7 Affordable Online PhD in Human Resources Degrees 2025

Human resource (HR) managers coordinate and supervise an organization's administrative functions. HR managers oversee aspects like hiring and training new staff, consulting with executives on strategic planning, and serving as a bridge between management and staff to help promote positive work environments.

Earning a doctoral degree in human resources, like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), is an excellent way to advance your career. This article features seven schools that offer online PhD in human resources and other doctorate degrees. Continue reading to learn about affordable, online graduate programs in human resources.

What Is a PhD in Human Resources?

A PhD in HR is a graduate degree that prepares students for research, academic, and leadership roles in the human resource sector. Earning a PhD in human resources online will expose you to the same curriculum as an on-campus program.

Other doctorates in human resources include a DBA in human resources and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in human resource development. While all online human resource doctorates cover foundational subjects like organizational development and human resource management theories, a PhD program has a more research-oriented approach than DBA and EdD programs.

Can I Earn a PhD in HR Online?

Yes, you can earn your online human resources PhD. Though limited, there are affordable online doctoral degree options from accredited schools. We explore these programs below, along with other doctoral degree program options.

Coursework for online PhD programs is conducted remotely. Some schools offer asynchronous classes, which allow students even more flexibility. Some online programs require doctoral students to attend an in-person residency.

How Much Does an Online PhD in Human Resources Cost?

The total cost to earn your online PhD in human resources can range from $34,400 to more than $115,000. Program costs vary according to school, length of program, credit-transfer policies, and financial aid opportunities.

Public schools tend to cost less than private schools, and in-state residents often benefit from lower tuition rates. You can take advantage of grants and scholarships at the federal and state levels by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cheapest Online Doctoral Programs in Human Resources

The following colleges and universities offer some of the most affordable online doctorates in human resources. All schools are accredited institutions and accept FAFSA.

1. University of Arkansas

Located in Fayetteville, AR, the University of Arkansas (U of A) offers an online EdD in human resource development. The U of A program prepares students to become researchers and leaders in the field of HR development. The doctoral program is 54 credits and is delivered 100% online. Students can earn their EdD in four years.

Admission requirements stipulate that prospective students must have a master's degree and relevant work experience. You do not need to submit your Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores to be considered.

• Estimated tuition cost: $447 per credit hour (in-state); $1,214 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, scholarships, loans, assistantships, and fellowships to help with tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an online EdD in education policy, organization, and leadership with a specialization in human resources development. This degree program provides graduate students with in-depth knowledge of organizational behavior, training and development, talent management, and change management.

The EdD program is 64 credits and is delivered entirely online. Courses are eight weeks long. The University of Illinois does not require prospective students to submit their GRE scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $538 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial assistance comes via scholarships, grants, loans, and veterans' benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a mid-sized public school located in Hattiesburg, MS. USM has a PhD in human capital management program that is delivered in a hybrid format. It emphasizes improving employee performance through training, increasing engagement and motivation, and developing organizational culture and behaviors.

Graduate students learn advanced human resource theories, such as workforce development, change leadership, and human capital analytics. The curriculum is 54 credits and includes courses such as mixed research methodologies and leadership in instructional technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $572 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at USM can apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran assistance to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Liberty University

Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) is a large private school with an extensive online learning platform. Graduate students can enroll in the online Doctorate in Business Administration in human resources program from anywhere in the U.S.

LU's DBA in human resources program is 60 credit hours, and courses are delivered completely online. Core courses include human resource development, workforce planning and employment, and strategic thinking for decision-making. LU allows students to apply up to 50% of eligible transfer credits toward their DBA, accelerating the time to degree completion.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: LU has scholarships, loans, grants, and military benefits to help keep tuition costs low.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. South College

South College has a DBA in human resources program that is offered 100% online and in an asynchronous format. Graduate students learn advanced communication strategies, organizational leadership and practices, and innovation and change management.

The DBA in human resources program consists of ten courses, and many students earn their degree within 18 to 30 months. Students receive one-on-one mentoring with faculty members and can take courses at their own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,000 per semester
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veterans' benefits are available as financial support options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Walden University

If you are interested in earning your PhD in HR management online, Walden University offers a PhD in management with a specialization in human resource management. The program focuses on the multidisciplinary and global aspects of human resource management and prepares students to conduct research in various human resource settings.

The PhD program curriculum consists of core courses, foundational and advanced research, specialization courses, and a dissertation project. PhD students will need to complete in-person residencies to successfully graduate from Walden University's program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit
• Financial aid: Financial assistance is available via grants, loans, and scholarships. Walden University also offers tuition discounts to military members, alumni, first responders, and other public service officials.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Bellevue University

Located in its namesake city, Bellevue University is a mid-sized private school that has an online PdD in human capital management program. This PhD program emphasizes the importance of employees as valuable assets and essential components to align with business objectives.

The degree program is 60 credits and is conducted completely online. Graduate students can take courses at their own pace, with options such as research in organizations, performance management, and human learning and decision making.

• Estimated tuition cost: $825 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial support comes via scholarships, grants, loans, military and veterans' benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when deciding which schools to feature on our ranked list, from tuition rates to accreditation status.

• Accreditation: All of the listed colleges and universities are accredited institutions. This means they have been vetted by regional accrediting bodies, ensuring quality education standards.
• Affordability: Tuition rates are $1,000 or less per credit hour. Financial aid opportunities are available at each school.
• Program reputation: A doctoral degree program's reputation is determined by its curriculum, experienced faculty members, and any industry awards or special recognition.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Human Resources

An online PhD in human resources provides students with comprehensive knowledge on topics like organizational leadership, research methods, and strategic management. PhD programs have a strong emphasis on research, and most programs culminate with a dissertation project.

Typically, PhD in human resource programs range between 51 and 90 credits, with most programs being about 60 credits total. Most full-time doctoral students can graduate in three to four years; part-time students will need more time to earn their degree.

FAQs About the Low-Cost PhD in HR Online Degrees

Here, we answer frequently asked questions about online human resource doctorates on topics from online degree reputation to human resource job opportunities.

Can You Do a PhD in HR?

Yes, you can earn your PhD in human resources. Some PhD programs are fully focused on human resource theories, while others (e.g., a PhD in management with a specialization in human resources) provide a broader perspective on approaches in HR management.

You can also earn other doctoral degrees in human resources, like a Doctor of Education or a Doctor of Business Administration. These graduate degree programs emphasize practical, real-world applications of skills and knowledge, whereas PhD programs highly emphasize research in graduate studies.

Is an Online PhD in Human Resources Worth It?

Professionals who hold a doctorate in human resources have greater access to leadership roles and higher salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resource managers earned a median wage of $140,030 in 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $239,000.

Ultimately, deciding to pursue a degree online or on campus is a highly personal process. Earning your online PhD in human resources is a big investment in both time and money. You must carefully consider your budget, work, and family commitments alongside your professional goals.

Are Online Human Resources PhDs Respected?

Yes, online PhD and other online human resources doctorates are respected. Online degree programs from accredited institutions follow the same curriculum standards as their in-person program counterparts. This means the quality of the courses and the faculty are held to reputable standards.

What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Human Resources?

Human resource managers work in almost every industry and are responsible for a wide range of duties, including training and development, compliance, strategic planning, and employee recruitment. With a doctorate in human resources, you can take on job roles such as:

• organizational development consultant
• recruiting manager
• director of learning technology
• labor relations director
• senior instructional designer

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

To learn more about online doctoral programs, we invite you to connect with Learn.org's featured institutions. Request information and discover which degree pathway best serves your higher education goals.