Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree Program Guide

Human resources (HR) managers strive to help their employer recruit and retain top talent. Their work can also foster a positive work environment for all employees, one where professionals thrive.

Researching human resources careers reveals advantages few other jobs offer, such as the ability to work in any industry. A bachelor’s in human resources can train you to enter this dynamic, in-demand field.

A bachelor’s in human resources resembles other undergraduate degrees in many ways, such as graduation requirements. You take general education classes in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Your college may also let you double major or minor in another subject.

Bachelor’s in human resources can have varied curriculums, with a few core courses and several elective options. Typical classes include talent acquisition and retention, business communications, and compensation and benefits. Management and ethics classes train you to resolve workplace disputes effectively.

Recent high school graduates or working professionals without human resources experience can benefit the most from a bachelor’s in human resources. A college degree lets you start your career as a human resources coordinator or specialist. These professionals help with employee onboarding and interviews.

Getting a bachelor’s in human resources degree requires meeting colleges’ admission requirements and staying on track for graduation. The information in this section may differ among colleges.

A typical bachelor’s program requires four years for full-time students. Many factors impact how long you take to graduate, such as undergraduate credit you receive for Advanced Placement exam scores or relevant professional experience. This credit may let you graduate one year sooner than your peers, saving you time and money.

Online degrees may offer an accelerated option. Shorter classes and a heavier class load can help you graduate as soon as possible. Accelerated degrees’ application requirements may include an associate degree or significant transfer credits.

Start the college application process as soon as possible. Being proactive can help you reduce stress and catch mistakes that may impact your application negatively.

Typical undergraduate admission requirements include:

Colleges may require you to submit these or other materials electronically or by mail. Make sure to follow all instructions and application deadlines.

Applying after the deadline or forgetting required materials may put your application in jeopardy. Contact schools’ admissions departments to make sure they received your complete application portfolio before the deadline.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average in-state degree-seeker at a public four-year school in 2022-2023 paid about $9,800 in tuition and fees. Students at a private nonprofit college paid over $40,000. These figures do not include education-related expenses, such as housing, meals, and textbooks.

Averages do not tell the whole story, as tuition differs widely among colleges. The University of Tennessee – Knoxville charges in-state students over $13,000 in tuition and fees. Although higher than the national average, this figure falls well below the $65,008 degree-seekers pay to attend Vanderbilt University in nearby Nashville.

A bachelor’s in human resources from an accredited school prepares you for an entry-level career or graduate study. Consider the following career opportunities for recent graduates and seasoned professionals.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in human resources can explore the following career paths:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth in the need for business operations specialists, such as human resources specialists, between 2022-2032. However, BLS data suggests that demand for some human resources careers, such as labor relations specialists, may decrease. The BLS bases this projection on declining union membership.

HR jobs offer widespread opportunity, positive job growth, and high wages for qualified candidates. While students may specialize in an area like healthcare, organizational management, or corporate training and development, graduates with a bachelor’s in human resources are prepared for management jobs in many industries.

Graduates often pursue positions as human resources managers, earning a median annual salary of more than $135,000 a year.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master’s to increase your job opportunities and compensation. For example, many of the highest-paying HR careers require applicants to have a master’s degree.

During a master’s in human resources program, you’ll take graduate courses in organizational behavior, business strategy, and HR analytics. You can also concentrate in areas such as talent management, training and development, or HR leadership.

Many top-ranked universities offer graduate programs in human resources online. The flexibility of an online format can make it easier to work while advancing your education.

You should consider many factors before choosing a bachelor’s in human resources, such as cost, program length, and accreditation. Trusted friends, family, and coworkers can help you explore these topics and make an informed decision.

Budget-conscious degree-seekers can lower their cost of attendance by starting their education at a two-year community college before transferring to a public four-year school. An online bachelor’s in human resources may save you money on your education, as well. Some public colleges waive out-of-state tuition for online learners.

Research programs’ returns on investment (ROI) by researching graduate outcomes. A school with higher tuition might provide a better ROI if graduates earn a good salary in their first job.

A typical bachelor’s degree takes full-time students four years. However, many factors impact how long you need to earn a degree, such as your career experience. On-the-job training may let you skip some introductory classes.

Part-time students may take more than four years to graduate. Work with your college’s academic advisor to create a class schedule that meets your unique needs.

All schools you apply to should hold institutional accreditation. Colleges without institutional accreditation may not offer the educational experience they advertise to prospective students. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Education has a database of accredited schools.

Bachelor’s in human resources programs may hold programmatic accreditation. Programmatic accreditation shows a program goes above and beyond in preparing you for a career or further study.

Some colleges let students learn in a fully online or hybrid format. An online format can benefit you if you live far away from campus, while a hybrid format gives you more of the traditional college experience.

Online classes may use a synchronous or asynchronous format. Synchronous classes use set meeting times. Asynchronous classes let you complete all required work when convenient, which is a great option for busy professionals and parents.