Employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow by 8% in the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum education level employers seek.
There is also expected to be strong demand for HR manager jobs from 2021 to 2031.
The median annual salary for HR specialists is $62,290. Leadership roles, which usually require a master’s degree, have a median annual salary of $126,230.
This list features some of the best online human resources degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of business-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online human resources degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The human resources department commonly acts as a go-between for a company’s administration and its employees. Interacting with various constituencies within an organization is a key function of HR employees, so communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills are essential to success in human resources.
Most human resources positions are office-based, but recruitment-focused jobs may require travel. Consider if this is something you are willing or able to do, as it may affect your prospects once you enter the job market.
Human resources degrees come in a variety of formats. At the undergraduate level, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. For graduate students, your options include a Master of Science or a Master of Business Administration. While all these degree types provide adequate preparation for a career in human resources, they vary in subject focus and depth. When researching programs, consider what type of educational experience you want and which type of degree program aligns with your interests and goals.
Employers increasingly hire employees with professional certifications as proof of their education and expertise. Earning and maintaining certifications means an additional commitment of time, money, and energy, so it’s important to be prepared for this aspect of your HR career.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Human Resources programs:
Once you’ve selected the programs that interest you, research their application requirements and admissions procedures. This information is typically available on the program’s website. You can also contact the program directly if you have any questions.
Financing your graduate education is another important consideration. Research what scholarships and financial aid options are available to you. Some programs offer tuition discounts to active duty or retired U.S. military personnel. You can also check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement.