How Long Does It Take To Get a Human Resources Degree Online?

Earning a human resources degree online is an appealing option for many because of its flexibility and accessibility. Typically, online HR degrees take the same amount of time as earning one on campus. You should plan to spend four years working on a bachelor's degree full-time.

Several universities offer accelerated online programs for those who want to earn their degree faster. These programs enable students to complete their degree in as little as one or two years and start their human resources career more quickly.

How Long It Takes To Get an Online HR Degree

Graduating with an online human resources degree offers flexibility and convenience, appealing to many students, including working professionals and those with family obligations. The time it takes to complete an online HR degree varies based on several factors, including the degree type, the program structure, and the student's personal and professional commitments.

Online Bachelor's Degree in HR

An online bachelor's degree in human resources typically requires four years of full-time study and around 120 credit hours. However, many online programs are designed to accommodate the needs of non-traditional students, offering part-time enrollment options that extend the duration but lessen the semester workload.

Online Master's Degree in HR

An online master's degree in human resources usually requires two years to complete the 30 to 40 credit hours when you are a full-time student. However, like their undergraduate counterparts, many online master's programs offer accelerated options.

Transfer Credits and Part-Time Study

Students who have previously completed relevant courses at accredited institutions may have the opportunity to transfer credits, reducing the time needed to graduate. On the other hand, if you enroll as a part-time student, you can more easily maintain your course load and other responsibilities, but it will take longer to graduate.

Accelerated Online HR Degree Programs

Accelerated online HR bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for individuals who want to graduate early. These programs compress the traditional academic timeline, allowing students to complete their degrees in significantly less time than conventional programs.

Accelerated Bachelor's Degree in HR

For a bachelor's degree in human resources, accelerated programs typically enable students to graduate in about two to three years instead of the usual four. This is achieved through more intensive course schedules, including shorter semester breaks and more credits per term. Many of these programs offer courses in eight-week terms, as opposed to the traditional 16-week semesters, allowing students to take more courses each year.

Accelerated Master's Degree in HR

Accelerated master's programs in human resources can be even more condensed, with some programs only lasting one year. These are particularly tailored for professionals who already have a background in business or HR and are looking to deepen their expertise without stepping away from their careers for long. They cover advanced topics such as strategic management, organizational behavior, and talent development.

List of Online HR Degree Programs

Earning an online HR degree, either at the bachelor's or master's level, is an excellent idea for those who want to earn their degree more conveniently and more affordably. Below, we'll list 10 online human resources (HR) degree programs, highlighting both bachelor's and master's options along with their tuition rates and program descriptions.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus's bachelor's degree in labor and human resources program provides a broad understanding of labor and employment relations, employment law, and how HR practices support organizational strategies. It prepares students for effective people management and HR certification.

As a full-time student enrolled in 12 to 19 credits per semester, tuition will be $7,602 a semester for your first 59 credits. Then, tuition will be $8,206 a semester until you finish all 123 required credits.

Colorado State University Global

CSU Global's accelerated bachelor's program focuses on practical HR skills like workforce planning, HR development, and compensation. It's designed to prepare students for strategic decision-making roles in HR. The online bachelor's degree in human resource management will prepare you for Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification as well. Tuition is $375 per credit hour.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's bachelor's in human resource management program provides a comprehensive overview of human resource roles and responsibilities, including employee relations, HR information systems, and benefits management, suited for both HR specialists and generalists. Students have the option to transfer up to 90 credits to this 120-credit program. Plus, tuition is $330 per credit hour.

The University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in human resources management. Students take one five-week course at a time, and each course costs $460 per credit hour. This 120-credit program covers essential HR functions such as recruitment, training, compensation, and compliance, providing a well-rounded foundation for entry- and mid-level HR roles.

Florida International University

Florida International University's Bachelor of Business Administration in HR management teaches students about effective talent management, labor relations, and strategic management, preparing them for HR roles in global and multinational firms. The degree is 120 credits and only costs $235.57 per credit hour for Florida residents. Out-of-state students will need to pay $648.87 per credit.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University's competency-based bachelor's program allows students to progress through their degree as they demonstrate mastery of HR core competencies, focusing on practical application in the workplace. The university charges tuition per term instead of per credit, allowing you to take as many courses as you can master in a term. The online human resource management bachelor's degree costs $3,755 per six-month term.

Villanova University

Villanova University's master's in human resource development program is designed for HR professionals looking to advance their skills in developing and managing human capital. It includes leadership and talent development strategies. The 36-credit degree costs $940 per credit hour.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University master's in human resources program is tailored for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of organizational behavior, employment law, and strategic HRM, equipping them for leadership in human resources. The 36-credit program costs $565 per credit.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California's master's in human resource management emphasizes strategic HR, change management, and data-driven decision-making, preparing students for senior HR roles in various industries. For the 2024-25 school year, tuition is $2,354 per unit, meaning the whole degree's tuition is $56,496. However, tuition has risen by 4% each year for the past five years, so do realize that the cost will increase each year.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University's professional master's in human resource management equips students with the necessary skills to address the strategic issues HR professionals face, including talent management and organizational development. Tuition is $1,183 per credit hour— the degree is 33 total credits, bringing your total tuition to around $40,000.