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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
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.
10 Best Accredited Human Resources Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,704
Credits to Graduate: 48
Cornell offers a master of industrial and labor relations (MILR) degree to train the next generation of HR leaders. The MILR program boasts a strong success rate — according to Cornell, half of all Fortune 500 companies have an ILR graduate in an HR position.
The two-year program allows you to specialize in HR and organizations, international and comparative labor, collective representation, or dispute resolution.
To apply, you must submit transcripts, a resume, and two letters of recommendation, in addition to recording a remote video interview.
#2 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,617
Credits to Graduate: 30
CUNY Baruch's Zicklin School of Business offers an executive MS in human resources. Designed for working HR professionals, this one-year program offers a variety of advantages, including international study opportunities and mentorship from HR industry leaders.
Applicants must have at least five years of work experience in HR. You must also submit a resume, admissions essays, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. CUNY encourages applicants to submit a pre-application to determine whether they're a good fit for the program.
#3 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $445 (in-state) | $1,069 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 61
UGA's AACSB-accredited MBA offers the opportunity to concentrate in human resources. Coursework in the HR program includes economics of managing organizations, employment law, and performance management and compensation. UGA also offers applied learning opportunities, immersing students in work with local businesses.
To apply, you must have at least two years of professional work experience. You'll need to submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essays, in addition to self-reporting GMAT or GRE scores.
#4 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $272 (in-state) | $905 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 180
UW's AACSB-accredited BA in business administration offers a focus in HR management. Drawing coursework from business, psychology, and sociology, the undergraduate business major encourages networking opportunities through the Society for Human Resource Management.
While the program is open to all UW students, admissions processes may differ depending on whether you're applying directly out of high school. High school graduates can apply directly, whereas current students must have earned a minimum of 60 credits and a 2.5 GPA.
#5 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $740
Credits to Graduate: 36
Washington University's MA in HR management focuses on the principles of HR management, metrics, compensation, and law. Coursework covers key operational areas, such as employee and labor relations, staffing and retention, and compensation and benefits. Beyond that, the program is future-focused, training students to contribute to organizational development and strategic planning.
The school accepts applications on a rolling basis. You must hold a bachelor's degree to apply. In addition, you must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a brief personal essay, and a writing sample.
#6 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $709 (in-state) | $1,650 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 39
OSU offers a master of HR management (MHRM) through its Fisher College of Business. The MHRM program recently revised its curriculum to create a more streamlined 18-month program. Coursework emphasizes linking theory to practice, including an annual internal case competition. In addition, small class sizes allow for more individualized attention.
Along with an application, you must submit transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. You must also record an online video interview. GRE and GMAT scores are optional.
#7 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,527
Credits to Graduate: 33
Georgetown's master of professional studies in HR management takes a holistic perspective on producing the next generation of HR business partners. The two-to-five-year program offers both focused classroom learning and applied learning through activities like real-world case studies. Coursework includes global HR management, law, and HR analytics.
To apply, you must submit a resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all previously attended universities.
#8 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $442 (in-state) | $967 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 37
Texas A&M's MS in HR management emphasizes leadership development and strategic thinking, providing foundational coursework in business management. In this program, you will take courses such as analytics, labor relations, and modeling for the HR industry. You will have many hands-on learning opportunities, culminating in a capstone internship.
You must hold a bachelor's degree to apply. You must also interview and submit GRE or GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, two application essays, and a resume.
#9 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $471 (in-state) | $565 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 30
SBU's flexible MS in HR management can be completed in one year, either online or on campus. You can also choose between a part- or full-time schedule. The curriculum balances theory and practice and features courses taught by experienced industry professionals. Coursework includes employee relations and labor management, diversity and global issues, and employment law.
To apply, you must submit transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
#10 10 Best Human Resources Degrees
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA - 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $575 (bachelor's) | $721 (master's)
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's) | 30 (master's)
UR offers both a bachelor's in HR management and a master of HR management (MHRM). The MHRM is designed for HR professionals to advance their understanding of the field. Coursework in both programs covers fundamental principles of the HR industry and emerging trends and technologies. Small class sizes allow for more personalized attention and interactive learning.
To apply for the bachelor's, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. For the master's program, you must submit official transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.