7 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in California

Human resources professionals work in numerous industries, ranging from healthcare to information systems and technology to retail. Most HR professionals hold at least a bachelor's degree, although some take their higher education further.

It can be hard to make the time or set aside money for a degree; however, many affordable online HR programs reduce these costs. Students can earn their HR degrees through affordable online colleges in California. Keep reading to discover affordable online human resources degree programs in the Golden State.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in California

Multiple colleges and universities in California offer online human resources degree programs at an affordable tuition rate. We've highlighted these programs below; all schools listed hold regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian research institution in Azusa, CA. This nonprofit school offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Management (MBM) with concentrations in human resources.

The BBA offers a concentration in human resource development, which covers topics in training and development. It costs $452 per credit for lower-level credits and $527 per credit for upper-level credits, and financial aid options are available.

The master's degree offers a concentration in human resource management, which includes topics on employment law and compensation and benefits. This online program costs $690 per credit hour.

2. California State University, East Bay

At California State University, East Bay, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resources management and organizational behavior. CSUEB is a public university in Hayward, CA.

This degree program includes core business fundamentals, with courses covering conflict resolution, employee relations, organizational leadership, and staffing and talent management.

In-state students studying full-time pay a tuition rate of $7,583 per year. Eligible students may qualify to have their tuition costs covered through financial aid programs like the Cal Grant or State University Grant.

3. Humphreys University

Humphreys University offers an online BBA with a specialization in human resources management. It includes coursework on topics like conflict resolution, compensation, and benefits.

Humphreys University is a private, nonprofit school based in Stockton, CA. It charges $375 per credit hour for this online degree, and financial aid is available to eligible students.

4. National University

National University, based in San Diego, is a school geared toward adult learners. This private, nonprofit institution offers a BS and a Master of Arts (MA) in human resource management online.

The bachelor's degree includes courses on labor relations, organizational development, performance management, and workplace ethics. Full-time students pay $13,284 per year, but financial aid is available.

The master's in HR management includes advanced studies in employee relations, organizational behavior, and training and development, as well as a concluding project. Full-time students pay $16,416 per year.

5. Pacific Oaks College

Students at Pacific Oaks College can earn an online BS in business administration with a specialization in human resource management. Pacific Oaks College is a private, nonprofit school in Pasadena.

Lower-division credits at Pacific Oaks cost $400 each, while upper-division credits cost $890; however, several financial aid programs are available to help students cover their online courses.

6. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration and management with a concentration in human resources management. It covers topics like performance management and training and development and costs $400 per credit hour.

The university also offers an online Master of Science in HR management. This human resource management degree includes coursework on employment law and organizational development and costs $500 per credit.

The Touro University system is made up of several nonprofit, private, Jewish schools around the world. However, its Worldwide campus, which serves exclusively online students, is based in Los Alamitos, CA.

7. UMass Global

Though UMass Global is private and located in Aliso Viejo, CA, it's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System. It primarily offers online degrees, including bachelor's and master's programs in human resources.

The BBA in human resources includes a blend of business foundations and HR concepts � with courses highlighting topics such as performance management and conflict resolution. Students pay $500 per credit hour.

The master's HR degree provides an in-depth examination of human resources, with courses in talent management, workforce planning, and organizational change. It costs $730 per credit hour.

FAQs About HR Programs at Online Colleges

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online human resource and human resource management programs.

Is an Online Human Resources Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online HR degree is worth it. These programs provide a flexible format to study the basics of the human resources field. They also allow students to learn core competencies like critical thinking, conflict resolution, decision-making, and problem-solving.

An online degree in human resources can lead to roles like:

• benefits manager
• human resources manager
• human resources specialist
• training consultant

Note that some roles may require advanced degrees, and some may require a credential from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

What Degree Is Best for Human Resources?

Most HR professionals need at least a bachelor's degree in the field. You can find many programs offering human resource majors, or other related degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in HR).

Some human resources professionals may pursue a master's degree to further their careers. Like bachelor's degrees, these programs can be offered as their own major, or as concentrations or specializations, in other business degrees.

When choosing an HR degree program, consider things like:

• format (on-campus vs. online)
• schedule (part-time vs. full-time)
• specializations and elective options
• tuition cost and financial aid
• hands-on opportunities

How Much Can I Make With an Online Human Resources Degree in California?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for HR professionals in California is as follows:

• human resources specialists: $90,110
• compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists: $93,550
• training and development specialists: $79,240
• human resources managers: $182,460
• compensation and benefits managers: $166,620
• training and development managers: $168,130

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Start your path toward a human resources career by exploring the online bachelor's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges today for more information about application requirements, enrollment, and financial aid opportunities.