When preparing for a career in Human Resources (HR), it is important to distinguish between the types of HR positions available in the workforce. Some companies look for HR generalists to handle a wide range of needs. Other companies prefer to hire HR specialists such as recruiters, benefits specialists, compensation specialists, or placement specialists. You have to decide where you want to focus your efforts. In order to do that, you need to decide what type of HR education you want. Fortunately for you, obtaining an HR degree has never been easier. Online or distance learning has made it possible to get a quality education in the comfort of your own home. After all, you may be working in another field entirely with little time to spare. Or you could be functioning in HR and looking for upward mobility. Whatever your reasons, online learning could be a solution. The best online Human Resources programs were evaluated and ranked by The Best Schools.org and U.S. News & World Report. Factors such as programs offered, faculty, quality of programs and online track record were used to rank the best schools.
Top Five Human Resources Online Degree Programs
- Penn State World Campus
- Colorado State University - Global Campus
- LeTourneau University
- Concordia University - St. Paul
- Saint Leo University Online
Penn State World Campus
Ranked #3 by U.S. News & World Report, Penn State offers an accredited program consistent with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Curriculum. Students can choose from either a Bachelor of Science- or Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies and Employment Relations. The BS degree focuses on the quantitative aspects of human resources. This is designed to help those who want to work in staffing, recruiting, training, or benefits. The BA degree offers courses designed for students who are interested in the psychology of HR. Fields related to this include labor relations, diversity, organizational culture or social work. Faculty members come from backgrounds in employee relations, labor law, organizational labor and more.
Highlights
- Accredited program
- Guidelines aligned with SHRM standards
- Students can choose a Bachelor or Science or a Bachelor of Arts
Colorado State University - Global Campus
Colorado State students can choose from over twenty specializations for the Bachelor of Science HR degree. These include marketing, homeland security, public administration, healthcare and much more. The program is also aligned with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Curriculum and is ranked #16 by U.S. News & World Report. The CSU degree program includes a senior year capstone project.
Highlights
- Guidelines aligned with SHRM standards
- Accredited program
- Offers over twenty HR specializations
LeTourneau University
With an accelerated program and classes lasting three to seven weeks, LeTourneau comes in at #27 on the U.S. News & World Report listing. Along with traditional general education courses, students are expected to take 3 hours of bible courses. Specialty courses include conflict resolution, labor law, compensation and benefits, employment law and others.
Highlights
- Accelerated program
- Christian based education
- Bible courses are required
Concordia University - St. Paul
The Bachelor’s program at Concordia University is designed to help HR professionals become an integral partner in their organizations. Each student will take 128 credit hours of which 40 comprise the HR major. Students may opt to take come courses online and some on-campus. Ranked #93 on U.S. News & World Report’s best regional schools, Concordia offers courses in staffing, recruiting, organizational management.
Highlights
- Accredited program
- Can be taken online and on-campus
- Bachelor’s degree program
Saint Leo University Online
The Saint Leo online HR program is consistent with the guidelines set forth by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Curriculum. The online program also includes an internship. Students are expected to choose courses in the following categories: Human Mosaic, Creative Life, Reflective and Spiritual Life (Philosophy and Religion), and the Human Adventure. These courses make up electives and other education courses. Core classes include compensation, HR development, organization psychology and others.
Highlights
- Accredited program
- Guidelines aligned with SHRM standards
- Degree includes an internship
Human Resources is an expanding field in which participants can select general employment or specialize in areas of concentration. Online schools provide students with real world coursework recognized by industry experts. Your options are only limited by the scope to which you wish to focus. HR professionals can enhance their credentials and newcomers can obtain new skills. With modern fields like cyber security, homeland security, mobile technology, HR professionals can tailor educational goals to match professional requirements.