5 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in Pennsylvania

The need for human resource professionals isn't limited to a single industry. Experts in labor relations, training and development, and employment law are in demand across all fields, including private and public sector careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth by 2032, about double the rate of most careers.

To help meet this growing demand, affordable online schools in Pennsylvania have begun offering human resource management degrees ranging from associate to doctoral levels. These online HR bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees, allow learners to develop the skills needed to work in this growing field without moving or going on campus.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Affordable online HR degrees can help students pursue college; however, affordability isn't the only criterion that's used to review online bachelor's degrees. Students should also look for Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) accreditation. SHRM is the leading professional body in the industry and programs that align with SHRM principles will best prepare students for entry-level careers, online master's degree programs, and advanced SHRM certifications.

1. Immaculata University

Online students at Immaculata University can earn a Bachelor of Science in business and human resource management. This program is taught through accelerated seven-week classes and students can complete the program in as little as two years, depending on transfer credit amounts. Courses include business management, compensation, and more.

Aspiring HR professionals will pay $465 per online credit hour at Immaculata University.

2. Drexel University

Drexel University offers students the opportunity to earn an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in business administration with the option to choose a human resource concentration. Using electives, students can tailor this business degree to include HR skills, but the standard curriculum includes operations management, organizational behavior, and other skills that will help HR professionals.

The online tuition rate at Drexel is $492 per credit hour, over 50% less than the in-person counterpart.

3. Strayer University - Pennsylvania

Strayer University has over 50 campuses, including multiple Pennsylvania locations, but students in Pennsylvania can enroll in online degrees as well. Students can complete an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a human resource management concentration. This program has ACBSP accreditation and includes coursework like training and development, staffing, and communication-based classes.

Strayer's online courses cost approximately $508 per credit hour.

4. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the fully online college of Pennsylvania State University. Students can complete multiple fully online undergraduate degrees in HR-related fields of study. The main options include the Bachelor of Science in labor and human resources and the Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership. These degrees can also be used to prepare for one of Penn State World Campus's online master's programs.

Penn State World Campus has multiple tuition rates based on enrollment status and transfer credits, but most students will pay between $632 and $678 per credit hour, based on part-time or full-time status.

5. Peirce College

The Bachelor of Science in human resource management degree from Peirce College allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours. This degree program can lead to the Professional in Human Resource certification exam proctored by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and aligns with SHRM's principles. Students will practice with domestic and global human resource methodologies and gain hands-on experience through an HRM capstone project.

The online tuition rate at Peirce College is $600 per credit hour.

Affordable Online Human Resource Degree Programs in Other States

Online programs give higher education opportunities to Pennsylvania students at out-of-state schools, usually at in-state tuition rates. Business schools from California to the Northeast offer online degree opportunities with increased flexibility and affordability compared to on-campus programs.

1. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is located in New Jersey, but all of its high-quality degrees are offered fully online. Students at TESU can complete a Bachelor of Science in business administration in human resources management/organizational management. Online classes include organizational development, labor law, and other necessary competencies.

Full-time students in-state pay a flat rate of $3,419 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $4,428.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University students can earn a Bachelor of Science in human resource management. This degree prepares students to work as training and development managers, HR operations specialists, and benefits and compensation specialists. All coursework is delivered in an asynchronous, accelerated format.

Online tuition at SNHU is $330 per credit, regardless of residency.

3. National University

National University's Bachelor of Science in human resource management program covers legal compliance in HR management, employee relations, and talent management and retention. Students complete coursework in four-week segments, allowing for flexible scheduling.

Students will pay approximately $370 per credit hour.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University's online catalog includes a Bachelor of Science in business administration and data analysis with a human resource management specialization. Students can use this degree to pursue a fully online MBA from Liberty, as well as industry-standard certifications from SHRM and HRCI.

The online programs at LU are consistently near the top of nationwide rankings. Students at Liberty have two tuition rates based on enrollment status. Full-time students pay $390, while part-time students pay $455 per credit hour.

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University students can earn a Bachelor of Science in business administration in human resources management. This degree focuses on benefits management, diversity in the workplace, and using technology to improve efficiency. Students at WGU can join the online chapter of SHRM, which presents networking opportunities and additional learning opportunities.

WGU students pay a flat rate per semester, but they can enroll in as many courses as they want within a six-month timeframe.

FAQs About Online HR Programs

HR professionals are everywhere, but high school graduates and workers looking to change or advance their career paths often have questions about becoming one. Some of the most common questions concern the worth of these degrees, what to expect, and what career opportunities will be available.

What Can I Expect from an Online Human Resources Degree in Pennsylvania?

Online human resources degrees will vary from program to program, but there are many common courses. Students should expect to take classes in benefits management, including healthcare, retirement plans, and more. Students will also study best practices around employee acquisition, training, and retention. You should also expect some kind of work experience like an internship.

Is an Online Human Resources Degree Worth It?

Online human resources degrees are generally worth it due to flexible scheduling and affordability. Students can increase the worth of their degree by confirming that the program aligns with SHRM's principles and can lead to certifications. Students looking for the lowest tuition rates should look for in-state, nonprofit, and public universities. Most online programs will also qualify for financial aid programs to further reduce costs.

What Career Paths Are Available for Online Human Resources Graduates?

Graduates of online human resource degree programs will be prepared for many of the top career paths in the industry. Graduates can become HR specialists, benefits managers, talent acquisition specialists, or HR generalists.

Explore Online Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Today

Schools across the U.S. offer Pennsylvania students the ability to earn online bachelor's and master's degrees. Use our resources to learn more about these schools and critical factors like admission and graduation rates, course offerings, and how to submit your application today.