Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs

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What do you do? Human resources professionals take that classic question a step further. They find out not only what workers do, but what they do best. They are experts at discovering and nurturing employees’ skills and then leveraging them to serve a company’s needs. Human resources degree programs prepare students to understand the ins and outs of labor laws, employee benefits, team-building and proper hiring and termination practices. Use this guide to explore options for human resources degree programs and careers.

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The field of human resources is vital to the success of any modern business, as it helps to create a inclusive and productive working environment for all employees. Earning a degree in human resources is a crucial step to achieving a career in this field, but how do you go about finding the best program? Luckily, we’ve put in the time to find the top human resource programs around the country. We’ve based our findings on metrics including a school’s class sizes, their overall cost, and even the student services they offer. Explore the top-ranking human resources schools and programs here.

Rank	School Title	Net Price	Financial Aid	Total Programs	Student-Teacher ratio	Ranking Score	School Description	Additional Benefits:	Placement Services	Counseling Services	Credit for Experience
1	Edison State Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 16%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 99.77	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
2	Western Iowa Tech Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 46%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.43	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
3	Tulsa Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 39%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.65	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
4	Pitt Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.62	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
5	Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.39	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
6	North Idaho College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 28%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 93.05	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
7	Clark State Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 4%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.95	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
8	Wilkes Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 17%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.85	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
9	Chippewa Valley Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 2%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.80	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
10	Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.80	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
11	Carl Sandburg College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 33%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.66	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
12	Zane State College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 28%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.60	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
13	Central Carolina Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 7%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.54	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesNo	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
14	Davidson County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 7%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.50	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
15	Barton County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 71%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.40	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
16	Clark College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 92.25	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
17	Georgia Piedmont Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.95	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
18	Lakeshore Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 19%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.94	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
19	Guilford Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.94	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
20	Mitchell Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
21	Lorain County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 25%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.86	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
22	Central Piedmont Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 3%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.84	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
23	Western Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 16%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.77	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
24	Mid-State Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 12%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.73	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
25	Lansing Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 10%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.61	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
26	Randolph Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.57	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
27	Wake Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 2%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.57	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
28	Gaston College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 1%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.37	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
29	Fayetteville Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 1%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.34	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
30	Fox Valley Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 12%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.32	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
31	Blackhawk Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 7%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.15	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
32	Lehigh Carbon Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 2%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.13	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
33	Columbus State Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 20%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.10	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
34	Milwaukee Area Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.05	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
35	Hawkeye Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 12%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 91.04	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
36	Central Ohio Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 4%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.93	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
37	Alamance Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 16%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
38	Community College of Allegheny County	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
39	Cecil College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.57	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
40	Westmoreland County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 4%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.29	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
41	Moraine Park Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 14%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.19	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
42	Butler County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.16	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
43	Triton College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 8%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.14	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
44	Waukesha County Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 90.04	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
45	Columbus Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 89.34	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
46	Hocking College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 24%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 89.25	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesNo	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
47	Cuyahoga Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 2%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 89.24	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
48	Community College of Beaver County	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 6%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 89.24	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
49	Minnesota State Community and Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 88.71	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
50	Herkimer College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 6%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 88.21	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo

Rank	School Title	Net Price	Financial Aid	Total Programs	Student-Teacher ratio	Grad Rate	Ranking Score	School Description	Additional Benefits:	Placement Services	Counseling Services	Credit for Experience
1	Suffolk University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 77%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 7	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 56%	Ranking SCORE 99.81	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
2	Hawaii Pacific University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 78%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 40%	Ranking SCORE 99.50	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
3	University of St Francis	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 56%	Ranking SCORE 98.75	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
4	Saint Xavier University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 54%	Ranking SCORE 98.19	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
5	La Salle University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 97.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
6	Roosevelt University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 92%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 42%	Ranking SCORE 97.59	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
7	Loyola University Chicago	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 93%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 70%	Ranking SCORE 97.41	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
8	Oakland University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 76%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 43%	Ranking SCORE 97.17	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
9	Fontbonne University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 34%	Ranking SCORE 97.12	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
10	Siena Heights University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 99%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 43%	Ranking SCORE 97.11	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
11	Webster University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 64%	Ranking SCORE 97.00	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
12	Xavier University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 78%	Ranking SCORE 96.71	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
13	Saint John Fisher College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 74%	Ranking SCORE 96.65	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
14	Widener University-Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 55%	Ranking SCORE 96.29	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
15	Davenport University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 89%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 40%	Ranking SCORE 96.07	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
16	Ursuline College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 52%	Ranking SCORE 95.96	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
17	Dordt College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 65%	Ranking SCORE 95.83	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
18	Temple University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 76%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 66%	Ranking SCORE 95.61	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
19	University of Scranton	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 93%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 83%	Ranking SCORE 95.42	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
20	Baldwin Wallace University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 95.21	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
21	Madonna University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 82%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 36%	Ranking SCORE 95.20	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
22	Concordia University-Wisconsin	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 59%	Ranking SCORE 95.12	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
23	Western Michigan University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 49%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 56%	Ranking SCORE 95.10	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
24	Saint Leo University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 99%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 43%	Ranking SCORE 95.09	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
25	Baker College Center for Graduate Studies	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 72%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 25%	Ranking SCORE 95.03	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
26	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 62%	Ranking SCORE 95.01	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
27	King's College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 95.00	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
28	University of Richmond	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 51%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 83%	Ranking SCORE 94.99	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
29	The College of New Rochelle	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 97%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 28%	Ranking SCORE 94.98	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
30	Park University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 80%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 94.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
31	University of Akron Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 47%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 40%	Ranking SCORE 94.80	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
32	Pace University-New York	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 97%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 56%	Ranking SCORE 94.78	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
33	Briar Cliff University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 43%	Ranking SCORE 94.77	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
34	Stevens Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 96%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 78%	Ranking SCORE 94.74	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
35	Marygrove College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 92%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 16%	Ranking SCORE 94.73	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
36	Ohio State University-Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 78%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 82%	Ranking SCORE 94.66	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
37	Brenau University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 45%	Ranking SCORE 94.65	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
38	Franklin Pierce University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 50%	Ranking SCORE 94.63	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
39	Rosemont College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 99%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 61%	Ranking SCORE 94.62	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
40	Grand View University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 49%	Ranking SCORE 94.54	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
41	Vanderbilt University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 64%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 92%	Ranking SCORE 94.52	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
42	Daemen College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 48%	Ranking SCORE 94.52	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
43	Westminster College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 96%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 57%	Ranking SCORE 94.52	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
44	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 54%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 73%	Ranking SCORE 94.51	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
45	Lindenwood University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 94.46	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
46	LeTourneau University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 97%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 61%	Ranking SCORE 94.43	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
47	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 61%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 66%	Ranking SCORE 94.43	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
48	Tiffin University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 92%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 33%	Ranking SCORE 94.41	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
49	The University of Texas at Tyler	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 39%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 94.41	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
50	Rochester Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 90%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 63%	Ranking SCORE 94.38	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes

Human Resources at a Glance

From jobs with small local shops to international companies, human resources careers are available throughout the world of business. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, although associate degrees can open the door to some entry-level jobs.

A career in human resources entails a wide variety of duties designed to help an organization run smoothly, including recruiting and hiring employees, strategic planning for employee placement, implementing training programs, and administering employee benefits and compensation. The work requires professionals to show meticulous attention to detail while still understanding the broader picture, as well as skills in mediating disputes and communicating with people throughout the company.

A study of 30
individual cases showed that
when a worker left a company,
it cost an average of 20
percent of that worker’s
annual salary to find a
replacement.

Almost 80 percent of
people looking for a
job use social media
during their job
search.

People care about who
they work for. Sixty-nine
percent of job seekers,
including those who are
unemployed, would refuse to
work with a company with a
bad reputation.

Each year, about
20 percent of
workers voluntarily
leave their jobs, while
another 17 percent
are fired or laid off.

I would have to say that the most rewarding parts of my career in HR have
been developing and coaching a team that is high-functioning, and creating an HR infrastructure that leadership looks to for help in difficult situations. Building a successful team and creating new systems and processes that add to the organization’s value and perception of HR is what makes me proudest.

Jason Miller

Human Resources Degree Options: In-Depth

Human resources degree programs are available at every college level, from associate to graduate degree programs. Although an associate degree will suffice for some entry-level work, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have earned their bachelor’s degree in human resources. Students who choose to enter graduate courses usually do so with an eye on management positions. Here’s what students can expect from each degree level.

Human Resources Associate Degrees

Type of Schools:

Community colleges

Time to Complete:

18 to 24 months

Career Opportunities:

Training and development specialist, compensation and benefits analyst, human resources generalist, employee recruitment specialist

An associate degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in human resources as well as advancement into a four-year bachelor’s program. Incoming students must have a high school diploma or GED. Students complete about 60 to 65 credits in areas such as labor law, recruiting, office dynamics, workplace gender issues, and organizational personnel policy. Most students complete their degrees in two years, although some programs allow an accelerated course load so students can graduate in 18 months.

Students who choose a human resources associate degree can expect to take a variety of courses. Some of the courses that can be found in most programs are described below.

Human Resources Management

Covers the manager’s role in implementing company policies as they relate to hiring, firing, personnel development, worker motivation, and common employee issues.

Employee Compensation

Different forms of compensation and benefits, as well as their applications, are examined in this course.

Introduction to Financial Accounting

Students learn accounting terminology and the basic theories and skills used in organizational accounting, such as how to create an income statement, and methods of analyzing a company’s financial performance.

The Business Legal Environment

Examines how laws and regulations at all levels of government shape how a business operates.

Human Resources Bachelor’s Degrees

Type of Schools:

Four-year colleges and universities

Time to Complete:

Four years

Career Opportunities:

Human resources manager, human resources specialist, compensation and benefits specialist, human resources generalist

Admission Requirements:

Students enrolling in a human resources bachelor’s degree program will need a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the individual program, SAT or ACT scores and a high school transcript may also be required for admission.

Once enrolled, students will usually take four years to complete a course load of about 120 credits. The curriculum includes general education requirements as well as specialized courses covering areas such as compensation and benefits, recruitment, negotiation, and occupational health and safety. After graduating, students can seek entry-level positions in human resource management. They are also eligible to sit for the Assurance of Learning Assessment exam, administered by the professional organization the Society for Human Resource Management.

In addition to general education courses, such as mathematics, English and history, students in bachelor’s degree programs can expect to take classes similar to those listed below:

Business Ethics

Different ethical philosophies and their practical approaches are taught in this class. Students examine how various ethical philosophies are applied to everyday business and employee issues.

Introduction to Finance

The fundamentals of business financial concepts, such as present value, risk versus return, and business valuation are explored in this course.

Organizational Development

The worker dynamics in organizations are reviewed from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Students learn how employees fit within a company, given its policies, management techniques and overall goals.

Employment Law

Covers laws, regulations and statutes that govern the rights and liabilities of both workers and employers. How a company operates, including how employees complete their job tasks, is covered within the legal regulatory framework.

Graduate Degrees in Human Resources

Type of Schools:

Four-year universities

Time to Complete:

About two years, but depends on the program and student’s background

Career Opportunities:

Human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, training and development specialist, human resources specialist

Master’s Degrees

The most common master’s program for those interested in human resources is the Master of Science in human resources, although students may also choose a human resources concentration within another graduate degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Once enrolled full-time, students can expect to take two years to complete the program, although students with significant human resources experience may be able to bypass some course requirements. Programs typically range from 30 to 35 credits and cover courses such as international human resources management, employee management, data analysis, and employee benefits.

Admission Requirements Admission requirements vary depending on the program, but a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum. Some schools will require GMAT or GRE test scores, while others require several years of work experience.

Doctorate Degrees

Students can also pursue a doctoral degree in human resource management, combining research and theory with everyday practice. Doctoral students generally complete a dissertation project to explore issues such as the psychology of the workplace, the influence of technology on employee performance, or cost-saving measures that can improve the bottom line.

Admission Requirements Almost all doctorate programs in human resources require applicants to already hold a master’s degree. Other requirements vary from school to school, with some asking for GMAT or GRE scores, and some leaving these scores out of the admissions packet. Interviews, resumes and letters of recommendation are other common elements required for admission to doctorate in human resources programs.

At the graduate level, courses cover more advanced topics that are tailored to high-level decision making and management. Some sample courses are described below.

Employee Planning

Students learn how to make long-term employment decisions for an organization by taking into account human nature, workplace politics, and cultural considerations.

Business Profitability

By examining financial and accounting documents and principles, students gain skills in formulating long-term strategic employment decisions.

Collective Bargaining

Examines the history of organized labor, as well as current concepts and regulations, and how they affect an organization’s employment decisions.

Employee Training

Students apply human resource, psychological and social principles to create effective training sessions for employees.

Key Markers of a Standout HR Program

When choosing a human resources degree program, there are several factors to consider. Making a ‘must-have’ list allows students to narrow down the many options and create a shortlist of schools worth further exploration. Students should look for:

Accreditation
This is the process by which a third party examines a school or program to make sure it meets minimum standards of quality. While there are no organizations that specifically accredit human resources programs, students should check that the school itself has earned regional or national accreditation. For a list of accrediting organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education, visit the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Preparation for certification
Although certification isn’t required for a career in human resources, it does help with professional advancement. Many schools that offer degrees in human resources formulate the curriculum so graduates can prepare to take certification exams such as the Society for Human Resource Management Assurance of Learning Assessment, SHRM Certification Exam, or the HR Certification Institute Exam.
Financial aid
Tuition and fees are major considerations when choosing a school. However, students may be able to significantly cut their costs by finding a school that offers scholarships or other forms of financial aid, or allows students to attend part-time while they continue working to help defray expenses.
Electives offered
Many human resources programs allow students to focus on a particular area, which is usually pursued through electives. Students should review course offerings thoroughly to make sure the programs offer the desired instruction.

Essential Skills for the Human Resources Professional

A certain set of skills, personality traits, certifications, and points of experience can help human resources professionals succeed. Individuals should try to bolster skills in the following areas:

Fundamental knowledge of the profession
The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Assurance of Learning Assessment examination is designed for new graduates to prove they have attained a certain level of knowledge. The exam is targeted specifically to those without significant human resources experience.
Strong communication skills
Everyday work for the human resources professional means handling employee disputes and listening to ideas and concerns. Effective communication is vital to the job.
Negotiating skills
Workplace issues don’t always have clear-cut answers or solutions, and finding workable compromises is a key skill. In addition, organizations need someone who can negotiate with employees on benefits packages and pay offerings within a set framework.
Insight
Human resources issues can be tricky. Human resources professionals must be able to read between the lines and understand the underlying issues in a particular situation, especially when there are legal implications.
Legal understanding
Although it’s not expected for human resources professionals to have legal experience, much of what governs the profession is dictated by federal, state and local laws and regulations. An understanding of these laws can give human resources workers a fuller picture of how things work.
Social media expertise
Human resources professionals need to be familiar with how social media works and how it affects the workplace. Social media is also a powerful recruitment tool that savvy human resources workers can use to their advantage.

Any advice you can offer
students who are planning on going into HR?

You are not only helping employees grow and develop, but you are also helping steer the organization and develop the workforce that is necessary to keep your organization functioning efficiently.

Jason Miller

Opportunities in Human Resources: Careers & Specializations

Human resources jobs are available at all levels and with a variety of specialties, allowing students to choose a focus that most interests them—from employee training or workplace psychology to benefits and financial management. Before choosing a degree program, students can review some of the possible positions in the field:

Human Resources Assistant

Job Growth (2012-2022): -1%

Annual Median Salary (2014) :$38,040

Typical Education :High school diploma or GED

Human resources assistants keep the office running smoothly, doing tasks such as compiling, updating and filing personnel records, and preparing reports as directed by supervisors.

Human Resources Specialist

Job Growth (2014-2024) :5%

Annual Median Salary (2014) :$57,420

Typical Education :Bachelor’s degree

Human resources specialists work directly with employees and recruits by conducting interviews, researching potential job candidates, and providing training.

Human Resources Manager

Job Growth (2014-2024) :9 %

Annual Median Salary (2014) :$102,780

Typical Education :Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Human resources managers oversee the major and strategic personnel decisions in an organization, such as hiring, firing, and modifying policies or compensation structure. They work with upper management to implement decisions.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Similar Business & Management Programs

If a human resources degree program doesn’t seem to be the right fit, students can find related programs that often include elements of human resources in the curriculum. The following are a few similar degree options.

Online
Business Schools

A business degree is a standard entry point into
the corporate world. The curriculum typically
includes several topics that relate to human
resources, such as organizational theory and
business law. A business degree also provides
background on how companies maximize
shareholder value, offering a valuable
perspective for working in a human
resources department.

Online
MBA Degrees

The Master’s of Business Administration
degree provides a comprehensive level of business
knowledge. Students should learn advanced business
strategies, concepts and leadership skills to help
move a company forward. This type of high-level
thinking could be useful to those who work in
human resources, especially at the
management level.

Online
Management Degrees

A management degree provides an excellent
foundation for working in human resources. Not only
does it provide fundamental training in finance, law
and marketing, it also prepares students to be
effective leaders and work with people from
varied backgrounds—skills that are integral to
the work of human resources
professionals.

Human Resources Degree Programs

CONTENT NAVIGATION

Best Human Resources Programs Available

Human Resources at a Glance

Human Resources Degree Options: In-Depth

Human Resources Associate Degrees

Human Resources Bachelor’s Degrees

Graduate Degrees in Human Resources

Master’s Degrees

Doctorate Degrees

Key Markers of a Standout HR Program

Essential Skills for the Human Resources Professional

Opportunities in Human Resources: Careers & Specializations

Human Resources Assistant

Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Manager

Similar Business & Management Programs

Additional Resources for HR Professionals

Human Resources Degree Programs

Jason Miller's Bio

CONTENT NAVIGATION

Best Human Resources Programs Available

Human Resources at a Glance

Human Resources Degree Options: In-Depth

Human Resources Associate Degrees

Human Resources Bachelor’s Degrees

Graduate Degrees in Human Resources

Master’s Degrees

Doctorate Degrees

Key Markers of a Standout HR Program

Essential Skills for the Human Resources Professional

Opportunities in Human Resources: Careers & Specializations

Human Resources Assistant

Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Manager

Similar Business & Management Programs

Additional Resources for HR Professionals