Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management: Courses, Careers & Payment

Are you considering a career in human resources? An online bachelor's degree in human resources management could be a convenient way for you to start.

Below, we'll go over the details you need to know about this degree, including typical courses, career options, and how to make sure you're choosing a good online program.

What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management?

A bachelor's degree in human resources management covers various aspects of human resources, including recruitment, training, performance management, compensation, benefits, and labor relations. The fact that you can earn this degree online does not change the course content or quality of your education.

In an online human resources management program, you'll gain a solid foundation in business principles and specialized knowledge in HR practices. Courses typically cover organizational behavior, employment law, strategic HR management, and employee development.

You'll also develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, all of which are crucial for success in HR roles.

Ideal human resources management students are detail-oriented and enjoy working with people and have a passion for creating positive work environments. Graduates are equipped to take on roles such as HR specialists, recruiters, training and development coordinators, and more.

Online Human Resources Management Degree Core Curriculum

Several online colleges offer this degree program, but they all have slightly different course requirements. We've listed the course topics that occur within most programs below.

• human resource management
• global human resource management
• human resource management functions
• employee and labor relations
• talent acquisition and management
• employment and labor law
• diversity, equity, and inclusion

Many programs will also have core business requirements. Some typical business course topics include:

• financial management
• introduction to marketing
• principles of economics
• legal environment of business

Types of Online Human Resources Management Degrees

Preparing for a career in human resources management doesn't require you to earn one specific degree. You can earn a degree in human resources management, or you can earn a degree in business administration that focuses on human resources management.

If you want to get an overarching look at business, go for a Bachelor of Business Administration program or an HR management Bachelor of Science program that requires a business core.

If you want more control over your learning and are passionate about a certain type of business you want to enter as an HR manager, choose a Bachelor of Science program that has many open elective courses. That way, you can choose a minor that interests you.

Below are the degree titles you can search for when looking for online HR management programs:

• Bachelor of Science in human resource management
• Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resource management
• Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management

Career Opportunities for an Online Human Resources Management Major

Earning an online degree in human resource management opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in various roles across different industries.

• Human resources specialist: focuses on recruiting, screening, and placing workers
• Recruitment coordinator: manages the hiring process from job posting to interviewing and onboarding
• Training and development coordinator: designs and implements employee training programs
• Compensation and benefits manager: develops and oversees compensation and benefits plans
• Labor relations specialist: manages labor relations, including union negotiations and employee grievances
• HR consultant: provides expert advice to organizations on HR practices and strategies
• Employee relations manager: ensures positive relations between the employer and employees, handling conflicts and improving communication

How To Choose the Best HR Management Program

To choose the best HR management degree program, you need to ensure the program is both regionally accredited and aligned with either the HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) or the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) requirements.

Accredited

Accreditation involves an institution being evaluated by an accrediting body to ensure you are receiving a quality degree. Regional accreditation is performed geographically and guarantees the degree you earn will be respected. Here's the list of organizations that you need to make sure the school is accredited by according to region:

• The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
• The Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC-ACSCU)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

HR Credentials

You also should make sure the program is aligned with either the requirements of the HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) or the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). This alignment ensures that the degree will prepare you for taking the necessary exams for becoming certified after you graduate.

Some programs may even include exam preparation courses�another benefit you should keep in mind when researching HR management programs.

Paying for an Online HR Management Degree

Financing your online degree in human resource management can be doable with the right financial aid options. Once you apply to a program, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form determines what type of financial aid you are eligible for.

Federal Aid

Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and federal student loans, is available to eligible students. Grants do not have to be repaid, but loans will need to be paid back. Most federal loans do not require any form of repayment until after you graduate.

Scholarships

Scholarships, which are financial awards that do not need to be repaid, are often based on merit, academic achievement, or specific criteria such as being a member of a certain organization or community. You can research and apply for scholarships offered by the university, HR associations, or external organizations.

FAQs About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online HR management degrees.

Is a Bachelor's Online Degree in Human Resources Management Worth It?

If you want a career in HR, then this degree is necessary. Not only will you learn the theories behind human resource management and have an opportunity to apply them, you will be well prepared for HR certification exams.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% growth for HR managers, which is faster than average. Around 15,000 jobs will be available each year.

Is an Online Human Resources Management Major Hard?

The difficulty of an online HR management major can vary depending on your background and study habits. While the program requires dedication and effort, the flexible format of online learning allows you to study at your own pace, making it manageable for most students.

How Much Does an Online Human Resources Management Degree Cost?

We've listed the total tuition costs of some popular online HR management degree programs below:

• Southern New Hampshire University: $39,600
• University of Maryland Global Campus: $38,000 (in-state) and $59,000 (out-of-state)
• Florida International University: $28,268 (in-state) and $77,864 (out-of-state)
• Columbia Southern University: $32,400
• Louisiana State University: $47,880

You can reduce these tuition costs by transferring credits that you've previously earned as well. Be sure to figure out what your program's transfer credit policy is.

Learn more: Affordable Online HR Management Programs

What Skills Will I Gain in an Online Human Resources Management Degree Program?

You should expect to gain skills in the following areas:

• recruitment and selection
• employee relations
• performance management
• compensation and benefits administration
• training and development
• strategic HR planning