Best Online Human Resources Degrees of 2025
Human resources (HR) departments play an important role in corporate operations. They recruit and screen job candidates, manage employer-employee relations, oversee payroll and employee benefits, and more.
An online human resources degree can help you launch a career in this dynamic and growing field. After graduating, you can qualify for entry-level and specialist positions in recruitment, benefits and compensation, training and development, and many other HR functions.
Dive into the details with this guide to remote HR programs.
Why Earn Your HR Degree Online
- Flexibility: Many online programs offer courses asynchronously, meaning students can learn at their own convenience — often while still working.
- Affordability: Studying online can save learners on non-tuition expenses like housing and transportation. Also, online degrees may also cost less than on-campus programs.
- Acceleration: Some online schools offer bridge or self-paced programs with accelerated timelines. Others accept many transfer credits to help shorten the time to completion.
- Internships: Despite their format, online HR degree programs typically include an internship or experiential requirement.
Top 10 Online Human Resources Degrees
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Franklin University's 100% online BS in human resources management gives you the flexibility to earn a degree around your schedule. With a generous transfer policy, a strong reputation for adult education, and the option to earn microcredentials or dual degrees, you can create a customized degree path.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 124
- Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Build familiarity with key HR functions, including candidate analysis techniques, compensation models, and training skills, to prepare for your career.Â
- Earn a microcredential as an HR training specialist or generalist as part of your degree program.Â
- Lock in your tuition rate for the duration of your time at Franklin to save money.
- Transfer up to 94 previously earned college credits.Â
Know Before You Apply
- You can choose to begin classes on one of eight start dates throughout the year.Â
- Franklin has an open admission policy.
95%
$9,552
50%
$9,552
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 8,044
- Institution Type
- Private
Portland State University
- Portland, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Portland State University offers a bachelor's degree in human resource management that allows you to learn fully online or in a hybrid format. You can earn a BA or BS to build practical, highly marketable skills and workplace experience to pursue your career goals.Â
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
- SHRM-Aligned Program: Yes
Program HighlightsÂ
- Gain industry connections through collaboration with HR professionals, internships, a community-based learning capstone, and a partnership with the Portland Human Resource Management Association.
- Integrate textbook theories and frameworks with practical skill development, including the current industry techniques, technologies, and data analytics tools.
- Access more than 800 internships and job opportunities posted for PSU students.
- Hone your resume-writing, job search, interview, and business etiquette skills.
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state tuition ranges from $13,461 per academic year for students in Washington Border District counties to $33,012 for nonresidents in states outside of the Western Undergraduate Exchange.Â
- You'll need a GPA of at least 2.5 for acceptance.Â
56%
$ 9,315
75%
$28,215
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,519
- Institution Type
- Public
Charleston Southern University
- Charleston, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
At Charleston Southern University, you can earn an online BS in human resources that aims to prepare you for HR roles in corporate and organizational settings, nonprofits, and government offices. The degree program does not require a minor, and you can transfer credits to allow you to graduate in as few as 17-24 months.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 125
- Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Take courses in accounting principles for managers, human resources management, business policy, labor relations, organizational culture, business policy, and employment law.
- Apply to take the SHRM-CP exam while enrolled, even before you complete the degree.
- Balance work and school by taking courses asynchronously.Â
Know Before You Apply
- Tuition for active-duty military personnel, reserves, and the National Guard is $250 per credit. For all other students, tuition is $515 per credit.Â
- CSU is a faith-based university that integrates its biblical worldview.Â
50%
$29,490
70%
$29,490
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,418
- Institution Type
- Private
Metropolitan State University
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Metropolitan State University's BS in human resource management allows you to study online or in a hybrid format. The program emphasizes the importance of human capital in the strategic management of organizations while preparing you for HR roles in business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Choose from minors in entrepreneurship and innovation, international business, management information systems, project management, risk management and insurance, or supply chain and operations management.
- Access a degree audit report to maximize transfer credits and plan your coursework.
Know Before You Apply
- The tuition rate of $286 per credit means the total program tuition is around $34,320.Â
- Metro State has no application fee and a high 96% admissions rate.
86%
$8,571
64%
$8,571
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,294
- Institution Type
- Public
Utah Valley University
- Orem, UT
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Utah Valley University offers an online BS in human resource management that emphasizes practical knowledge, essential skills, and professional connections in the HRM field. The curriculum prepares you to make an impact on the strategic objectives of businesses while offering the flexibility of asynchronous study.Â
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Gain the necessary HR tools and expertise in business foundations to gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
- Build research and scholarly understanding with oral and written communication through a curriculum that focuses on the changing economic and social environments.
- Qualify for more than 250 UVU-specific scholarships, and take advantage of low tuition rates to earn a degree for less.Â
Know Before You Apply
- UVU has an open admission policy, but you have to fill out an application.
- Out-of-state students enrolled in a fully online bachelor's program pay a flat rate of $270 per credit.Â
51%
$ 5,614
70%
$17,174
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 44,653
- Institution Type
- Public
Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Concordia University St. Paul's BS in human resource management gives busy professionals the flexibility of a 100% online degree program. The curriculum focuses on both business and HR core courses, including project management, finance, marketing, data analytics, training, and development.Â
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP
- SHRM-Aligned Program: Yes
Program HighlightsÂ
- Practice real-world solutions to business problems and enlist stakeholder buy-in with the guidance of experienced faculty.Â
- Learn how to apply effective communication and conflict resolution and to balance business practices between personal values and social responsibility.
- Qualify for a free transfer credit evaluation to see if you can graduate faster.Â
Know Before You Apply
- Concordia is a private university that provides a Christian worldview through its courses.Â
- There's no fee to apply.Â
- The total estimated program tuition is $50,400.
72%
$24,400
61%
$24,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,502
- Institution Type
- Private
Mount Mercy University
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Mount Mercy University offers an online, on-demand BBA in human resource management program that allows you to complete coursework at a time and place that works for you. The accelerated program includes both business core curriculum and HR fundamentals, plus 21 elective credits.Â
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 123
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Learn to identify and interpret labor laws, use HR data, understand compensation issues, and evaluate ethical, social, legal, cultural, and political organizational issues.
- Take courses in statistics, business strategy, accounting, macroeconomics, management, organizational behavior, and labor relations.Â
- Mount Mercy reports that 96% of alumni are employed within nine months of graduation.Â
Know Before You Apply
- Mount Mercy is a private Catholic university that offers programs in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy.
- You can apply whenever you want, with no application deadline or fee.Â
- While tuition is $582 per credit, Mount Mercy reports an average net tuition cost after financial aid is $14,621.
34%
$36,606
74%
$36,606
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,526
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
At The University of Arizona Global Campus, you can pursue a BA in human resources management through accelerated, five-week courses that allow you to focus on one course at a time. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Add an emphasis in business economics, cognitive studies, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, real estate studies, or supply chain management.Â
- Learn to analyze the ethical, legal, and safety challenges businesses face, and examine the interaction among management, labor, and labor law.
- Choose among 32 electives to build a personalized degree program.
Know Before You Apply
- UAGC does not charge an application fee.Â
- The school has an open admission policy.
- UAGC has a low overall graduation rate of 9%.
100%
$12,240
30%
$12,240
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 34,190
- Institution Type
- Private
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
Saint Leo University's BA in human resource management gives you the flexibility to tailor your course of study with a unique online learning experience. The curriculum includes specialized HRM courses to provide you with the foundation for a professional leadership career or to pursue a graduate degree.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP
- SHRM-Aligned Program: Yes
Program HighlightsÂ
- Take courses in administrative and personnel law; occupational safety, health, and security; and recruitment, selection, and placement.Â
- Participate in Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society of business, management, and administration.
Know Before You Apply
- At $425 per credit for tuition, the total degree program costs approximately $51,000.
- Saint Leo maintains a Catholic identity, with curricula rooted in Catholic values.Â
84%
$24,990
55%
$24,990
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,788
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an innovative BS in human resource management that features course topics ranging from core HR functions to the complexities of human behavior. In completing various projects, students learn about recruitment, career development programs, and performance assessments.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE
- SHRM-Aligned Program: YesÂ
Program HighlightsÂ
- Take courses in organizational communication, organizational culture and change, compensation management, labor relations, and organization theory.Â
- Access the student-led UMGC chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management to network with student colleagues, faculty, hiring managers, and industry experts.Â
- Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree.
- Choose between online and hybrid course delivery formats.
Know Before You Apply
- In-state students pay $324 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $499 per credit.Â
- Only 38% of all undergraduate students received grant or scholarship aid for the 2022-2023 school year.
- UMGC has an overall graduation rate of 30%.
96%
$ 7,488
43%
$11,976
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 55,838
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Accreditation and SHRM Alignment Matter
Accreditation provides a stamp of approval, ensuring that schools and programs offer quality academics, extensive student services, and financial aid.
While there aren’t any HR-specific programmatic accreditors, the best business schools 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)
Some HR programs are formally aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) principles. These programs directly reflect the standards and learning outcomes defined in the SHRM’s Human Resource Curriculum Guidebook.
SHRM alignment ensures that students graduate with a standard set of professional skills. By demonstrating these skills to employers, you may find yourself in a stronger position to advance in your HR career.
What Do You Learn in an Online HR Program?
Schools may offer human resources majors as bachelor of science or bachelor of business administration degrees. 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 topics like communication, leadership, training, and labor relations. Some programs focus on management themes, while others introduce students to tasks for HR roles, like staffing and compensation specialists.
Many programs allow learners to diversify their studies with electives and capstone projects. Other common curriculum requirements include HR internships and practicums, even for online students.
Is a Human Resources Degree Worth It?
$12,132
Average annual tuition for online business degrees (2020)
$58,389
Average starting salary for HR management majors (2023)
+6%
Projected job growth for HR specialists (2024-2034)
As illustrated by the data points above, an HR degree can offer strong returns on your educational investment. The average starting salary secured by HR management majors from the class of 2023 exceeds the average total tuition cost of a four-year HR degree, indicating a strong return on investment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects a promising outlook for HR professionals. BLS data from May 2024 notes above-average growth rates for both HR specialists and HR managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic difficulty is always relative, so it depends on your skills and interests. HR coursework involves a combination of statistical and quantitative analysis, employment law, compliance law, and business management. If you enjoy these subjects and their interdisciplinary applications, you will likely find the coursework manageable.
