8 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in Massachusetts
Aspiring human resources students in Massachusetts can find degree programs offered by schools in-state and out-of-state that prepare them for careers and advanced certifications.
Human resource management is a set of skills that includes training and development, organizational leadership, and various staffing-related competencies. These skills are used by organizations in the government and the private sector to handle benefit allocation, employee relations, and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth for HR management roles by 2032, double the national average for all occupations. To help meet this demand, affordable online colleges in Massachusetts and other states have begun offering human resource management programs in distance education formats. HR management degrees typically provide Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) accredited opportunities at in-state and out-of-state schools for Massachusetts learners.
Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Students in Massachusetts have access to affordable online HR management degrees. These programs provide the benefits of in-state tuition rates without forcing students on campus.
1. Fisher College
Students at Fisher College can complete a fully online Bachelor of Science in human resource management. This program is one of the only undergraduate HR majors in the state and includes coursework in organizational behavior, talent management, and training and development. Students can use this program as a full four-year degree or a degree completion program with an associate degree or up to 90 transfer credits.
Fischer College's tuition rate is roughly $1,437 per credit hour, but the school offers merit and need-based grants, scholarships, and other financial aid programs that can greatly reduce these costs.
2. University of Massachusetts Global
UMass Global offers students a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration in human resources. This undergraduate degree program includes further specialization opportunities for students including labor relations, conflict resolution, and workforce planning. Core coursework includes labor law, organizational development, and performance management.
Online tuition at UMass Global is $500 per credit hour.
Other Affordable Online Human Resources Programs
Online higher education programs allow aspiring HR professionals in Massachusetts to find full-time and part-time learning opportunities nationwide. These programs offer different concentration options to prepare for specific careers within the HR field.
1. Colorado State University Global
CSU Global offers students the chance to earn a degree that aligns with SHRM principles and prepares them for master's degrees and advanced certifications. CSU Global is an ASCBP and SHRM-accredited institution that allows students to pursue work as compensation and benefits managers, training and development managers, and other HR specialist roles.
The online tuition rate at CSU Global is $375 per credit hour.
2. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in human resources development. This degree is offered exclusively online and provides students with a combination of theoretical and hands-on coursework. This degree focuses on talent acquisition, training, and retention methodologies.
The online tuition rate at Texas Tech University is $430 per credit hour.
3. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Students at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater can earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management. In addition to major requirements and a capstone project, students can take elective courses like:
- Nonprofit Theory and Practice
- Conflict Resolution
- Occupational Safety
University of Wisconsin Whitewater students pay $412 per credit hour.
4. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona Global Campus allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in human resource management. This degree is taught through one five-week course at a time and has SHRM and IACBE accreditation. Students will study employment law, general business management strategies, and related skills like problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
All online undergraduate programs cost $460 per credit hour.
5. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in human resource management. This program aligns with SHRM and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) educational guidelines, preparing students with an education based on real-world practices. In addition to courses covering organizational culture, labor relations, and employment law, students can choose minors and electives outside the HR major to gain a more well-rounded education.
In-state students pay $324 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $499.
6. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a leader in online education and offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in human resource management. Students will learn skills around corporate cultural development, employee retention, and data collection and metric analysis strategies. Graduates will be prepared for multiple human resources specialist career paths.
All online students pay $330 per credit hour, regardless of residency or enrollment status.
7. Trident University Internaitonal
Trident University is a fully online university that offers a Bachelor of Science in human resource management. Students can use this degree in a dual credit program that can result in an online Master of Human Resources degree.
The standard online tuition rate at Trident is $415 per credit, but military-connected students can receive discounted rates.
8. Maryville University
Maryville University offers fully online degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in human resource management. This program aligns with SHRM guidelines and uses hands-on simulations, case studies, and internships to gain experience. Students can reduce total costs with transfer credits and generous financial aid packages.
The online tuition rate at Maryville is $540 per credit hour.
FAQs About Online Programs for Human Resources
Human resources professionals work in just about every industry, but students often have questions about how to become one. Some of the most common questions include the worth of these degrees, how much they cost, and what careers you can pursue.
Is an Online Human Resources Degree Worth It?
Online human resources degrees are worth it. These programs are affordable, flexible ways for students to earn an undergraduate degree. Most schools don't differentiate between online and on-campus degrees, so employers and graduate schools will generally treat them the same.
What Can You Do With an Online HR Degree?
An online HR undergraduate degree can lead to entry-level careers, graduate degrees, and advanced certifications. Due to the variety of concentration options, students can also prepare for specific careers within the industry.
How Much Does an Online Human Resources Degree Cost in Massachusetts?
The average cost of a human resources degree is around $41,000. Several factors can affect this price, though. Students can find the lowest average tuition rates at in-state, nonprofit, and public universities. Learners should also look into federal, state, and school-offered financial assistance programs.
Discover Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today
Some of the top-ranking colleges in the nation offer online human resource management degrees. Before applying for enrollment, it is important to review your options. Use our resources to learn more about degree programs, admission requirements, and what steps you need to take to apply online today.