Best Online Colleges for Human Resources Bachelor Degree

Benefits of Earning a Human Resources Degree Online

A human resources degree opens the door to a stable and lucrative career. Pursuing it online offers several advantages over a traditional campus program.

For one, you can study on your own schedule. Whether you have a full-time job, family obligations or live far from any college campus, online learning lets you log in and participate whenever it's convenient for you.

You can do coursework in the evenings, on weekends or during your lunch break. The flexibility online education provides is ideal for busy students or working professionals looking to advance their careers.

You'll also save time by not having to commute to and from class. The time you gain can be used to spend with loved ones, pursue hobbies or work a part-time job.

While online, you'll acquire useful technical skills that are applicable to many jobs today. You'll get comfortable using platforms like discussion boards, video conferencing tools, and online libraries.

An online human resources degree also allows for a more tailored education. You can choose electives and specializations that match your interests and career goals.

Top Skills You'll Gain With a Human Resources Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor's in Human Resources degree will provide you with a solid foundation in key areas of HR and help you develop valuable skills for a career as an HR professional. Some of the key skills you'll gain include:

1. Recruitment and Hiring

You'll learn core skills in employee recruitment and selection. This includes writing effective job descriptions, screening resumes, interviewing candidates, and making hiring recommendations. These skills are essential for helping organizations find and attract top talent.

2. Compensation and Benefits

You'll gain knowledge in designing competitive compensation and benefits packages. This involves determining appropriate salary levels, incentive pay, health insurance plans, retirement options, and other benefits.

3. Training and Development

You'll develop skills in employee training, coaching, and performance management. This includes identifying training needs, designing training programs, evaluating program effectiveness, and providing leadership development.

4. Legal Compliance

You'll learn how to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

This includes properly handling employee data and records, preventing discrimination and harassment, accommodating employees with disabilities, granting family and medical leave, and maintaining a safe workplace environment.

5. Conflict Resolution

You'll gain experience in resolving workplace conflicts and disputes. This includes investigating issues, determining appropriate solutions, and mediating between employees and management.

With a human resources bachelor's degree, you'll be well on your way to a successful career as an HR professional. The skills and knowledge you gain will allow you to attract, retain, and develop talent that fuels organizational success.

Ranking the Top 5 Online Colleges for Human Resources Degrees

Here are the top 5 online colleges for human resources degrees based on affordability, academic quality, and career support.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, competency-based school with self-paced online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Business—Human Resource Management.

Tuition is affordable at about $3,225 per term. WGU helps students learn real-world HR skills and prepares them for certifications like the PHR and SPHR.

2. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resource Management.

GCU provides a value-based education with competitve tuition rates around $9,250 per year. The HR program teaches students key areas like compensation, training, and development.

3. Post University

Post University is a private school in Connecticut that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.

Post University has a long history of excellence in business education.

4. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private, nonprofit Catholic university in Florida that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Human Resource Management.

Saint Leo has a strong support system for online learners and affordable tuition around $9,360 per year.

Their HR program provides a well-rounded education in areas like labor relations, onboarding, employee development, and risk management.

5. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private nonprofit university in Nebraska that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resource Management.

Bellevue has over 50 years of experience in adult education and online learning. Their HR program focuses on areas such as talent acquisition, total rewards, and HR metrics. Tuition is around $7,050 per year, including books.

READ ALSO: University Of Phoenix Online Degree Programs

What to Look for in an Online Human Resources Program

When choosing an online bachelor's in human resources, there are a few key factors to consider.

1. Accreditation

First, make sure the program is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, like the Higher Learning Commission.

Accredited schools meet high standards of quality, so your degree will be respected by employers.

2. Curriculum

The more comprehensive the curriculum, the stronger your knowledge base will be.

Some programs may focus more on general business courses, so check that HR topics make up the majority of credits.

3. Specializations

Some schools offer specializations in areas like employee relations, global HR management, or HR analytics. A specialization allows you to develop expertise in a particular HR domain. See if any specializations match your interests or career goals.

4. Experience

The best HR programs incorporate practical experience through internships, projects, or case studies.

Experience is valuable for developing skills and professional connections.

5. Faculty and Resources

Look for a program with experienced HR faculty and access to useful resources

Strong faculty and resources will enrich your learning experience and set you up for success after graduating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Human Resources Bachelor's Degrees

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What will I learn in an online human resources bachelor's degree program?

In an online human resources bachelor's degree program, you will learn skills like:

1 Recruiting and hiring qualified candidates

2. Developing compensation and benefit packages
3. Implementing training programs
4. Maintaining compliance with employment laws and regulations
5. Improving employee relations and engagement

What kind of jobs can I get with a human resources bachelor's degree?

Human Resources Specialist
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Training and Development Specialist etc.

Do I need any specific skills or experience to enroll in an online human resources bachelor's program?

To succeed in an online human resources bachelor's degree program, useful skills and qualities include:

1. Strong interpersonal and communication abilities

2. Detail orientation and organizational skills
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
5. Solid problem-solving and critical thinking skills

What kind of certifications or credentials can I pursue after earning my degree?

After completing an online bachelor's in human resources, you can pursue professional certifications to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers.

Earning a certification can help boost your career advancement and salary potential in the HR field. Most certifications require a combination of work experience, education, and an exam.