Best Online Human Resources Degrees of 2024

Human resources (HR) focuses on people — businesses’ most important asset. Whether working in compensation and benefits or performance management, HR professionals support employees while working toward company goals.

Demand for HR professionals remains high, making a human resources degree a popular option for incoming and current students. Learn more about HR degrees, including the cost, curriculum, and career options post-graduation.

A bachelor’s in human resources prepares students for careers in organizational leadership and labor relations. Typically offered through a university’s business school, human resources degrees explore people-related business topics, like employee recruitment and benefits administration.

Schools may offer a human resources major as a bachelor of science or a bachelor of business administration degree. Either way, programs usually require both business and human resources core classes.

Typical business courses cover accounting principles, international business strategies, and marketing. Students may also learn about business law and management principles.

The human resources core curriculum generally explores different HR topics, such as communication, leadership, training, and labor relations. Some programs focus heavily on management themes, while others introduce students to other HR roles as staffing or compensation specialists.

Many programs allow learners to diversify their studies with electives and capstone projects. Other common curriculum requirements — for both on-campus and online learners — include HR internships and practicums.

Whether completed online or in person, bachelor’s in human resources programs typically take four years and include 120 credits. Students can shorten that time by transferring credits or pursuing an accelerated program.

Some schools provide part-time learning formats with a lighter per-semester course load. This allows students to balance school and work or home responsibilities, but course completion may take much longer.

Schools like Western Governors University offer a self-paced learning format, which can shorten or lengthen the completion time. Other schools offer dual degree or bridge programs that combine a bachelor’s and master’s in HR degree. These accelerated paths typically last 4-5 years.

A human resources degree suits people who enjoy working with others. HR professionals often act as negotiators or go-betweens, so they need problem-solving skills combined with an ability to remain calm in tense situations.

HR workers should also have strong leadership and interpersonal skills. They regularly work with company executives, employees, and applicants, which requires adaptability in communication styles.

Other helpful soft skills include compassion and understanding. Human resources professionals work with staff members at every step of their employment, whether they are contacting job applicants, negotiating salaries, or conducting exit interviews.

For full-time students, the total cost of a four-year bachelor’s in human resources averages $96,896-$137,780. Online programs generally cost less, often due to fewer school fees.

Part-time HR programs typically charge per credit, significantly lowering the annual costs. However, the total tuition still compares to a full-time program — just with more manageable semester payments.

Institution type also impacts the cost of an HR degree. Private nonprofit schools charge about two times more than private for-profit institutions and four times more than public schools.

No matter the institution type, students can often reduce the cost of school with financial aid. They can apply for grants and scholarships directly from the school or through third-party organizations. Many offer awards specifically for business school students.

Non-first-year applicants can also lower costs by transferring credits. This lowers the degree completion time and, therefore, the overall tuition.

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 an entire institution and programmatic accreditation for specific programs or departments within an institution.

While HR programs don’t necessarily have HR-specific accreditation, the best business programs hold accreditation from one of the following agencies:

Many organizations and industries rely on human resources professionals to both protect the company’s interests and advocate for employees. However, specific responsibilities vary across the HR field. Explore a few common human resources positions.

Human resources specialists usually handle employee recruitment and acquisition. They discuss company needs with managers and executives, then screen and interview candidates.

Their responsibilities often continue after hiring, as specialists typically manage orientation, employee paperwork, and payroll. Many human resources specialists work for employment firms, helping different companies with hiring needs. Others work directly with individual organizations.

While these specialist positions vary slightly, the main focus remains on providing appropriate wage and non-wage employee benefits. For example, job analysis specialists review or even write different job descriptions to help set salary ranges.

Compensation specialists then analyze the company’s pay structure to see how it compares to industry trends and regulations. Benefits specialists manage non-wage compensation, like wellness programs, retirement plans, and insurance.

Training and development specialists usually work directly for organizations, particularly in the healthcare, education, and professional and technical services sectors.

They assess a company’s professional development needs and then plan, create, and sometimes deliver necessary training programs. Other responsibilities include evaluating employees’ progress and overseeing the training budget.

Labor relations specialists help bridge the gap between managers and employees, often acting as a neutral, trusted third party in disputes and negotiations. They promote the company’s best interests, both defending workers’ rights and enforcing disciplinary action when necessary.

These specialists primarily work in labor unions and organizations, although some work in government and management.

Human resources graduates have several opportunities for career advancement, including moving into managerial positions. While some professionals can advance into leadership roles with experience alone, employers may prefer candidates with industry certification or advanced degrees, like a master’s in human resources.

A master’s in training and development may also lead to specialist roles, while advanced business degrees can broaden their job opportunities. Popular options include a master’s or doctorate in business administration.

HR professionals interested in academia can complete a Ph.D. in human resources. This program typically prepares learners for teaching, research, and executive positions.

Alternatively, human resources majors might pursue certifications to bolster their resumes. Common HR certifications include:

A degree in human resources can definitely be worth it, especially for people who want to make a difference in the workplace. The HR field also offers diverse career opportunities, above-average salaries, and strong demand for qualified professionals.

You typically need a degree to qualify for HR roles. Some employers prioritize experience over education level, especially for entry-level positions. Non-degree credentials like the professional in human resources certification can also help people enter the field.

Labor relations specialists earn the most, with a median salary of $89,980, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specifically, labor relations specialists who work in company management report the highest salary of $105,780.

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.