curriculum aligned with the guidelines of the Society of Human Resources Management.

The program follows a competency-based education model where students advance as soon as they can show mastery of the subject matter through tests, papers, projects, or other course assessments. Many students graduate from the program within 17-41 months depending on their academic background, the number of transferable credits they bring to the program, and how quickly they master course material. Students must complete a capstone project that presents a solution to a real-world human resources problem or challenge. WGU holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

4Regis UniversityDenver$$$$$3333 Regis Blvd
Denver, CO 80221-1099
(800) 388-23662111

Founded in 1877 and now a top-ranked institution in the West, Regis offers a human resource management degree online that follows the guidelines set by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Completing a program with a curriculum aligned with SHRM standards prepares graduates to sit for professional certification in the field after graduation. The program offers coursework in key human resources topics such as employment law and compliance, ethical decision making in business, labor/employment relations and workplace safety, and strategies in compensation and benefits.

Human resource management majors can opt to complete their degree with a graduate program offered by the university's Anderson College of Business. Certain qualifications, such as previous college courses, military or significant work experience, or a professional license may translate directly to college credits and enable students to graduate on a shorter timeline. Students must complete a capstone project prior to graduation. Regis holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation.

5Golden Gate University - San FranciscoSan Francisco$$$$$536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
(415) 442-7800

Starting out in 1901 with just four students, GGU now enrolls over 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students and offers more than 80 programs, including an online bachelor of arts in management with a concentration in human resource management. Students pursuing this concentration must complete at least 15 units of coursework in the major. The following courses are mandatory: labor-management relations; compensation decision making; training methods and administration; and personnel recruitment, selection, and placement. To meet the 15-credit major requirement, students can complete an internship, a basic employment law course, or a special topics in management course.

New high school graduates applying to the program need a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. Transfer students need at least 12 or more transferable units and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The program also considers applicants with three or more years of relevant work experience. The university holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

6Athens State UniversityAthens$$$$$300 N Beaty St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8100

Starting out in 1821 as an all-female school, Athens State now enrolls over 3,000 men and women and offers upper-division coursework leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. The College of Business at the university offers holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers an online bachelor of science degree with a concentration in human resource management.

The program comprises 124 credits, 65 of these credits must be completed as an enrolled student at the university. Students begin the program by enrolling in organizational communication or business communications. The required coursework for the degree follows a prescribed order, and students must enroll in each class accordingly. All students must pass the assessment exam at the end of the capstone business policy course. Students pursuing the human resource management concentration need to pass a major-specific assessment exam to graduate. Athens State holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$$$$$111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

TESU began in 1972 and currently offers more than 100 areas of study to more than 18,600 students. The School of Business and Management holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with a concentration in human resources/organizational management. The program comprises 120 credits: 60 credits of general education requirements, 36 credits of professional business coursework, 18 credits of concentration courses, and six credits of electives.

Students pursuing the human resources/organizational management concentration enroll in classes concerning organizational behavior, human resource management, advanced labor relations and collective bargaining, and comparative management systems. The program requires the completion of a capstone course in strategic management prior to graduation. The school strongly recommends that all BSBA students enroll in a business ethics course as an elective or as part of their general education requirements. TESU holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8Concordia University - Saint PaulSaint Paul$$$$$1282 Concordia Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104-5494
(651) 641-8278

CSP began in 1893 as a preparatory school for men planning to enter professional ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Today, the university enrolls almost 5,000 men and women and offers more than 80 programs, including a human resource management degree online. The 120-credit program curriculum follows content guidelines as specified by the Society for Human Resource Management and leads to a bachelor of arts degree.

In addition to 60 general education credits and 20 credits of human resource management and/or general electives, students enroll in 40 credits of coursework in the major. The curriculum includes courses such as human resource management and employment law, marketing in the global environment, principles of ethical management, and strategic compensation systems. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited CSP since 1959, and the school ranks among the top 100 universities in the Midwest.

9University of Saint FrancisFort Wayne$$$$$2701 Spring St
Fort Wayne, IN 46808-3994
(260) 399-7700

Beginning as Assisi Junior College in 1920, USF is now a full-fledged university comprising four colleges and boasting a student population of almost 4,000. USF offers an online bachelor of science in business administration degree designed to meet the professional and educational objectives of adult learners. The program offers five concentration areas, including one in managing human resources. Students pursuing this concentration complete classes in organizational development, human resource management, and training and development.

Courses follow an accelerated eight-week format. Students must have at least 64 transferable semester hours, which typically consist of general education credits. USF offers a Prior Learning Assessment Program that confers college credits for relevant work and life experiences, and students can earn up to 33 semester hours under this program. USF holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and ranks among the top universities in the Midwest.

10Texas A&M University - Central TexasKilleen$$$$$1001 Leadership Pl
Killeen, TX 76549
(254) 519-5400

An upper-division institution established in 2009, A&M-Central Texas belongs to the Texas A&M University System and offers a partially online human resources degree through the College of Business Administration. The 120-credit program leads to a bachelor of business administration degree in human resource management. The College of Business Administration holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Students need at least 60 transferable credits before they can enroll in upper-division coursework, and these credits typically come from general education courses taken at a community college. Students who plan to pursue the human resource management concentration need courses in economics, accounting, psychology, and business in their general education coursework. The human resource management specialization offers classes in wage and salary administration, recruitment and selection, and employer and labor relations. The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11Regent UniversityVirginia Beach$$$$$1000 Regent University Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127

Founded in 1978 and comprising seven schools and two colleges, Regent offers a human resource management degree online through the College of Arts and Sciences. The program leads to a bachelor of science degree and comprises 120 credits. The human resource management curriculum includes courses in labor relations and collective bargaining, human resource strategies in a global context, employment law, and compensation and benefits management.

Courses for the degree follow an eight-week delivery schedule. Students can transfer up to 90 credits earned from an accredited school or program. The program also considers the following as transferable credits: AP classes with a grade of 3.0 or higher; credits earned through accepted entrance-level examinations, such as CLEP or DANTES; military service; or demonstrable college learning through life or work experience. Regent holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and ranks among schools offering top-rated online bachelor's programs.

12Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo$$$$$33701 State Road 52
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
(352) 588-8200

As Florida's first Catholic institution of higher learning, Saint Leo enrolled a total of 32 students when it was founded in 1889. Today, the university enrolls more than 5,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in diverse fields of study, including a human resource management degree online. The program comprises 120 credits and offers a curriculum that prepares graduates to sit for professional human resources certification or assessment.

Students enroll in 27-36 credits of concentration coursework covering topics such as administrative and personnel law, organizational training and development, human resources and strategic planning, and industrial and organizational psychology. The program requires students to complete an internship experience prior to graduation. Saint Leo holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and ranks among the best universities in the South.

13University of ArkansasFayetteville$$$$$Administration Building 425
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-2000

Chartered in 1871, UA enrolls more than 27,000 students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university offers more than 210 undergraduate and graduate programs, and the UA College of Education and Health Professions offers an online bachelor of science in education with a concentration in human resource and workforce development (HRWD). Students enroll in 17 major courses, 51 credits, that cover topics such as workplace diversity and human resource development, career development, instructional technology and design, and legal and ethical issues in human resource development.

The HRWD program gives students the opportunity to earn college credits for relevant work or life experience, including military service and continuing education units. Students can earn up to 19 credits toward the degree in this manner. UA holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and ranks among institutions offering some of the best online bachelor's programs in the country.

14Liberty UniversityLynchburg$$$$$1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(800) 434-9595

Liberty opened as the Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 with an initial enrollment of 154 students. Today, the university enrolls close to 12,600 students and offers more than 550 programs, including an online bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in human resource management offered by the School of Business. The generous transfer credit policy enables students to complete the 120-credit program in 3.5 years.

Courses follow an eight-week delivery schedule, and students complete 42 credits of core business coursework and the following human resource management courses: compensation management, employee and labor relations, workforce planning and employment, and human resource development. Liberty holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

15Brenau UniversityGainesville$$$$$500 Washington Street SE
Gainesville, GA 30501-3668
(770) 534-6299

Founded in 1878 and now a top-ranked university in the South, Brenau offers an online bachelor of business administration in human resource management through the College of Business and Communication. The 120-credit program focuses on evaluation and management of human assets in a variety of professional settings, and students enroll in courses such as cultural diversity in the business environment, human resource strategic planning, recruiting and selection, and designing training programs.

To be considered for admission to the program, freshman applicants need a high school GPA of at least 2.75, while transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Transfer students with fewer than 30 transferable credits from an accredited school need to submit their high school transcript. The Society for Human Resource Management acknowledges the school's human resource management curriculum to be aligned with its guidelines and templates. In addition, the program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Brenau holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16University of Maryland - University CollegeAdelphi$$$$$3501 University Blvd East
Adelphi, MD 20783-8010
(301) 985-7000

Established in 1947 and originally an extension of the evening programs at the University of Maryland, UMUC offers more than 120 academic programs including a human resource management degree online. The 120-credit program leads to a bachelor of science degree. Students complete 36 credits in the major and enroll in classes in employee training and development, global human resource management, employment law for business, and organizational culture and change. The program requires students to follow a specific order of course enrollment.

The curriculum prepares graduates to sit for professional certification exams such as those for professional in human resources or global professional in human resources certification. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree as long as the credits were earned from an accredited school or program. UMUC holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

17Bellevue UniversityBellevue$$$$$1000 Galvin Rd S
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 291-8100

BU hosts a student population of 9,000 and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, including a human resources bachelor's degree online. The program comprises 127 credits comprising 36 general education credits, 40 credits in the concentration, and 51 elective credits. Most transfer credits count toward the general education or elective credit requirements. Transfer students must have an associate degree or 60 completed semester hours with a grade of "C" or higher from an accredited school.

Students enroll in human resource courses in training and development, employee and labor relations, compensation administration, and recruitment, selection, and placement of human resources. Coursework for the major follows a cohort model of education. The curriculum aligns with guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management and prepares students to take exams such as those for professional in human resources or senior professional in human resources certification. BU holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation.

18Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids$$$$$6191 Kraft Avenue S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-9396
(616) 698-7111

DU was founded in 1866 as the Grand Rapids Business College with an initial enrollment of 16 students. Today, the university supports a student population of over 7,000. The Donald W. Maine College of Business at DU offers a bachelor's in business administration in human resource management degree online comprising curriculum that aligns with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) guidelines. During senior year in the program, many students sit for the SHRM-CP exam.

To meet the credit requirements for the human resource management concentration, students enroll in at least 37 credits of concentration coursework. The core curriculum comprises classes in negotiation and dispute resolution, compensation administration, strategic human resources, and employment and labor law. DU holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and the College of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

19Ottawa University - OnlineOttawa$$$$$1001 South Cedar
Ottawa, KS 66067
(785) 242-5200

Established by the First Baptist Church in 1865, OU offers bachelor's degrees in more than 25 fields of study, including an online bachelor of science in business administration degree with a concentration in human resources. The School of Business, which administers the program, holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Courses follow an asynchronous delivery format that allows students to access course materials and recorded classroom discussions at any time.

Students choose seven courses, 21 credits, from the human resources curriculum, which includes coursework in employment law and policies, conflict resolution, compensation and benefits, and performance appraisal. The program offers a generous transfer credit policy that allows students to transfer up to 80 credits toward the degree. Students can also earn college credits for relevant life and work experience. OU holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and ranks among the top colleges in the Midwest.

20Concordia University - WisconsinMequon$$$$$12800 N Lake Shore Dr
Mequon, WI 53097-2402
(262) 243-5700

Established in 1881 by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, CUW offers a human resource management degree online through the Batterman School of Business. The 120-credit program leads to a bachelor of arts degree, and students complete 33 concentration credits by enrolling in classes such as compensation and benefits, social psychology in the workplace, staffing organizations, and employment and labor relations. Students are required to complete an integrated project in human resource management as part of the culminating experience of the program.

As a rule, all applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered for admission, and freshman applicants need to submit transcripts from all high schools attended. Transfer students with fewer than 60 transferable credits need to submit their high school transcripts or proof of GED completion. CUW holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and ranks among the best universities in the Midwest.

21Bay Path UniversityLongmeadow$$$$$588 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000

Established in 1897 and currently enrolling close to 3,500 students, Bay Path offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. The American Women's College at the university offers an online bachelor of science in business with a concentration in human resource management. The program comprises 120 credits and can be pursued on a full- or part-time basis. Courses follow an asynchronous delivery format and are offered in accelerated six-week sessions. Bay Path offers six start dates a year in September, November, January, February, April, and June.

The program offers a generous transfer credit policy that allows students to transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree. Transfer credits must be from an accredited school or program. The human resource management curriculum includes courses in compensation and benefits management, developing legally compliant personnel procedures and policies, recruitment and training, and employee and labor relations. Bay Path holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks among the top universities in the North.

22Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff$$$$$1900 S. Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4132
(928) 523-9011

Starting out in 1899 with 23 students, NAU currently enrolls over 31,000 students and offers more than 158 fields of study, including an online bachelor of business administration degree with an emphasis in human resource management. NAU offers the program through the W. A. Franke College of Business, which holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

In addition to university credit requirements of general education and liberal arts coursework, students complete 36 business administration and 24 concentration credits. Human resources coursework includes classes in employment law, training and development, strategic human resource management, and global finance and financial analysis. Students have the option of enrolling in classes that prepare them to take the SHRM-CP exam. NAU holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and is included on the U.S. News & World Report list of schools offering some of the best online bachelor's programs in the country.

23Metropolitan State UniversityDenver$$$$$Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80217-3362
(303) 556-3058

Founded in 1971 as an upper-division institution focused on meeting the needs of adult learners, Metro State currently enrolls more than 9,000 students and offers a human resource management degree online through the College of Management. The 120-credit program leads to a bachelor of science degree and focuses on the role of human capital in strategic organization management. Students enroll in the following human resources coursework: staffing organizations, employee development and training, compensation management, employee benefits management, and strategic framework for human resource management.

The program requires the completion of a four-credit capstone course where students use the case study approach to develop and implement systems and techniques to meet the challenges of real-world organizations and businesses. Prior learning experience is valued, so college credits are assigned for student work or life experiences after close evaluation. Metro State holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation.

24McKendree UniversityLebanon$$$$$701 College Rd
Lebanon, IL 62254-1291
(618) 537-4481

Founded in 1828 as the first institution of higher learning in Illinois, MCK currently ranks among the top schools in the Midwest, and its school of business offers an online bachelor of business administration degree with a concentration in human resource management. The curriculum aligns with guidelines set by the Society of Human Resource Management. Students enroll in 21 credits of human resource classes and explore topics such as talent management, benefits and compensation, organizational behavior, and employment law. A capstone course in strategic human resource management must also be completed prior to graduation.

Students can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited school or program toward their degrees. Courses follow an eight-week delivery schedule, and most students enroll in two courses during each eight-week session. MCK holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation and the School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

25Geneva CollegeBeaver Falls$$$$$3200 College Ave
Beaver Falls, PA 15010-3599
(724) 846-5100

Founded in 1848, Geneva moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania in 1880 and now ranks as one of the top universities in the North. The college offers a human resource management degree online comprising 120 credits. Of these credits, 36 must consist of major courses taken at Geneva. The human resources curriculum includes coursework in policies and personnel management, employee and labor relations, career and professional development, and principles of management and supervision.

Transfer students need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in their undergraduate coursework, and those with fewer than 12 college credits must submit their high school transcripts or proof of GED completion. Preference is given to applicants with 4-5 years of work experience gained after high school. As an adult degree program, the bachelor of professional studies in human resource management can be completed in 16 months, depending on academic background. Geneva holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Many HR degrees consist of curriculums designed to prepare graduates to be well-rounded, adaptable professionals. Among others, the topics most HR students study include: business administration, employment law, accounting, management and economics.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in human resources degree?

Graduating with an online bachelor’s degree in human resources opens a number of professional doors. Human resource officers often act as liaisons between managers and employees. They mediate grievances, ensure company policies and standards are maintained and often work with hiring managers to create well-balanced teams. Below are a few of the opportunities open to HR professionals with bachelor’s degrees. Keep in mind that many of the management positions require at least five years of professional experience.

Keys to Success

An online bachelor’s in human resources program offers a host of advantages, but there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure successful completion of your degree and reaching your professional goals.

Choose a program that works with your schedule and personality.

  • Are you self disciplined? Do want to earn your degree in a shorter amount of time?
  • If yes, an accelerated program might be a good choice for you.
  • Are you extremely busy? Does your schedule fluctuate, and you’d rather work at your own pace?
  • An asynchronous online program, where assignments, lectures and course materials are available to access and complete at anytime, would be better.

Build relationships with your professors and classmates.

  • Take advantage of one-on-one time with your professors and group discussions with fellow students.
  • Use discussion boards, emails and phone calls to clear up confusion, share input and discuss new ideas.
  • Stay connected with everyone involved in your classes and create a support network to help you through your studies.

Use the available online student services and tools.

  • Work with career and academic advisors to create a degree plan that helps you meet your goals.
  • Use online tutoring services and writing centers for help with your courses and assignments.
  • Chat with librarians and use the library’s digital resources to supplement your studies.

College is a great place to learn and network. While mingling, try mentioning your future career goals to professors and classmates; they may have advice for you throughout the term and could think of you when job opportunities arise. Your classmates and the faculty at your school are as much resources for your success as your reading materials.

Next Steps

What you do after attaining your online bachelor’s in human resources degree depends on your career goals. If you already have a job in the field, you can apply what you’ve learned to your work and endeavor towards a raise or promotion. If you’re currently unemployed, you can pursue an entry level position, apply for internships or enroll in graduate school. If you have your sights set on a management position in HR, a master’s degree might be needed, though most require a bachelor’s degree and several years of work experience.