As businesses increasingly prioritize their people, the role of Human Resources (HR) professionals becomes ever more essential. If you’re looking to build a career in HR, earning a degree in this field is a vital first step. Luckily, with the rise of online education, students now have the flexibility to pursue a quality HR degree without disrupting their lives. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online bachelor’s degrees in Human Resources for 2025 and why they stand out as top choices.
Franklin University – BS in Human Resources Management
Franklin University – BS in Human Resources Management
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Franklin University, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers a fully online BS in Human Resources Management. The program is designed for adult learners, making it highly flexible and perfect for those looking to balance work and school. Franklin stands out due to its generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer up to 94 credits, which helps reduce the overall cost and time commitment.
- Program Cost: The cost for the BS in Human Resources Management program at Franklin University is approximately $529 per credit hour. However, costs may vary based on transfer credits and other factors. Financial aid options are available for eligible students.
- How Much to Study: The program requires a total of 120 credit hours for completion. Depending on the number of transfer credits and the course load, students can expect to finish in 2-4 years.
- Key Skills Developed:
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Compensation and benefits management
- Employee training and development
- Labor relations and legal compliance
- HR strategy and organizational behavior
- Communication and interpersonal skills for HR roles
Additional Features:
- Microcredentials: Students can earn microcredentials in HR specialties like HR training specialist or generalist as part of their degree program.
- Flexibility: Franklin University offers eight start dates throughout the year, providing more flexibility for students.
For more information on the program and to begin your application, visit Franklin University – BS in Human Resources Management.
Charleston Southern University – BS in Human Resources
If you’re looking for a program that prepares you for HR roles across multiple industries, Charleston Southern University offers a solid online BS in Human Resources. This program offers flexibility by providing courses in an asynchronous format, allowing students to balance their coursework with their professional or personal commitments.
Additionally, students can make the most of collaborative learning by using resources like the ability to share your course notes, further enriching their educational experience. The course notes feature allows students to share key takeaways, summaries, and study materials with their peers, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances learning and retention. This peer-to-peer exchange is especially beneficial for grasping complex HR concepts and preparing for exams or assignments.
The program’s curriculum covers key topics such as labor relations, business policy, and employment law, ensuring that students gain the essential knowledge to handle a variety of HR situations. Additionally, Charleston Southern offers the opportunity to take the SHRM-CP exam during enrollment, providing an extra layer of professional development for students.
Portland State University – BA/BS in Human Resource Management
Portland State University – BA/BS in Human Resource Management
Portland State University offers an online BA/BS in Human Resource Management, available in both a fully online format and a hybrid model. The program emphasizes the integration of HR theories with practical skills development.
The university’s partnership with the Portland Human Resource Management Association (PHRMA) provides students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world connections in the HR field. This, combined with the university’s accredited HR curriculum, ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a successful career in HR.
- Program Cost: The cost for the BA/BS in Human Resource Management program at Portland State University is approximately $330 per credit hour. Total program costs depend on credit hours and transfer credits.
- How Much to Study: The program requires a total of 180 quarter credits for completion. With transfer credits and full-time enrollment, students can expect to finish in 3-4 years.
- Key Skills Developed:
- HR theories and practices
- Employee relations and labor laws
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Compensation and benefits management
- Strategic HR planning
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Networking and real-world HR applications through internships and capstone projects
For more information on the program, including details on how to apply, visit Portland State University – BA/BS in Human Resource Management.
University of Arizona Global Campus – BA in Human Resources Management
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an accelerated BA in Human Resources Management that’s designed for students who want to finish their degree quickly. The program features five-week courses, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time while moving through the curriculum at a faster pace.
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a broad range of electives, enabling students to tailor their degree to their specific interests, whether in business economics, cognitive studies, or health and wellness. The flexibility of the program is further enhanced by the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, which can significantly reduce the time to degree completion.
Utah Valley University – BS in Human Resource Management
Utah Valley University offers a cost-effective and well-rounded BS in Human Resource Management that provides students with the essential tools and expertise required to thrive in today’s competitive job market. UVU’s program focuses on both business foundations and HR-specific knowledge, making it an ideal choice for students interested in understanding how HR fits within the larger business context.
With a low tuition rate and a broad array of scholarships available, Utah Valley University is an excellent option for students who want to earn a high-quality HR degree without breaking the bank. The program’s emphasis on oral and written communication skills ensures that graduates are prepared to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in the workplace.
Concordia University-Saint Paul – BS in Human Resource Management
For those seeking a comprehensive education that blends business and HR knowledge, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an online BS in Human Resource Management. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to solve real-world business problems while incorporating strong leadership and ethical decision-making.
Students benefit from a program that blends HR core courses with business classes like project management, finance, and marketing. Concordia also offers a free transfer credit evaluation, which can help students accelerate their degree and reduce costs.
University of Maryland Global Campus – BS in Human Resource Management
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is known for its innovative online programs, and its BS in Human Resource Management is no exception. The program provides a strong foundation in both HR functions and the complexities of human behavior, helping students develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to excel in HR roles.
One unique feature of UMGC’s program is its ability to transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree, which can help students shorten their path to graduation. Additionally, the program’s involvement in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter provides students with networking opportunities and industry insights.
Conclusion
When choosing an online Bachelor's in Human Resources degree, several key factors should guide your decision. First, consider the program's flexibility and whether it fits your schedule, particularly if you are balancing work or personal commitments. The cost of the program and available financial aid should also be evaluated, as well as the potential to transfer credits, which can reduce both time and expenses.
Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships or capstone projects, and access to professional networks that can enhance your career prospects. Programs that offer specialized tracks or certifications, like SHRM-CP, can further help you stand out in the field. Ultimately, choose a program that aligns with your career goals and provides the skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic HR landscape
