You may find yourself with the opportunity to be the human resources person for a small company, perhaps that of your family. Even then, you will be expected to have trained as a professional, most typically via a four-year degree. As firms get bigger, the need to organize the greater administrative burdens of personnel and their management becomes more critical. Your generalist would need to become a specialist. The following online bachelor’s degree programs in human resources can train you in the coursework and practical details you require, from legal study to technological fluency to diversity expectations. The growth of online learning environments has made it possible for universities to be able to offer parallel distance learning experiences that match the quality of in-person learning while meeting the needs of those with a range of schedules and nontraditional backgrounds. These programs have been selected for rigor and flexibility as well as affordability and value. Faculty specialties range from those directly from the professional world to widely published management research scholars. The stronger programs tend to have significant internship offerings and expectations. The median earnings figure is compiled by Niche.com and is calculated to reflect the salary of a career six years after graduation from the online bachelor’s programs in human resources. While the national average is $33,028, the growth potential in the industry is significant.
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $300 and Under – 5 points
- $400 and Under – 4
- $500 and Under – 3
- $600 and Under – 2
- $700 and Under – 1
Student to Faculty Ratio:
- 15:1 and Under – 5 points
- 20:1 and Under – 4
- 30:1 and Under – 3
- 40:1 and Under – 2
- 50:1 and Under – 1
Median Earnings:
- $50,000 and above – 5 points
- $45,000 and above – 4
- $40,000 and above – 3
- $35,000 and above – 2
- $30,000 and above – 1
Regional Accreditation: 3 points
#1 – University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
BSBA in Managing Human Resources Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $399
Median Earnings: $53,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 17
The University of St Francis bachelor of science in business administration in managing human resources online is a degree completion program that accepts up to eighty transfer units out of a total 120 hours for the degree. Prior learning assessments are also available to maximize credit awarded for life experiences. The online BSBA in managing human resources at the University of St Francis has six start dates per year and operates on an eight week term system to maximize flexibility.
#2 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online BSE in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $252.28
Median Earnings: $44,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15
The University of Arkansas online bachelor’s in human resource management and workforce development education’s 120 credits can be completed in two years with qualifying transfer credit. The program allows up to 19 hours of credit to be earned through CLEP exams and a maximum of 90 extant credit hours to be transferred in. The University of Arkansas BSE in human resource management and workforce development education online grants six calendar years to students to complete this degree.
#3 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
BBA in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $263.58
Median Earnings: $46,300
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 15
With three admit dates per year, the Florida International University bachelor of business administration in human resource management online requires ACT or SAT scores and proof of high school graduation from applicants, unless the student has more than 60 hours in transfer credit. This degree is renowned for its flexibility and for being up-to-date. Florida International University’s online BBA in human resource management is a 120 credit hour degree that divides studies between 60 hours of lower level coursework and 60 hours of upper level coursework, thirty of which are in the major.
#4 – Athens State University
Athens, Alabama
Online BS in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $297
Median Earnings: $38,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 15
Athens State University’s online bachelor of science in human resource management is a 124 credit affair that entails studies in quantitative business analysis and performance management in organizations. Studies in human psychology are also included. The Athens State University BS in human resource management online provides the basis to send students onto graduate study in the field if that is desired. The College of Business at ASU also offers a minor in this area and a certificate.
#5 – Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Online BBA with a major in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $303.40
Median Earnings: $41,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Points: 15
Students in Dickinson State University’s online bachelor of business administration with a major in human resource management must maintain at least a GPA of 2.25 to be eligible for matriculation from the program. The 120 unit of instruction long degree is comprised of general education, pre-major coursework, courses in the major, and 27 hours of human resource management core. The Dickinson State University BBA with a major in human resource management online is complemented by the offering of certificates in human resource management and marketing that can be attained in concert with the degree.
#6 – Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online BS in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $381
Median Earnings: $42,500
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 15
The Wilmington University online bachelor of science in human resource management boasts that most courses in this program do not use textbooks, which can lead to the student saving hundreds of dollars throughout the program. They also offer college credit for work experience or previous certification. Wilmington University’s BS in human resource management online also allows students the chance to earn graduate level credit as part of their bachelor’s which can lead either (ultimately) to a master’s or a dual-credit certificate in the field.
#7 – LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $475
Median Earnings: $48,200
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 15
Operating on a 5-10 week schedule, the LeTourneau University online bachelor’s of business administration in human resource management is a 120 credit program that includes 12 hours of theological studies and 54 hours in general business and HR studies. Transfer students at this institution are asked to complete at least 25% of their coursework at this school for matriculation to occur. LeTourneau University’s BBA in human resource management online will only award transfer credit in classes that received a grade of at least a “C.”
#8 – University of Maryland-University College
Adelphi, Maryland
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $499
Median Earnings: $51,200
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 15
The University of Maryland-University College bachelor’s in human resource management online can help students be prepared to meet the requirements to become SHRM certified as a PHR, GPHR, or SPHR. This 120 credit program accepts up to three quarters of the total in transfer credits. The final 30 hours of the University of Maryland-University College online bachelor’s in human resource management must be earned from UMUC. This school is notably military friendly, which makes sense as it began as a way to prepare deployed GIs after WWII to return to civilian life.
#9 – Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BBA in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $595
Median Earnings: $50,500
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 15
Part of Temple University’s bachelor of business administration in human resource management online is participation in the Professional Development Program. This program gives hands- on experience and hones necessary skills specific to the HR workplace. The Temple University online BBA in human resource management stresses communication skills, research capabilities, and impression management as part of the student’s professional development skill set. Some courses in the program are offered in traditional 15 week format, while other courses run on the 7 week schedule.
#10 – Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Online BS in Human Resource Administration
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $365
Median Earnings: $35,400
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 14
Granite State College’s online bachelor of science in human resource administration is part of the school’s transfer pathway program, meaning the institution will accept the entirety of the credits from a student’s earned accredited associates degree. The school accepts applications year round and features an open admission policy for those who can prove high school graduation or equivalency. The Granite State College BS in human resource administration online is a 120 unit of instruction affair, of which, 30 hours must be earned in studies at GSC.
#11 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Online BA in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $370
Median Earnings: $43,800
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 14
The curriculum of the Saint Leo University online bachelor of arts in human resource management prepares students for certification through SHRM or the Human Resource Certification Institute. In addition to internship opportunities, the campus of this school hosts an international business conference on its campus, annually. Students in the Saint Leo University BA in human resource management online are encouraged to present faculty guided research papers in the field at this conference.
#12 – DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
BA in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $508
Median Earnings: $49,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 14
Accepting up to 75 units of transfer credit, the DeSales University bachelor of arts in human resource management online requires that 45 units of credit be earned at this school for graduation to occur. Transfer credit grades will not be counted in the student’s GPA at DeSales. The 120 credit hour DeSales University online BA in human resource management also allows credit to be earned through prior learning assessment (CLEP) and for experience students have had at their workplaces.
#13 – Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Online BSBA in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $509
Median Earnings: $49,600
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 14
Thomas Edison State University’s online bachelor of science in business administration in human resource management strongly recommends coursework in business ethics for all students in the program. This school has its own brand of credit by examination process the TECEP test which can award students college credit for lived experience. The Thomas Edison State University BSBA in human resource management online is grounded in the general business studies of a bachelor’s degree, with 24 hours specializing in the HR field.
#14 – University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Online BA in Human Resources
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $530
Median Earnings: $46,500
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 14
The University of the Incarnate Word’s online bachelor of arts in human resources requires 120 credit hours to be registered for students to be eligible for graduation. 24 credit hours are spent in the HR field. Noted for being aligned with the SHRM guidelines for curriculum, graduates of the University of the Incarnate Word BA in human resources online are eligible to take the SHRM-CP exam upon graduation. This very desirable certification also requires at least 500 hours in an internship in the HR field and that students academic affairs be in order.
#15 – Geneva College
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
BPS in Human Resources Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $407
Median Earnings: $38,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 13
Allowing as many as eighty-four credits to be transferred in, the Geneva College bachelor of professional studies in human resources online is an excellent starting place for those who want to get their foot in the door in the HR world. The website for this degree mentions affordable text books and eight week terms as selling points that set it above the rest. Geneva College’s online BPS in human resources is designed to help working adults and those with full time responsibilities to realize their dreams of professional success.
#16 – William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
BA in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $435
Median Earnings: $42,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 13
Adhering to SHRM guidelines for the William Penn University bachelor of arts in human resource management online, qualifying students approaching graduation and in possession of 500 or more hours of on the job experience will be eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP certification exam before graduation. The curriculum for this degree is designed to put the student in the driver’s seat of their career. William Penn University’s online BA in human resource management can be completed in about two years by bearers of an associates degree that meets all the transfer requirements.
#17 – Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
Online BS in Business Administration – Human Resources Management emphasis
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $471
Median Earnings: $42,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 13
A maximum of 78 lower level credits can be transferred into the Upper Iowa University online bachelor of science in business administration – human resource management emphasis, but the total limit of hours at any level is 90. Career services are available for those soon to graduate from this digital program. Utilizing five 8-week terms per year and a 6 week summer term, Upper Iowa University’s BS in business administration – human resource management emphasis online also accepts credit through CLEP and DSST.
#18 – Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Online BA in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $512
Median Earnings: $42,800
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 13
The Concordia University-Wisconsin online bachelor of arts in human resource management is a 120 credit hour affair, of which 57 are in the major or core for the major. Proof of HS graduation or GED must be provided by all applicants with fewer than 60 credit hours extant. Concordia University-Wisconsin’s BA in human resource management online also allows for conditional admission, the details of which can be provided to you by the school’s helpful admissions counseling department staff.
#19 – Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
BS in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $554.36
Median Earnings: $48,200
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 13
Metropolitan State University recommends six coordinating minors to accompany the bachelor of science in human resource management online: entrepreneurship and innovation; international business; management information systems; project management; risk management and insurance; supply chain and operations management. Metropolitan State University is exceptionally generous with transfer credit for the online BS in human resource management, allowing up to 100 hours to be brought over from other institutions of higher learning.
#20 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
BS in Business – Human Resources Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $215
Median Earnings: $41,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 41:1
Points: 12
According to the school website, 65% of students at Western Governors University complete their bachelor of science in business – human resources online within three years of beginning. This school does not charge hourly tuition, rather a flat rate of $3,225 is charged per six month term, so we divided this number by 15 (a standard full time undergrad load) to arrive at the above figure of $215 per credit hour. In the Western Governors University online BS in business – human resources, the school does not use credit hours, it uses competency units, where students complete the work and test out of the unit. However many competency units a student completes in a term is how much closer that student is to graduation. This particular degree is 39 courses long.
#21 – Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
BSBA with a specialization in Human Resources Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $425
Median Earnings: $53,600
Student to Faculty Ratio: 40:1
Points: 12
The Bellevue University bachelor of science in business administration with a specialization in human resources online allows students with an existing awarded two year degree in any field to waive the requirement to prove high school matriculation for admission. The 127 credit hour degree touches on fundamentals as well as leading edge theories to combine in a degree that prepares a well rounded graduate. Bellevue University’s online BSBA with a specialization in human resources features a 45 hour business core and a 12 hour HR specialization.
#22 – Limestone College
Gaffney, South Carolina
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $441
Median Earnings: $37,400
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 12
123 hours in length, the Limestone College bachelor’s in human resource management online boasts transfer agreements with many schools in the Palmetto State, which can help assure a maximum return on transfer credit. This flexible and affordable program is one that is touted on the school’s page courting military connected students. Limestone College’s online bachelor’s in human resource management recommends an internship in the final years of school to ground the student’s experience in the classroom with real world practice.
#23 – Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Online BBA in Human Resource Management
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $651
Median Earnings: $42,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 12
The Brenau University online bachelor of business administration in human resource management is looking for a 2.75 GPA from high school graduates with fewer than 30 credit hours, or a 2.0 GPA from transfer students who surpass the 30 hour threshold. The school, in addition to the requirement of the major, asks students to complete a liberal education component and a Gold Curriculum component, so that graduates receive a fully rounded education. Brenau University’s BBA in human resource management online is a 120 credit hour affair that can be completed in fewer than eight semesters with transfer credit.
#24 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
BS in Human Resource Development for Higher Education and Industry Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $422
Median Earnings: $39,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 11
Requiring thirty credit hours in residence as a student at Indiana State University, the bachelor of science in human resource development for higher education and industry online allows the transfer of a completed associates degree or as much as 90 hours of existing credit. Transfer students are required to remain in good standing with their previous institution and have at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The Indiana State University online BS in human resource development for higher development and industry requires 42 hours in the major and an additional nine hours of electives in the field.
#25 – Colorado State University Global
This ranking has been changed to #10 by the editor.
aurora, Colorado
BS in Human Resource Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $350
Median Earnings: above $60,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 31:1
Points: 14
Boasting no out of state tuition, the Colorado State University-Global bachelor of science in human resource management online is an affordable option from a top school. This 120 credit bachelor’s degree is open to students adding one of 16 (!) fifteen-hour specializations to their major. Colorado State University-Global’s online BS in human resource management covers topics in the field like employment law, managing team dynamics, and applying leadership principles. The program has a generous transfer credit policy.
OCR Staff
February 2020
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