The best human resources schools offer a flexible and affordable pathway to a career in human resources (HR). These business professionals hire and train employees, carry out disciplinary action, and manage employee benefits.
Whether you're a first-time student or a career changer looking to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree, on-campus and online HR programs can help you hone the skills needed to jumpstart an HR career. Keep reading to learn more about what a degree in human resources can do for you.
Why Get a Degree in Human Resources?
- Colleges that offer human resources degrees teach you critical hard and soft skills that many businesses value.
- Online HR programs offer flexibility that's ideal for working students.
- HR professionals play a significant role in shaping a safe work environment.
- If you're a people person, HR careers offer a collaborative professional atmosphere.
- Since human resources is a broad field, you can specialize in an area that aligns with your skills and professional interests.
Did You Know?
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Jobs for HR specialists are projected to grow 8% from 2021-2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). -
You typically only need a bachelor's degree to work in HR, though you may need a master's for some managerial roles. -
The top 10% of HR managers earned more than $208,000 annually in May 2021! -
According to a 2022 survey by Accountemps, nearly 2 in 5 HR managers believe Tuesdays are the most productive day of the week.
Explore Our Featured Business and HR Programs
Human Resources Degrees Rankings Snapshot
Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.
Rank | School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
$4,721 | $16,529 | 64% |
#2 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ |
$12,536 | $29,737 | 68% |
#3 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VA |
$17,220 | $17,220 | 41% |
#4 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT |
$7,162 | $7,162 | Not provided |
#5 | Trine University Online Fort Wayne, IN |
$9,576 | $9,576 | 60% |
#6 | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, IN |
$29,950 | $29,950 | 70% |
#7 | Johnson & Wales University Providence, RI |
$13,365 | $13,365 | 45% |
#8 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA |
$16,488 | $29,712 | 72% |
#9 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL |
$8,568 | $20,400 | 89% |
#10 | Baker College Owosso, MI |
$12,180 | $12,180 | 41% |
2024’s Top Human Resources Degrees
Read About Our Methodology Here
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's fully online BBA in human resource management offered through the R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business focuses on organizational management and can prepare you for an HR career. The program covers compensation and benefits, human resource management information systems, and training and development.
Major courses include recruitment and staffing, happiness at work, and managing diversity. To qualify for admission to the business school, you must complete pre-core courses like calculus for business and accounting for decisions with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
#2 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $615
Out-of-State | $615
Credits to Graduate: 120
Rutgers' online bachelor's in business administration degree includes a career-focused specialization in strategic human resource management. Designed as a bachelor's degree completion program, the fully online BBA requires that you have completed at least 18 transferable credits from an accredited college.
The program offers several experiential learning opportunities, including a 12-day study abroad business course and internships for academic credit. Business majors at Rutgers can pursue a dual degree program that lets them earn a master of business administration or master of business analytics at the same time as the BBA.
#3 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Regent University's online BS in human resource management degree explores how HR professionals can help businesses execute their strategic goals using Christian values. The curriculum covers employee recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, and HR ethics. Core requirements include classes like employment law, organizational dynamics, and staffing and talent management.
Online students must pay a $700 university services fee each semester in addition to tuition. Potential career opportunities for graduates include human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, and employment and recruitment specialist.
#4 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Six-Month Term:
In-State | $3,955
Out-of-State | $3,955
Courses to Graduate: 41
WGU's online human resources management bachelor's program requires you to complete 41 courses, including agile HR, HR technology, total rewards, and a human resources management capstone.
Students usually complete one course at a time and go at their own pace, moving on to the next course after they pass an assessment. No matter how many classes you take each semester, you pay one flat fee.
You can join the Society for Human Resource Management's virtual student chapter to make friends and career connections and get access to career development and learning opportunities.
#5 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Trine University Online
Fort Wayne, IN - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
Trine Online's BSBA in human resources management degree from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies can prepare you to understand organizational strategy. The curriculum covers benefits and compensation, employee recruitment, and workplace health and safety. Classes take place asynchronously with no set meeting times and last eight weeks.
You can pursue a combined degree program where you earn a master of business administration or a master of business analytics at the same time as your BSBA and potentially save up to $8,625 in tuition.
#6 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $496
Out-of-State | $496
Credits to Graduate: 120
SMWC's online human resources management BS degree can help you get the confidence and technical human resources knowledge and skills to get a job in HR. You may be able to earn your bachelor's and master's in human resources management in just four years through SMWC's 3+1 leadership development program.
The program aligns with the Society for Human Resources Management's curriculum guide and covers topics like organizational behavior, communication, and business law. Required courses include research in business, legal issues in human resource management, and racial and cultural minorities.
#7 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 120
JWU's fully online BS in human resource management degree from the College of Business aligns with industry standards from the Human Resource Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. To qualify for admission to this program, you need at least two years of post-high school professional work experience.
The curriculum explores topics like diversity management, ethical business practices, organizational behavior, and workforce planning and development. The asynchronous courses don't have set times so you can learn on your schedule.
#8 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Year:
In-State | $22,824
Out-of-State | $41,544
Credits to Graduate: 124
Temple's online human resource management BBA degree from the Fox School of Business can help you understand operations and policy issues relevant to HR. Topics include labor relations, recruitment and retention, performance appraisal, and compensation and benefits.
You can gain communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills while taking classes like international human resource management; power, influence, and negotiation; and leadership in the 21st century. The program offers an optional HR management co-op work experience.
Completing Temple's HR management degree can prepare you to earn your Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional credential.
#9 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $443-$667
Out-of-State | $443-$667
Credits to Graduate: 120
UAB's fully online BS in human resource management degree from the Collat School of Business aligns with industry standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management and can prepare you for the HR certification exam. The program offers scholarships to eligible students and accepts transfer credits.
Available courses include managing through leadership, management processes and behavior, business communications, and a strategic management capstone experience. You can also complete an internship at a company like Coca-Cola or Blue Cross Blue Shield and take advantage of networking opportunities.
#10 Best Human Resources Degrees of 2024
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $435
Out-of-State | $435
Credits to Graduate: 120
Baker's online BBA in human resource management program, offered through its College of Business, includes two 120-hour work experiences that can help you develop career-relevant skills before you graduate. The curriculum requires classes like business ethics and culture, staffing human resources, change management, and international business.
Some HR management classes happen asynchronously and don't require a set meeting time, while others happen live in real-time. You can learn to recruit talent, oversee employee relations, and manage compensation and benefits plans.
How Does Accreditation Work for HR Programs?
When evaluating prospective HR programs, be sure to consider the program's accreditation status.
Accreditation acts as a stamp of approval, ensuring that schools and programs offer quality academics, extensive student services, and financial aid.
Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional accreditation for schools and programmatic accreditation for specific programs.
While HR programs don't necessarily receive HR accreditation, the best business programs hold accreditation from one of the following agencies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Take a moment to find out whether your HR program is accredited.
How Much Does a Human Resources Degree Cost?
The cost of a human resources degree can vary significantly, from as little as $4,000 to as much as $38,000 a year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Some factors that can affect how much you pay for your HR degree include:
- Whether you're seeking an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
- Whether you attend a public or private school
- Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
- Whether you're an online student
- Whether you qualify for any financial aid
Students paying in-state tuition at public institutions typically enjoy the lowest rates, while those at private colleges spend the most.
Online students can often save money on campus-based fees and transportation costs — but may have to pay distance-learning or technology fees.
How Much Money Can You Make With a Degree in HR?
Because your HR degree can lead to a number of careers in both the public and private sectors, your earning potential can vary. Many HR bachelor's degree-holders become HR specialists. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $62,290 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
Additional factors like work experience, education, specialization, and location can also impact how much you earn with an HR degree.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Minimum Education Required |
---|---|---|---|
Compensation and Benefits Managers | $127,530 | 2% | Bachelor's |
Human Resources Managers | $126,230 | 7% | Bachelor's or master's |
Training and Development Managers | $120,130 | 7% | Bachelor's or master's |
Labor Relations Specialists | $77,010 | -3% | Bachelor's |
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $64,120 | 7% | Bachelor's |
Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 | 8% | Bachelor's |
Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 | 8% | Bachelor's |
How to Become a Human Resources Specialist: 4-Step Guide
There's no one path to an HR career, but there are some steps you'll inevitably have to take on your professional journey. Continue reading to learn how you can become a human resources specialist.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's in Human Resources
For many HR professionals, the first step is to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources. These four-year programs introduce foundational business practices while facilitating the development of essential HR skills.
In an undergraduate HR program, you'll study critical topics such as employment law, leadership skills, and conflict resolution.
Common Courses for Human Resources Degrees
- Accounting
- Business Communication
- Compensation and Benefits
- Conflict Resolution
- Labor Relations and Negotiation
- Operations Management
- Principles of Economics
- Talent Recruitment and Retainment
- Training and Development
Step 2: Complete an Internship
Many HR programs require you to complete an internship before you graduate. Internship opportunities take place at approved work locations and provide hands-on learning opportunities to give you a taste of working in HR.
An internship is also an excellent way to enhance your resume and build your professional network.
Step 3: Get Certification
While not a requirement for a human resources career, earning various HR certifications can enhance your resume, allow you to hone new skills, and set you apart from the competition.
Whether you're an undergraduate or a graduate student, the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) offers various professional credentials that can expand your career options and increase your earning potential.
Examples of HRCI certifications include:
- Associate professional in human resources
- Professional in human resources
- Senior professional in human resources
- Global professional in human resources
Step 4: Consider a Graduate Degree in Human Resources
While a bachelor's in human resources can jumpstart your HR career, a graduate degree in HR can open up career pathways and raise your salary potential.
Whether you pursue an MBA with an HR specialization, a master's in HR, or a doctorate in HR, these programs can equip you with the skills you need to take on leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources
What can I do with a human resources degree?
A human resources degree can prepare you for many business-oriented careers in the public and private sectors. Common roles include HR specialist, HR manager, HR administrator, and compensation and benefits manager.
A bachelor's degree often prepares you for entry-level roles, whereas a graduate degree in HR prepares you to take on HR leadership roles.
Does a degree in human resources pay well?
Your earning potential as an HR professional can vary. Entry-level HR specialists earn around $62,000 a year, while HR managers can earn over $100,000, according to the BLS.
Beyond your academic training, your experience, industry, and geographic location can all impact how much cash you take home.
Is human resources a hard degree?
Like many college degrees, human resources challenges students to develop the skills they'll need to succeed in a professional environment. The difficulty of this degree depends on your skills and abilities.
In addition to taking core business and HR classes, you'll hone your critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, which are all key to doing well in a real professional setting.
Is HR a stressful career?
Similar to other careers that regularly engage with people, a human resources career is not without its stressors. That said, for every employee termination and conflict resolution, there's the fulfilling work of collaboration and successful problem-solving.
Should you get a human resources degree?
If you're a people person and enjoy problem-solving, a human resources degree could be a good fit for you. An HR program is also ideal for those who want a career with lots of room for growth and generous financial compensation.