Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs of 2025

If you’re interested in breaking into the human resources field, an online program is a convenient way for you to reach your goals. An online human resources degree program will allow you to work on your coursework from anywhere at any time, so it’s easier to balance your studies with personal and work obligations.

Learn about the benefits of earning an HR degree online below, including details about the cost, time commitment, and career options that are available once you complete your degree.

Source: NACE, BLS

To choose the best human resources program for you, consider the program’s cost and length, financial aid options, and the career options available once you graduate.

The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in business — which includes human resources degrees — varies widely. However, you can expect to spend an average of over $10,000 in tuition and fees per year on your degree.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid an average of $10,473 in tuition and fees in 2019-2020 for their online business degree. With financial aid, the average net price was notably lower, at just under $6,000 per year.

The actual costs could be less, depending on the financial aid and scholarships you receive. With that in mind, contact your chosen school’s financial aid department to see what programs you qualify for — and don’t forget to submit the FAFSA each year you’re in school.

It takes an average of 120 credits, or four years, to complete your HR degree online. However, if you have prior college credits, you may be able to transfer those to your current program and reduce the total credits needed. Also, some programs award credits for previous work experience.

Keep in mind that some schools offer accelerated degree programs, which allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in less time than traditional programs. You can often complete an accelerated bachelor’s degree in around two to three years.

With a bachelor’s degree in human resources, you can qualify for entry-level positions in the field, such as recruiter or HR assistant.

You can eventually pursue mid-level and advanced positions as you gain experience. These include employee relation specialist, HR generalist, talent acquisition specialist, and HR manager or director.

Below are some popular jobs in human resources, along with their median annual salaries.

Source: BLS

A bachelor’s degree in HR is definitely a worthwhile option if you want to enter the human resources field.

According to BLS data, the demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than the national average over the next decade. Additionally, once you earn your degree, you’ll become eligible for many positions in the field, including labor relations and training and development specialist.

If you’re juggling multiple commitments, you’ll find there are many online bachelor’s degree programs in HR that offer flexibility. These provide a solid foundation in HR principles and practices, opening the doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can further your education by pursuing a master’s or doctorate in human resource management.

You can also choose a master of business administration (MBA) with a human resources emphasis.

These degrees can help you qualify for senior-level positions, such as HR director, chief human resources officer, and employee relations manager. You could also become a human resources professor at a college.