It is hard to downplay the importance of humans and relationships in any business. We are a social creature, and even with the advances in technology, there are still humans at the core of any corporation. The role of the human resource manager cannot be understated.
Human resource managers’ professional roles within an organization are complex. A human resource manager’s job includes:
- Supervise their department personnel.
- Oversee all business, financial, and legal issues relating to company employees.
- Implement strategies to improve the hiring and training process.
- Strive to reduce personnel turnover.
- Understand the complexities of employment law and changes to healthcare coverage options.
- Manage staffing, compensation, benefits, employee development, employee relations, labor relations and related areas.
Essentially, the human resource specialist is the heart of the corporation. They provide the training and education in technical, supervisory, motivational, diversification, and orientation areas that organizations need to be successful and productive.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resource managers is expected to grow by 9% nationally between 2014 and 2024, which is faster than the average job growth rate projected for all occupations. In 2013, Money included human resource specialists in its list of 100 Best Business Jobs.
BLS reports the mean annual wage for human resource managers at $120,210, the mean annual salary for compensation and benefits managers is $126,900, and for training and development managers is $115,180. Most human resource managers only need a bachelor’s degree, rendering an online bachelor’s degree a wise economic choice.
Examples of job titles in the human resource field include:
- personnel representative/manager
- recruiter
- job analyst
- compensation specialist/manager
- labor relations specialist/manager
- training specialist/manager
- employment specialist/manager and manager of employee relations
Methodology: Best Online Bachelor in Human Resources Degree Programs
The following list was compiled to help you — the student determine the best online bachelors of human resource for your needs. We found all of the degrees available and collected data for each program. Calculations were made based on cost, student to faculty ratio, average early career salary, and graduation rates. All data was collected from school websites, the National Center for Education Statistics, and payscale.com. We hope this list will help you in your journey into the human resource management field. The ranking was based on the following percentages:
- Cost per credit hour — 30%
- Average early career salary — 30%
- Faculty to student ratio — 20%
- Graduation rate — 20%
1. University of Arkansas
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Total Undergraduate Students: 23,044
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree — other
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
Founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas is the flagship school of the University of Arkansas System. The U of A has ten colleges and schools offering more than 210 academic programs. The picturesque campus is located in Fayetteville in the northwest corner of Arkansas and includes two arboreta overlooking the Ozark Mountains.
The University of Arkansas offers a 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education. This unique degree-completion program aligns workforce development with human resources which is a natural, valuable pairing. Undergraduates obtain an academic base that allows them to enter the workforce or continue to pursue a graduate degree. All core courses are offered online in a traditional 15-week fall and spring semester schedule. Summer classes are optional, provided in two five-week sessions. Students must complete the HRWD 4333 capstone course during their last semester of coursework to graduate. Geared towards the working adult, the program offers Experiential Learning for previous work experience or certification for up to 19 credit hours. One of the most affordable programs on the list at only $246 per credit hour, it is easy to see why the University of Arkansas belongs at the top.
- Cost per Credit: $246
- Program Website: https://online.uark.edu/programs/bachelor-science-education-human-resource-development.php
2. LeTourneau University
- Location: Longview, TX
- Total Undergraduate Students: 2,253
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as several other accrediting bodies.
LeTourneau University was founded by R. G. LeTourneau with his wife Evelyn, with the goal to educate veterans returning from World War II. The University began in 1946 as LeTourneau Technical Institute. Today LeTourneau is a private, interdenominational Christian university located in Longview, Texas.
LeTourneau University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management. The degree fully aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR curriculum guides and includes courses such as Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution, Compensation & Benefits, and Staffing. Through the program, students learn in‑depth skills in human resource concepts, staffing procedures, compensation and benefits and conflict resolution. Additionally, students prepare to sit for the National Human Resource Certification Exam given annually by the Society of Human Resource Management. The program is designed to help the people-person succeed in the competitive world of Human Resource Management. As a Christian University, the foundations of Christian faith are fully integrated into the business courses. This unique focus equips graduates to incorporate ethics and service in their responsibilities. A 12:1 faculty to student ratio and 60% graduation rate combine with the low cost of only $475 per credit hour to make LeTourneau University a top pick.
- Cost per Credit: $475
- Program Website: https://www.letu.edu/_Academics/Business_and_Technology/Business/Degrees/Business_Administration/HR_Management.html
3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Location: Birmingham, AL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 13,134
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree — other
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham traces its roots to the 1859 founding of the Medical College of Alabama and the 1936 opening of the Birmingham Extension Center of the University of Alabama. Later in 1969, UAB became an independent institution, one of the three universities within the newly created University of Alabama System. Today, UAB is a comprehensive university with a nationally recognized academic health center and is the largest employer in Birmingham.
The Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama, Birmingham offers an online Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree. The program is robust and designed to explore every aspect of the Human Resources field, from workplace diversity to international workplace dynamics. The curriculum aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management’s curriculum guidelines. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the HR certification exam. Interestingly, the HRM program has an advisory council of Human Resource and management professionals, providing students mentoring relationships with industry experts as well as the opportunity to complete real-world projects for various organizations. The low-cost of the program combined with the quality of education place the University of Alabama, Birmingham at number three on the list.
- Cost per Credit: $250
- Program Website: https://businessdegrees.uab.edu/human-resources-management-degree-bachelors
4. DeSales University
- Location: Center Valley, PA
- Total Undergraduate Students: 2,345
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
- Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Named after one of the most famous men in Catholic history, DeSales University lives up to its namesake. St. Francis de Sales is known for his holy living, learning, gentleness, and understanding of the human heart. He was a scholar, writer, and is a Doctor of the Church. Following in the spirit of this Catholic Saint, DeSales University opened its doors in September 1965.
DeSales University offers an online Bachelor of Human Resource Management. A liberal arts school, students build upon their liberal arts training to learn to handle everyday business problems in an informed, socially-sensitive manner. With the University’s Catholic heritage at its core, students will learn to incorporate Christian values into the workforce. The program requires 120 credits for graduation; however, students may transfer up to 75 credits, making this an ideal program for someone who is looking to return to school. Classes include Introduction to Business, Principles of Management, Quantitative Business Analysis, Principles of Marketing, Financial Accounting, and The Legal Environment of Business, to name a few. The average early career salary is $48,100, and while the cost per credit isn’t the lowest on the list, the return on investment makes DeSales University worth considering.
- Cost per Credit: $488
5. Florida Institute of Technology
- Location: Melbourne, FL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 3,635
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Florida Institute of Technology is a private, space-grant institution known for science and engineering. Located in Melbourne, Florida, the School is made up of five academic colleges: Engineering & Computing, Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business. Named after famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the Aldrin Space Institute (ASI) is dedicated to research of the potential human settlement of Mars.
The BA in Human Resource Management at Florida Tech is an online degree through FIT-Online. Ideally suited for the working professional, first-time undergraduate, or adult learner, the 100 percent online maximizes convenience and flexibility. The 121-credit curriculum includes all the knowledge and skills required to excel in today’s competitive global marketplace. FIT’s overall focus in the program is on decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are essential. These invaluable skills combine with degree-specific knowledge. A sample of courses includes Global Business Perspectives, Administrative and Personnel Law, Finance for Managers, and Psychology of Leadership. FIT’s online degree also prepares graduates with the Business Research course and presentation. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent and transcripts; there is no standardized test, class rank, or minimum GPA required.
- Cost per Credit: $510
- Program Website: http://catalog.fit.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=1310
6. Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Location: Greenwood Village, CO
- Total Undergraduate Students: 8,459
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 31 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Colorado State University-Global Campus is committed to training individuals for jobs. The motto is “If you have the courage, we have the college.” CSU-Global was founded in 2007 and was the first fully online public university. The University is primarily focused on adult learners and has an effective degree completion program. A degree at CSU-Global has an incredible ROI, statistically better than a ten-year stock market average.
CSU-Global offers a BS in Human Resource Management. The entirely online degree leads to a mastery of leadership principles, employee administration, organizational development, and the requisite skills needed for success. The ACBSP-accredited degree gives you all the human resource management skills and knowledge from team dynamics, conflict resolution, and business policy, to employee law, training and professional development. A distinctive advantage of a CSU-Global BS in HRM comes through their partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). As a member of the society, and guided by their standards, you will be set up to earn certification through them. This results in a market advantage when being hired. Also worth noting about CSU-Global’s degree is the choice; there are 19 specialization options to choose from with this degree.
- Cost per Credit: $350
- Program Website: https://csuglobal.edu/undergraduate/bachelors-degrees/human-resource-management
7. McKendree University
- Location: Lebanon, IL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 2,104
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
McKendree University began as two rented sheds and 72 students in 1878. Now an accredited liberal-arts university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, McKendree offers associates to doctorates and enrolls almost 3000 students on 235 beautiful wooded acres. The School offers 58 majors, 46 minors, six graduate programs, and two doctorate programs.
Online, flexible, convenient, and affordable is why a McKendree degree may be right for you. Their BBA with an emphasis in Human Resource Management is 100 percent online and is delivered in 8‑week courses. Many students take two classes per eight-week block. The program aligns with the SHRM, assuring that your preparation is precisely what employers are looking for. Outcomes include the ability to apply business principles, skills for personnel management and retention, an understanding of employee and labor relations, an emphasis in diversity management, and the vital know-how of organizational development in any company private or public. The 120-credit program requires 30 credits to be taken at MU and the School will take up to 90 transfer credits making it ideal for degree completion. With an MU degree in hand, you will be set up for careers in Personnel Management, Recruitment, Employee and Labor Relations, Diversity Management, and Organizational Development.
- Cost per Credit: $390
- Program Website: http://www.mckendree.edu/admission/info/online/human-resource-management.php
8. Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Location: Saint Paul, MN
- Total Undergraduate Students: 2,870
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Founded in 1893 as a Christian liberal arts university, Concordia University-Saint Paul has remained focused on their mission to provide students with an excellent education for over 100 years. The University is located less than 10 minutes from downtown Saint Paul or Minneapolis, providing students with all the amenities a big city has to offer.
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management program which consists of 40 credit hours and is offered fully online. Perfect for busy adults, the online format is designed for students who are interested in obtaining their degree and require the flexibility of online classes. The degree is comprehensive and offers a hands-on, in-depth study of the skills needed by those who work in the human resource field. Recently, Concordia University-St. Paul has announced that the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that its BA in HR Management has renewed its alignment with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Throughout the world, 402 programs in 300 educational institutions have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates. This acknowledgment gives further credentials to an already excellent program. Flexible, affordable, and quality, Concordia University belongs in the Top 10.
- Cost per Credit: $420
- Program Website: https://online.cuw.edu
9. Fort Hays State University
- Location: Hays, KS
- Total Undergraduate Students: 12,494
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
Located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers a cozy, tree-lined campus halfway between Kansas City and Denver. Known as a warm, welcoming community, Fort Hays provides the advantages of both a small college and large university.
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management. The degree requires 124 to graduate. Fifty-five of the hours must be General Education credits. Management courses required for the degree include Principles of Economics, Microeconomics, Principles of Economics, Macroeconomics, Elements of Statistics, Calculus Methods College of Business, and a Management Core. Additionally, students are required to take Human Resource courses and a few electives. Faculty members are known for being dedicated to the students; caring about their success and future. Small class sizes allow for individual attention. Outside of the classroom faculty members provide one-on-one advising for classes, graduation, and career paths. Fort Hays State University offers the lowest cost per credit of any Human Resources program on the list making it an excellent economic choice.
- Cost per Credit: $213
- Program Website: https://www.fhsu.edu/management/academic-programs/human-resource-management/index
10. Regis University
- Location: Denver, CO
- Total Undergraduate Students: 4,084
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Regis University is a private, Jesuit university named after Saint John Francis Regis. Located in Denver, Colorado with the gorgeous Rocky Mountains as a backdrop make Regis a picturesque location to study. Whether you choose an online or traditional degree, you can count on a personalized learning experience.
Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree provides students an understanding of corporate culture, economic trends on hiring and personnel management practices and how organizational behavior plays into a company’s code of ethics. The program prepares students for positions in the area of employment and recruiting, training and development, compensation, benefits, employee services, employee and community relations, personnel records, health and safety and strategic planning. Conveniently, classes are offered both on-campus and online. The degree also fully aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) “HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates,” recognizing that the program curriculum aligns with current HR industry needs and legislative issues. SHRM alignment can better prepare students to become certified in the HR profession. There is little doubt that upon graduation from Regis, students are ready to enter into the Human Resource field competitively.
- Cost per Credit: $510
11. Northern Arizona University
- Location: Flagstaff, AZ
- Total Undergraduate Students: 27,084
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies
Since 1899, Northern Arizona University has not only survived but found a way to lead. Today, NAU enrolls 27,000 undergraduates and is known as a leader in sustainability, science, business, green building, and cultural arts. NAU offers 93 undergraduate programs, 114 graduate and certificate programs, and a burgeoning online division. The University is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
NAU offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. The program can be taken at a few different locations or online. For an affordable price, you get a lot at NAU. The 120-credit program moves students from basic to advanced knowledge and skills with outstanding faculty and their ACBSP-accredited curriculum. A selection of courses includes Consumer Marketing, Strategic Human Resource Management, and Business Research for Decision Making. Since there is a generous transfer option for previous work and is offered online, this degree works well for both adult learners and degree completion. Quality education is a priority for NAU; the BBA is guided by the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award standards through the ACBSP. Overall, NAU combines flexibility, choice, affordability, and quality in a way that puts them in our top 15.
- Cost per Credit: $425
- Program Website: http://catalog.nau.edu/Catalog/details?plan=YUBABBAX&catalogYear=1819
12. Southwestern College Professional Studies
- Location: Winfield, KS
- Total Undergraduate Students: 1,147
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southwestern College is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The University provides a laptop to every student. SC was founded in the 18885 after the famous Methodist circuit riders helped pave the way for the settlement of the West. The SC Professional Studies is an online, non-profit institution offering graduate and undergraduate degrees to adults, veterans, and those seeking degree completion.
The BS in Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) at SCPS is online and flexible. With a generous transfer policy, the School paves the way for those who want to complete a degree or adults or veterans who are working and require the online experience. The BS in HRMD prepares students for success in our global and competitive marketplace with all the theory and practice they will need. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 and six post-high school college credits as well as Ethics and Statistics as prerequisites. Courses are offered in six-week online blocks. You will learn the principles of human resource management, finance and compensation, data and information systems, and more. There is a capstone experience at SC that involves two projects that give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in class to real-world problems.
- Cost per Credit: $478
- Program Website: https://ps.sckans.edu/programs/undergraduate/business-leadership/human-resource-development
13. Trine University
- Location: Angola, IN
- Total Undergraduate Students: 4,098
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Located in Angola, Indiana, the beautiful 450-acre campus of Trine University has had more than $155m invested in enhancements since 2000. These large-scale investments make Trine a picturesque place for higher education. For over 130 years, Trine University has provided college students with a quality education at an affordable price.
Trine University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Human Resource Management degree through their professional and online study program. The degree provides graduates with the opportunity to become an essential partner in an organization’s development and strategy. Necessary for successful human resource management, the human resource management degree concentrates on all areas of business and learns in-depth processes needed in this field. Graduates with the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Human Resource Management degree hold positions such as Human Resources Administrator, Recruiter, Human Resources Manager, Job Placement Specialist, Employee Relations, and Occupational Safety to name a few. At $399 per credit, tuition is one of the most inexpensive on our top 30. There are 120 credit hours required for graduation, and the ACBSP accredits the program.
- Cost per Credit: $399
- Program Website: https://www.trine.edu/adult-studies/academics/undergraduate/human-resources.aspx
14. Mount Mercy University
- Location: Cedar Hills, IA
- Total Undergraduate Students: 1,517
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
A steamboat with seven nuns came to Cedar Rapids in Iowa in the late 19th century. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, this event would lead to what is now Mount Mercy University. MMU is a private, liberal arts, and Catholic University on 40 wooded acres. MMU is known for nursing, education and business, criminal justice, biology, and human resource management.
Mount Mercy offers an online BBA in Human Resource Management. Courses are delivered synchronously, and deadlines help keep you on track. Classes are offered either in five or ten-week blocks giving you the chance to work at an accelerated pace. If you are interested in going on to graduate schools MMU’s program will ease the transition and cut the cost by crediting up to 12 credits (they will count for both undergrad and grad requirements). As for where the rubber meets the road, the actual education, MMU passes with flying colors. The program is guided and recognized by the SHRM and is AACSB-accredited giving you a leg up in the job hunt. You will be ready for HRM Certification and able to utilize HR metrics, understand employment laws, apply principles of accounting, marketing, and economics, and excel at management. Admission is offered at nine dates throughout the year.
- Cost per Credit: $500
15. University of St. Francis
- Location: Joliet, IL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 1,599
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree — other
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
The University of St. Francis is a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts. Led by Franciscan values, the mission of the University is for students to “be engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.”
In an effort to keep up with the changing times, the University of St. Francis is working to expand their Distance Education programs for adult students. Recognizing the need for the working adult to earn a college degree, the University offers a growing number of online degrees. Students can enroll in an online Business Administration with five concentrations to choose from. One concentration is in Managing Human Resources. The courses are taught entirely online in an 8‑week accelerated format within three semesters per year and two eight-week sessions each semester. There are six entry points for the program. Students taking one course at a time can complete six courses per year, making the degree doable even for the busiest person.
- Cost per Credit: $599
16. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Location: Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- Total Undergraduate Students: 660
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a liberal-arts school in the Catholic tradition. The school is set in the beautiful Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana in a quiet and contemplative space. The College is known for equine studies, nursing, and music and art therapy. Catholic spirituality is essential at SMWC, and there is an active student body and campus ministry.
Only a handful of schools on our list are structured and guided by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This distinctive does indeed make a difference as graduates can apply for their SHRM-CP, a professional certification for HRM. With this certification in hand and your degree from SMWC, you will ready and able to excel on day one at your new HR job. The Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management degree at SMWC is housed in the Business and Leadership Department. The Department’s focus on critical thinking, communication, leadership, and technology prepares leaders for the 21st century. The 125-credit curriculum includes a liberal arts core (well known and respected), business core, and human resource management core. The HR core includes courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, legal issues, and a course on racial and cultural minorities. If you’re looking for a small school, excellent liberal arts curriculum, and an affordable price, you can find it at SWMC.
- Cost per Credit: $496
- Program Website: https://www.smwc.edu/academics/departments/business-leadership/human-resource-management/
17. Ottawa University
- Location: Ottawa, KS
- Total Undergraduate Students: 671
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree — other
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The tradition of Ottawa University runs deep. It began with the Ottawa Indian tribe. The University’s roots can be found in the work of Baptist missionaries in collaboration with the Tribe then located on the banks of the Marais des Cygnes (“river of swans”) in what would become the town of Ottawa, Kansas. The original intent was to charter a boarding school for “the children of the Tribe between the ages of six and eighteen who shall be entitled to be received at such institution, and to be subsisted, clothed, educated, and attended in sickness…to continue so long as any children of the tribe shall present themselves for their exercise.” The Tribe endowed 20,000 acres of its land to be utilized instead of a cash endowment to support the fledgling institution, which had no other means of income. This beautiful collaboration laid the groundwork for the University today.
The online Bachelor’s in Business Economics at Ottawa University covers a wide range of topics and prepares students to contribute as a valuable member of a human resources team. The curriculum of this program consists of 124 credit hours. Students are required to complete basic business courses as well as courses with a concentration in Human Resources. A concentration consists of a minimum of four courses, of which at least 12-semester credits must be upper division. These include Employment Law and Policies, Conflict Resolution, Human Resources Administration, and Employment and Staffing to name a few. Students have the option to choose which courses they want to complete as long as the minimum requirements are met. This flexibility allows students to tailor their degree based on their interests and passion. Flexibility and affordability make Ottawa an excellent choice to earn a Human Resources degree.
- Cost per Credit: $499
- Program Website: https://www.ottawa.edu/adult-and-graduate/locations/online-learning/
18. Concordia University — Wisconsin
- Location: Mequon, WI
- Total Undergraduate Students: 3,709
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
- Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Concordia University-Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in Mequon, Wisconsin. The University is an affiliate of the Concordia University System operated by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. There are 78 undergraduate majors and minors, 17 graduate programs, eight accelerated adult education programs and three doctoral/professional programs, and accelerated evening and e‑learning programs available at CUW. Doctoral degrees are offered in pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing practice.
Concordia University-Wisconsin offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management in three ways: Face to face, hybrid, and online. The face to face program is geared towards adult learners and meets one night a week and online for six to eight weeks. Personal support is an essential aspect of a Concordia education, including those who are enrolled in the online program. Each online student is assigned a Student Success Advisor who walks with them throughout every part of the program. The program is also available as an Undergraduate Certificate. Regardless of how you choose to pursue your degree, there is no doubt that CUW students come away having received a Christ-centered education and prepared to enter into the Human Resources field as a trained professional.
- Cost per Credit: $471
19. University of the Incarnate Word
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Total Undergraduate Students: 5,994
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
Located in San Antonio, Texas, The University of the Incarnate Word is a private Catholic university. The school was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who came to San Antonio in 1869 to assist with treating a cholera outbreak. The institution began as the Incarnate Word School in 1881. In 1995, the University started the Adult Degree Completion Program, which afforded adult learners the opportunity to earn post-secondary education in the evening at an accelerated pace.
The Adult Degree Completion Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources. In addition to developing skills in Human Resources, the student will develop important skills in critical thinking, technology, and business communication. The degree has been acknowledged by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for its full alignment with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Graduation requirements include 120 credit hours of coursework and a 45-hour residency requirement. Additionally, students must have documented 45 hours of community service to graduate. Classes include Organizational Development, Staffing, Compensation and Benefits, Training and Development, Performance Management, and Leadership Organizations to name a few.
- Cost per Credit: $530
- Program Website: https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-undergraduate-degrees/bachelor-of-arts-in-business-administration-in-hr-management.php
20. Florida International University
- Location: Miami, FL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 47,629
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 27 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
Home to nearly 50,000 undergraduate students, Florida International University, boast significant numbers. There is over 1,100 full-time faculty employed and more than 200,000 alumni. The online program is known as a forerunner in online education, and the same qualified faculty teaches both online and on-campus. Students choose from over 40 online programs, dozens of which can be completed entirely online.
Easily one of the largest schools on the list, Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resource Management track to prepare for a career in Human Resources. With all of the benefits of a large University, your coursework will provide the foundation in how to attract the most qualified employees, matching people to the jobs for which they are best suited, compensation and benefits, training and development, collective bargaining, employment law, and human resource management information systems. The curriculum is fully aligned with SHRM’s curriculum. There are 120 credits required for graduation, and the program starts in the Fall, Spring, or Summer, depending on what is most convenient for the student. In addition to flexibility and having all the benefits of a large University, Florida International is one of the most affordable programs on the list at only $329 per credit hour.
- Cost per Credit: $329
- Program Website: https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-undergraduate-degrees/bachelor-of-arts-in-business-administration-in-hr-management.php
21. Dickinson State University
- Location: Dickinson, ND
- Total Undergraduate Students: 1,425
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Dickinson State University is a public university in Dickinson, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System. Founded in 1918 as Dickinson State Normal School, the School was granted full university status in 1987. Interestingly, during World War II, Dickinson State Teachers College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V‑12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to a Navy commission.
Available both on-campus and online, Dickinson State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. Completion of the degree requires General Education Courses, Pre-Major Courses, Human Resources Major Courses, Business Core Courses, Human Resource Core Courses, and Electives. The University clearly outlines the student learning outcomes for graduates, which include the following: “Learn fundamental concepts and tools of analysis in the core areas of workforce planning and employment, human resource development, as well as compensation and benefits. Demonstrate an understanding of human resource management theories and practices in regards to employee and labor relations, equal opportunity laws as well as occupational safety and health management.” Dickinson offers one of the lowest student to faculty ratio of only ten to one as well as a low-cost program, compelling students to consider this quality option.
- Cost per Credit: $397
- Program Website:
22. Temple University
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Total Undergraduate Students: 29,580
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than four years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Noted as one of the most comprehensive and diverse learning environments in the nation, Temple University is home to 17 schools and colleges, eight campuses, hundreds of degree programs and more than 38,000 students. These numbers are impressive, but while the University is large, students receive personal attention with a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio.
Through the Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University offers a Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree. The degree is offered both on-campus and online. Not only does Temple University provide the necessary classes needed for a degree, but there are also plenty of professional development opportunities available as well. All Human Resource Management majors participate in the HRM Professional Development Program. This program was created to respond to employer expectations regarding the skill sets of college graduates. Through required and optional activities, the program provides students opportunities to develop communication and technical competencies, knowledge of fundamental HRM principles, relationship-building skills, and work-related HR experiences. Additionally, HRM students may join one of two student chapters of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Gaining this valuable experience will propel graduates to the top of the professional market.
- Cost per Credit: $595
- Program Website: http://bulletin.temple.edu/undergraduate/fox-business-management/human-resource-management/
23. New England College
- Location: Henniker, NH
- Total Undergraduate Students: 1,844
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Founded in 1946 to educate service members returning home from World War II, New England College is a private, liberal arts college located in Henniker, New Hampshire. The campus is known for promoting environmental education initiatives. Pats Peak Ski Resort lies just outside the village center, and many students participate in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking in the White Mountains, and rock-climbing, making this an excellent choice for the outdoors enthusiast.
New England College offers an on-campus or online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Human Resource Management. The program is 100% online making it an excellent choice for the adult student who requires flexibility. Courses include Human Resource Management, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Compensation and Benefit Systems, and Leading Change in Organizations to name a few. Because the degree combines both Business Administration and Human Resources Management, graduates will possess the skill-set required for a variety of careers. The cost per credit of only $405 makes this program affordable and an excellent choice for those who are interested in both the business and human resource focus.
- Cost per Credit: $405
24. Indiana State University
- Location: Terre Haute, IN
- Total Undergraduate Students: 11,583
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.
Indiana State Normal School was founded in 1865. Indiana State University is now a large, public, research university offering over 100 majors. The School is known for education, healthcare, engineering, business, and community service. ISU was recognized as a national Non-profit Leadership Campus of the Year in 2013 and is a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. ISU is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.
ISU offers an online or on-campus BS in Human Resource Management with several options for minors to increase your hireability. If you decide to go the online route, you are not required to come to campus. Many of your core classes can be credited from community colleges or local universities. In fact, up to 90 credits can be transferred, so be sure to check. As for the training you’ll receive at ISU it is among the best. You are required to take 15 credits of HR classes plus an additional nine that you choose. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA for transfers and a 2.5 GPA for first-year students. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer. Last but not least, ISU is affordable schools with a cost per credit of $401.
- Cost per Credit: $401
- Program Website: https://www.indstate.edu/academics/online/undergraduate/hrd
25. Saint Leo University
- Location: St. Leo, FL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 9,671
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Saint Leo University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Leo, Florida. Saint Leo was the first Catholic university in Florida is now one of the largest. The University also was a forerunner in distance education, and through the Center for Online Learning that tradition continues. St. Leo is also named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Saint Leo’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business is the largest Catholic business school in the U.S. The School of Business offers an online or on-campus BA in Human Resource Management. Courses in the 120-credit major include Organizational Training & Development, Recruitment, Selection and Placement, and a Human Resource Internship. Some examples of past internships are AAA, Home Shopping Network, TECO Energy, Quest Corporation of America and all branches of the military. Whether you work in the public or private sector, profit or non-profit, you will be trained with the knowledge and skills you need. With your degree in hand, you will be able to apply for jobs such as Human Resource Manager, Training Director, Compensation Manager, or Safety Director. Another aspect to consider is the University’s recognition by the SHRM. The Society provides guidance which enables you to acquire professional certification in HR—yet another leg up in the job hunt.
- Cost per Credit: $360
- Program Website: https://www.saintleo.edu/human-resource-management-bachelor-degree
26. Southern New Hampshire University
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Total Undergraduate Students: 70,661
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 28 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree — research/scholarship
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Southern New Hampshire is one of the fastest growing schools in the country. Founded in 1932, it remained small until the 1960’s when it was incorporated. It then exploded in the late 90’s and early 2000’s with several buildings, new degrees, and their online programs. It is primarily known for effective distance learning.
SNHU offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management. The degree will set you up for a well-paying job in a variety of settings with a median annual salary of $59,180 for HR specialists. The ACBSP-accredited and SHRM-guided BBA are affordable—$320 a credit. The program’s scope and sequence builds on a core curriculum focus on writing, communication, analysis, and problem-solving. Students learn business basics such as marketing, finance, and law (30 credits). The HR concentration is 15 credits and focus on employee-management relationships, compensation and benefits packages, HR laws and regulations, and talent management and development. An advantage of the BBA with HR concentration lies in the business core that puts you on track for mid-management can help you transition into a graduate program. Another notable aspect is the generous transfer policy at SNHU of up to 90 credits.
- Cost per Credit: $320
- Program Website: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-business-administration/human-resources-management
27. Western Governors University
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Total Undergraduate Students: 72,385
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 41 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit, distance learning university. It was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors who were both practical and innovative. WGU is designed for degree completion, adult learners, and those seeking an online education for the 21st century.
WGU is known for offering flexible, affordable, and convenient programs. Their BS in Business, Human Resource Management fits that bill. Students can complete the degree entirely online for an inexpensive cost of $265 a credit (WGU is in our top five most inexpensive on this list). Seventy-one percent of graduates complete the degree in three years. Knowing these advantages is essential for making such an important decision. The quality of the degree can be attested to by the fact it is ACBSP-accredited, SHRM-guided, and also covers the six categories that make up the HR Body of Knowledge established by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). The curriculum includes all of the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the workforce prepared including a capstone experience. All learning at WGU is competency-based, which means you pass courses when you can demonstrate you’re competent. If you are a true freshman or an adult learner seeking to complete a degree WGU has you covered. Transfer students are credited with an average of 37 credits.
- Cost per Credit: $265
- Program Website: https://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degrees/human-resources-bachelors-program.html
28. Athens State University
- Location: Athens, AL
- Total Undergraduate Students: 2,967
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Athens State University’s mission is to serve the graduates of state, junior, community, and technical colleges and institutes. Located in Athens, Alabama in The Athens State College Historic District the two-year, public university offers over 50 degree programs. Popular majors include Business Administration and Management, Education and Teaching, and Computer and Information Sciences.
Athens State leaves no stone unturned in its Bachelor’s of Human Resource Management degree program. Students learn every aspect of HR from recruiting and hiring to compensation, performance management, organization development, safety, wellness, benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration, and training. The HR program is housed in the ACBSP-accredited College of Business. The 124-credit BS has a successful track record. The School is a member of Alabama’s “20–30” club—$20,000 to get your degree, with an average graduate salary (all majors) of $30,000. ASU’s tuition is one of the absolute best on our list. If you are a graduate of a junior college, an adult student seeking degree completion, or a transfer student, ASU could be a fit for you. Admission requirements vary, but for transfer students, you need at least 60 semester hours of college credit from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.0 or completion of an associate’s degree.
- Cost per Credit: $315
- Program Website: http://www.athens.edu
29. Park University
- Location: Parkville, MO
- Total Undergraduate Students: 9,861
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Park University is a mid-sized, private university that offers 48 Bachelor’s, eight Associate, and eight Master’s degrees. PU is located in the city of Parkville, Missouri. Park educates men and women at 42 campus centers in 21 states and online. Centers are in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, North Dakota, and California to name some, as well as multiple military installations across the country.
One of the distinctives of PU is the accessibility to either take courses online or find a center near you. The BS in Human Resource Management degree is offered all across the country from South Carolina to California. The other notable is PU is very military friendly and provides education on campuses at various military bases. The BS in HRM degree will set you up for success on day one of your new HR job. Their strong 39-credit business core provides a holistic perspective, and the 24-credit HR component gives you focused training in recruiting, hiring, and management. The HRM Program at PU is ACBSP-accredited and utilizes an interdisciplinary approach. The general core, business core, and HR core draw on sociology, psychology, and organizational behavior. Besides an affordable price and student-centered learning offered in many different locations, PU’s HRM program comes with the option of choosing three electives to specialize your learning.
- Cost per Credit: $399
- Program Website: https://www.park.edu/academics/explore-majors-programs/human-resources/
30. Brenau University
- Location: Gainesville, GA
- Total Undergraduate Students: 9,861
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Brenau University is a small private university in Gainesville, Georgia. BU’s origins trace back to 1878, and it now offers a liberal-arts education through four schools: Fine Arts & Humanities, Health & Science, Business & Mass Communication, and Education. Interestingly, BU boasts an outstanding art collection and also operates a Women’s residential school.
Brenau’s BBA in Human Resource Management can be taken online, on-campus, or hybrid. The curriculum for the program builds on BU’s liberal-arts core. The online option works in seven-week courses, one night a week minimum. The core includes four portals, World Understanding Learning, Scientific and Analytic Curiosity, Artistic and Creative Imagination, and Communication and Language Fluency. With this solid preparation for life, you move into the ACBSP-Accredited Department of Business to complete the degree. Business core courses include Marketing Principles, Legal Environment of Business, Organizational Behavior, Managerial Finance, Strategic Thinking and Innovation, and Business Capstone. Lastly, you focus on HRM knowledge and skills to complete the 120-credit program. If you have completed an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to have the liberal-arts requirements fulfilled through transfer credits. Admission requirements include a diploma or equivalent, transcripts, and a 2.0 GPA.
- Cost per Credit: $399
- Program Website: https://www.park.edu/academics/explore-majors-programs/human-resources/
Conclusion:
Everyone has different things they are looking for in an education. For some, the cheapest, most flexible program is best. Others may be more concerned with the school’s reputation or the personal attention they will receive while in the program. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we hope this list has helped you narrow down your choices by providing you with relevant, up-to-date information about the various online bachelor’s in human resource degree programs available.
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