What is a Human Resources Bachelor's Degree?
Students who enjoy interacting with people and helping them thrive in the workplace may want to pursue a bachelor's degree in human resources. Also referred to as HR or human resource management, a human resources bachelor's degree program aims to teach students several HR skills that are founded in key business principles, different management policies, communications, benefits, and company culture. Human resource professionals are essential when it comes to helping a company or organization run smoothly and efficiently and obtaining a bachelor's degree in this field can set individuals up for a fulfilling career.
An undergraduate program in human resources is typically offered in person, through distance learning, or in a hybrid learning environment of both campus-based and online courses. Most bachelor-level human resources curriculums are about 120 credits, including general education requirements in math, reading, writing, and science; core selections in human resource management topics, and electives.
Upon completion of a bachelor's degree program in human resources, students will often obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS); although other programs may offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in human resources, as well. Some students may continue their education in a master's degree program following graduation. We will discuss other degree levels in human resources in a later section.
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Human Resources
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University | $15555 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 2 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Thomas Jefferson University | $41715 | 66% | 70% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Wyoming | $4747 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Dallas | $13442 | 79% | 70% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of North Dakota | $9736 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Oakland University | $14520 | 83% | 57% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | Western Michigan University | $13017 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 16 | Florida International University | $6565 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Arkansas | $9384 | 77% | 66% | 76% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | $13680 | 75% | 62% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Rowan University | $14000 | 74% | 73% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 22 | University of Toledo | $10187 | 96% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 23 | University of Northern Iowa | $8938 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 24 | Eastern Washington University | $7526 | 96% | 54% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Sam Houston State University | $8536 | 83% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Dickinson State University | $7784 | 100% | 41% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | Texas Woman's University | $7926 | 93% | 43% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | The University of Texas at Tyler | $8742 | 83% | 42% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Winona State University | $9666 | 68% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $19718 | 57% | 83% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 33 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | $8568 | 74% | 63% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | $7980 | 83% | 50% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | $8852 | 67% | 60% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Portland State University | $7872 | 96% | 48% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | SUNY College at Oswego | $8717 | 54% | 67% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | University of South Dakota | $9332 | 86% | 59% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | Temple University | $16970 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $7656 | 76% | 61% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Metropolitan State University | $8114 | 56% | 34% | 86% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Immaculata University | $27350 | 81% | 67% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 43 | Weber State University | $5986 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 44 | University of Idaho | $8304 | 78% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | $13529 | 62% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | $12186 | 58% | 61% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $7695 | 79% | 62% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 48 | Northwest Missouri State University | $8238 | 73% | 52% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Utah Valley University | $5820 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 32% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | Wichita State University | $8299 | 92% | 50% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources
Curriculums for a bachelor's degree in human resources vary by school and program. However, students can expect to take a variety of course selections that cover all aspects of human resource management from staffing to administering benefits to employee relations and mediation.
Typically, bachelor's human resources degree programs offer variations of the following human resources course selections:
- Employment Law
- Human Resource Staffing
- Organizational Behavior
- Compensation and Benefits
- Labor Relations
Additionally, students will likely be required to take a series of business courses in finance, marketing, and leadership or management.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Human Resources?
Generally, students can expect to obtain their bachelor's degree in human resources in about four years. Of course, several factors may affect the actual time a student attends school, such as whether they enroll in summer courses, if they are registered in courses full-time or part-time, and whether they partake in internships, field training, or pursue other HR licensure and certification.
Some programs may also offer an accelerated or dual degree curriculum in human resources. Students enrolled in a dual degree program may receive both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in approximately five years, which is less time than it would take in a typical graduate degree program.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Human Resources Degrees
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in human resources should confirm that their college or university is accredited by an official accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that a school has met or exceeded a high standard of academic excellence, provides a curriculum that allows students to obtain real-world field expertise, and offers several educational and professional resources that assist students on their academic journeys.
Some human resource curriculums that fall under a business program may have programmatic accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Schools and programs accredited by the ACBSP are recognized on the global stage for offering quality programs that equip students with highly desirable and marketable business skills for entering the workforce.
Undergraduate human resources programs do not necessarily need to have programmatic accreditation, however. Instead, students may attend a school that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regardless of regional or programmatic accreditation, students will need to attend an accredited institution if they are planning to apply for federal financial aid and scholarships or seek gainful employment.
To learn more about a school or program's accreditation status, students can visit the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) or their school's website.
Enrolling in a School for Human Resources Bachelor's Degree Program
Students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in human resources can apply to their prospective colleges and programs by filling out the online application through the school's website. Select schools may also accept the application and admissions materials through the Common Application, as well.
After filling out the online applications, students will need to request their official transcripts from all schools they've previously attended, including high school. These transcripts must be sent to the colleges directly from the institutions.
College admissions offices may also require several other supplemental documents in order to be considered for the program. Typically, the following supplemental documents are requested:
- Test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Personal statement and/or college essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Writing samples
Students transferring from another college usually follow similar admissions procedures, including filling out the online application and mailing in their official transcripts. Some schools may also require official test scores, a minimum grade point average, and the completion of a series of prerequisite courses to be admitted into the human resources program.
Students requiring assistance with their application, admissions materials, and subsequent deadlines may contact their intended schools' admissions representatives.
Human Resources Licensure & Certification
Although licensure and certification are voluntary in the human resources field, many employers prefer to hire individuals who have obtained credentials from a professional association. Not only does credentialing boost one's chances of finding HR job opportunities, but it also allows individuals to demonstrate industry expertise and credibility.
Several HR associations provide certifications; for example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers both the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications. Individuals must meet the educational and professional eligibility criteria, study the SHRM testing materials, and sit for the exam to obtain their credentials. Certification holders must recertify every three years.
Other professional organizations also provide opportunities to be certified in human resources. The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) has numerous certifications available through their association, such as the Associate Professional in Human Resources - International (aPHRi), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), and the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), amongst others. Similar to SHRM certifications, candidates must download the study materials and pass an exam covering HR-related topics. Credentialed HR professionals must recertify their HRCI certifications every three years.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources?
Every industry and company is in need of professionals who are adept in workplace organization, employment law, employee relations, recruiting and hiring, and performance management, and graduates who have obtained a bachelor's degree in human resources are typically well-equipped for human resources careers.
Undergraduate human resources degree programs aim to teach students the important skill sets necessary to be successful on the job; for example, interpersonal, oral and written communication, decision-making, business, critical thinking, and listening skills. Individuals whose work is focused on compensation and benefits may have a background in finance and accounting, as well.
As was mentioned in the previous section, individuals who possess a credential in human resource management from a well-known professional organization may have greater career prospects, and several undergraduate human resources curriculums prepare students to sit for a certification exam, boosting their opportunity to nab an HR position.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following bachelor-level human resources careers had a 2020 median salary of:
- Human Resources Specialist: $63,490
- Human Resources Manager: $121,220
- Training and Development Manager: $115,640
- Labor Relations Specialist: $73,240
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist: $67,190
How to Become a Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist, also known as a human resources consultant, is responsible for numerous HR functions that comply with federal, state, and local employment laws, including recruiting, screening, and hiring talent; interviewing job applicants, and placing employees in suitable roles. Additionally, human resources specialists typically conduct background checks, perform employee orientations with new hires, and maintain records of all employees at the company. Depending on how large the company is, some human resources specialists will also be in charge of processing payroll and administering benefits.
Generally, human resources specialists work weekly full-time schedules in an office setting. Some human resources specialists who focus more on recruitment may travel to job fairs and colleges to meet applicants and seek out new talent. Although certification is voluntary, human resources specialists may wish to get credentialed to further demonstrate their competencies across all HR functions.
The job outlook for human resources specialists is projected to be 10 percent in the coming decade with over 73,000 openings for these roles projected each year. As more companies are faced with increasingly challenging employment laws and benefit choices, hiring human resources specialists will be necessary.
How to Become a Training and Development Manager
Individuals with human resources bachelor's degrees may want to pursue a career as a training and development manager. Training and development managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing workplace development programs for a company's employees. The analytical aspects of this type of managerial role include overseeing and assessing the need for additional training and ensuring the training will allow employees to meet the company's long-term goals. Another aspect of a training and development manager's role includes developing the training programs and reviewing materials to make sure they remain relevant. Finally, training and development managers come up with the metrics to best determine the effectiveness of these training programs.
Training and development managers are savvy when it comes to business, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. They should also be adept in instruction and leadership as their roles often require them to relay the training program to other instructors and lead teams of staff.
The job outlook for training and development managers is expected to be 11 percent (2020-2030), with an average of 4,300 openings each year.
Professional Organizations in Human Resources
Students, graduates, and working professions in the HR field may want to join a professional organization focused on human resource management. Professional organizations allow individuals to connect with other HR professionals, as well as gain access to educational and career resources, training, webinars, and more.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the largest and most renowned professional society in the human resources industry, aiming to empower HR professionals by advancing HR practices and workplace potential. Membership options include Professional, Student, Executive, and Enterprise and must be renewed one year upon the date of purchase for continued access to membership benefits. By joining the SHRM, members receive various tools and templates, compliance resources, expert advice, education and professional development tools, certifications, and an opportunity to network with other industry professionals. Prospective members may select their membership category, create an account, and pay their annual dues.
The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is another HR professional organization whose mission is driven by workplace learning and performance potential. Individuals can choose between different membership categories: Professional, Professional Plus, Professional Plus Special Bundle, Student, Senior, Corporate, or Young Professional. Member benefits include access to workplace guidelines, industry reports, peer-reviewed journals, templates, courses, webinars, and more. To apply for a membership with ATD, individuals can select their membership category and choose between a one-year or a multi-year membership at a discounted price.
What Other Kinds of Human Resources Degrees Are There?
A degree in human resources is available at every level of study, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. Students may also pursue several certificate programs related to human resources and business topics in order to broaden their knowledge in the field.
Although there are several lucrative careers available to graduates with bachelor's degrees in human resources, students may want to continue their education in an advanced degree program for more opportunities and a higher salary. We will discuss the different levels of study for human resources in the following sections.
Associate Degrees in Human Resources
Associate degrees in human resources are designed to teach students wide-ranging foundational business and human resource management functions. Typically, students can expect to take 60 credits worth of general education requirements (math, reading, writing, etc.), core topics in team-building, employment law, economics, and management; as well as electives.
Although students may culminate their two-year associate human resources degree programs with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, oftentimes, they will receive an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Generally, students with associate degrees in human resources continue their education in a bachelor's degree program or seek entry-level employment in the field, such as a human resources assistant role.
Master's Degrees in Human Resources
A master's degree in human resources may be ideal for individuals seeking a mid-level HR career or management opportunities. Usually, master-level human resources programs cover advanced topics in human resource management, including organizational efficiency, best practices, employment law, and corporate ethics.
Generally, a master's degree program for human resources consists of 30-36 credits and takes about two years to complete. Students pursuing graduate degrees in human resources may also partake in internships to gain practical experience in the HR field, as well as demonstrate their learning with a Capstone project or thesis/dissertation. Master's degrees in human resources are typically a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources.
Doctoral Degrees in Human Resources
A doctorate in human resources is the highest level of academic scholarship that an individual can pursue and is ideal for those seeking research, leadership, or higher education teaching positions. Doctoral human resources programs focus on dissecting ways to make human resource operations run more effectively, including improving HR practices and organizational strategies.
Doctoral students are often required to complete approximately 60-80 credits in 3-5 years; however, some programs consist of less or more credits. Other program requirements for a doctorate in human resources may include teaching apprenticeships, training, fieldwork, independent study, exit exams, and a thesis/dissertation and defense.
Upon completion of their doctoral programs in human resources, students can expect to receive a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Certificates in Human Resources
Students may obtain several different certificates in human resources at the undergraduate or graduate level. Most certificate programs are offered online, in-person, or in a hybrid learning environment, require 12-18 credits in select human resources topics, and typically take about a year to complete.
Students may gain several benefits from enrolling in a human resources certificate program, including improving their industry skill sets, developing new skills, and expanding their knowledge in human resource management. Students may also use their human resources certificate to apply for entry-level positions, seek career advancement, or gain foundational knowledge in core topics before enrolling in an associate degree program. Common certificates in human resources include Human Resource Management, HR Analytics, Recruiting and Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Organizational Leadership.
Individuals who do not wish to enroll in a degree or certificate program may also sign up for free online human resources courses; however, these courses do not typically count towards college credit.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Human Resources Degrees
Tuition costs typically vary by school and program; however, students enrolled in human resources bachelor's degree programs who need assistance paying for their education may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. To determine the amount of federal financial aid a student may receive, individuals should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to be eligible for FAFSA, students must demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen or maintain eligible non-citizen status, attend an accredited school, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Other forms of financial aid are available through scholarships and grants, which students can search and apply for online. Additionally, employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs to students, or some individuals may qualify for military and veteran benefits.
To learn more about tuition and financing, FAFSA, and scholarships, students should reach out to their school's financial aid office to speak with a representative.
Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship
The Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship is available through MRA in order to support individuals pursuing a degree in human resources. Enrolled juniors and seniors may apply for the scholarship, which is offered annually. Winners of the scholarship receive an award of $1,500 towards their degree program, as well as free access to one of MRA's training programs.
Matchr HR Scholarship
The Matchr HR Scholarship is offered annually to students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate human resources degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States. Candidates must have completed one HR management course by the time they apply for the scholarship, as well as maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Winners will receive $1,000 to apply towards tuition, books, and other campus-related costs.
