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Bachelor of Science Business Administration

Online Human Resource Management Degree

OVERVIEW

An Online Human Resources Degree to Help You Stand Out


 

This degree in human resources is designed to help professionals enhance their résumé and gain critical HR skills. If you're ready for an exciting career focused on connecting with employees and helping them thrive, our accredited online college in human resources is your first step. Prepare to boost your earning potential, be eligible for promotions, and find great career success with the help of an online HR degree.

Successful human resource managers need specialized skills and credentials. Some of the top skills you will learn in this online HR program include:

  • Recruitment and employee management
  • Benefits administration
  • Policy management
  • DEI across all HR functions
  • Application of HR technology
  • Strategic use of metrics to support decision making
  • Global HR practices 

The right online HR degree will help you learn these specialized skills, making you a credentialed expert ready to work well with employees and leaders. Additionally, every student in WGU's HR program is eligible to join our online SHRM virtual student chapter. This organization helps students continue their education and networking with the HR field through events, presentations, and other resources.

72% of graduates finish within 

43 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,755

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their HR degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Average salary increase

$14,637*

B.S human resource management graduates report an average salary increase of $14,637 after completing their WGU degree.

*WGU Internal Data

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COURSES

HR Management Courses

Program consists of 41 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.  What you learn in this program will often be directly applicable the next day at work—and what you’re doing at work will frequently inform the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

This online program is composed of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

The human resource management degree program allows students to earn valuable certificates on their path to a degree. You'll earn the strategic thinking and innovation, leadership, and human resource management certificates as part of this degree program. These certificates will help you boost your resume before you graduate.

Human Resources
Business Management
IT Fundamentals
Business Core
General Education

41 Courses

Program consists of 41 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.  What you learn in this program will often be directly applicable the next day at work—and what you’re doing at work will frequently inform the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you face in your place of business. 

“In addition to advancing my career, having my education has been a huge asset for my kids. WGU has absolutely changed my life, and, more importantly, has changed the lives of my kids as well.”

—Misty Dieffenbach
B.S. Human Resource Management

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Why WGU?

Earning Potential

An online human resources degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. After graduation WGU human resource students report earning $14,637* more per year.

*WGU Internal Data

On Your Schedule

Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education

Entirely Online

The human resource bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

WGU’s online HR degree program has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with their HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, preparing students for the SHRM-CP exam. WGU has its own online, SHRM virtual student chapter that all school of business students at WGU are welcome to join. This SHRM virtual student chapter will help students continue learning and networking within the HR profession. WGU has also aligned its curriculum to the body of knowledge created by HR Certification Institute and prepares students for the PHR exam.

COST & TIME

An Online HR Management Degree That's Affordable

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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An HR Management Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

What Makes Us Different: An HR Management Degree Designed to Fit Today’s Busy Lifestyles

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and oftentimes unpredictable for today’s business professionals. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how online education should be in today’s world. No interrupting your work or family obligations. No rigid class schedules. No barriers to earning your degree on your own terms. Just a solid, career-focused education that dovetails seamlessly with your current lifestyle. 

This online B.S. in Business Administration – Human Resource Management degree program is designed for working professionals, so you don't have to quit your job or leave your other responsibilities behind to get an online HR degree. You don't have to log in to classes, your assignments don't have due-dates—you're in charge of your education.

 

“My degree from WGU helped me advance from an entry-level position. WGU has a spokesperson in every alumnus—their job knowledge gained from their coursework speaks for itself.”

—Megan Elizabeth Darveau,
Human Resource Generalist,
Phoenix Healthcare Management Services

CAREER OUTLOOK

Strengthen Your Strategic Business Skills with a Degree in HR Management

Organizations largely succeed or fail based on the employees they hire and their engagement—talented, happy employees deliver much better outcomes. That is why hiring skilled, qualified HR managers and professionals are so pivotal for every company, institution, and organization. These professionals help find the right employees, train them, and ensure they have a positive experience. When you complete an accredited human resources degree program you will gain critical skills and credentials that will help you stand out from the competition in an exciting and lucrative field. Start your journey to an online human resources degree today.

To become an HR manager or HR professional, you’ll need to learn how to plan, direct, and coordinate the employee-related functions of an organization. WGU’s online bachelor’s degree program in human resource management is designed to help you develop specialized skills in areas like workforce planning, training and development, compensation and benefits, and more. If you’re ready for the next step in your professional development, HR can be both an exciting field and a solid career choice.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

7%

Human resource management professions are expected to grow by 7% by the year 2031, which is faster than the national average for job growth.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An Online Human Resource Degree That Helps You Focus on Helping Others

Our 3,975-plus B.S. Business Administration – HR Management alumni are thriving in satisfying careers in all kinds of organizations and industries.

Relevant HR Skills

  • Talent Acquisition
  • HR Management
  • Employee Relations
  • Training and Development
  • Performance Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Total Rewards Management
  • Change Management

Employment Opportunities

  • HR Generalist
  • Recruitment Specialist
  • HR Manager
  • HR Business Partner
  • Compensation and Benefits Analyst
  • Director of HR
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • HR Specialist
  • Talent Acquisition Manager

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

ADMISSIONS

Admissions Requirements - HR Management

Applicants to undergraduate School of Business programs must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following options below:

  • Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associates degree (A.A or A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Option 3: Submit high school transcripts for review with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

MORE DETAILS

WGU Certificates in HR Management


 

The Human Resource Management bachelor's degree program allows students to earn valuable credentials on their path to a degree, including the human resource management, strategic thinking and innovation, and leadership certificates. These certificates allow you to demonstrate mastery and add credentials to your résumé before you even graduate with your degree.

Commonly Asked Questions About the HR Management Degree

If you're interested in a career in human resources, often a specific degree in human resource management will be key in helping you be prepared. An HR degree will go over important business practices, human capital management, benefits, compensation, and more.

If you want to pursue a career in human resources, a business major or degree, and usually a specific human resource management degree, is the ideal fit. This degree program will help you learn about business basics while also giving you information about compensation, benefits, human capital, and more.

 

A bachelor's degree in human resources is an undergraduate degree, typically in a business college. This degree program will give students knowledge on business fundamentals, as well as specialized skills in benefits, human capital, compensation, and more. 

In an online HR degree from WGU you can expect coursework on many topics including:

  • Functions of Human Resource Management
  • Employment and Labor Law
  • Total Rewards
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Strategic Training and Development
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Global HR
  • HR Technology
  • Agile HR
  • Project Management
  • Change Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Values Based Leadership

Yes! WGU offers a fully online human resource degree program. Our online degrees mean that students can pursue an HR bachelor's degree whenever and wherever works best for them. You don't have to log in to class at a certain time, and you can move forward in your courses as quickly as you're able. 

If you earn a bachelor's degree in human resources you'll be prepared for many exciting careers including:

  • HR Generalist
  • Recruitment Specialist
  • HR Manager
  • HR Business Partner
  • Compensation and Benefits Analyst
  • Director of HR
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • HR Specialist
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
  • CHRO

You have the potential to earn three certificates as you complete the human resource management degree at WGU. Certificates are a group of courses related to a set of knowledge that are awarded when competency is demonstrated. Within the human resources degree, and in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll can earn certificates in strategic thinking and innovation, leadership, and human resources. These certificates provide a group of courses that will compliment your HR career with an understanding of how strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership enhance your HR activities. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?