If you are interested in pursuing a career in human resources (HR), you may want to consider earning an online HR degree. An online HR degree can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to succeed in this field.

You can also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of studying from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace.

But how do you earn an online HR degree in 2023? What are the benefits, costs, features, and options of online HR degree programs? How do you compare and contrast different online HR degree programs and find the best one for your career goals?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to earn an online HR degree in 2023.

We will also provide you with some information, benefits, and transactional details about the top online HR degree programs in 2023. We hope that this article will help you make an informed decision and find the best online HR degree for you.

What is an Online HR Degree?

An online HR degree is a type of academic degree that focuses on the study of human resources management and administration. Human resources are the function of an organization that deals with the people who work there.

HR professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, developing, compensating, and retaining employees. They also ensure compliance with labor laws, ethical standards, and organizational policies.

An online HR degree can be offered at different levels, such as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral. However, the most common and popular level is the bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete.

A bachelor’s degree in HR can prepare you for entry-level or mid-level positions in HR, such as HR specialist, HR generalist, HR coordinator, or HR assistant.

An online HR degree can also prepare you for professional certification in HR, which can enhance your credibility and employability in the field. Some of the most recognized and respected HR certifications are:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), offered by the HRCI.
• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD)

An online HR degree can be delivered in different formats, such as synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid. Synchronous means that you need to attend live online sessions at scheduled times and interact with instructors and classmates. Asynchronous means that you can access the online courses and assignments anytime, without having to attend live sessions or meet deadlines. Hybrid means that you need to complete some courses or components online, and some on campus or at a local site.

An online HR degree can also vary in terms of the curriculum, accreditation, cost, duration, and reputation of the program. Therefore, you need to do your research and evaluation before choosing an online HR degree program that suits your needs and goals.

Why Earn an Online HR Degree?

There are many reasons why you may want to earn an online HR degree, such as:

• Career advancement: An online HR degree can help you qualify for higher-level or more specialized positions in HR, such as HR manager, HR director, HR consultant, or HR educator. It can also help you earn a higher salary, as the median annual wage for HR managers was $121,220 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Career change: An online HR degree can help you transition to a career in HR from another field, such as business, education, psychology, or sociology. It can also help you gain the skills and knowledge to work in different industries, sectors, or organizations that need HR professionals, such as healthcare, education, government, or nonprofit.
• Career growth: An online HR degree can help you keep up with the latest trends and developments in HR, such as diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, talent management, HR analytics, and HR technology. It can also help you prepare for the future of work, which may involve remote work, gig work, artificial intelligence, or automation.
• Career satisfaction: An online HR degree can help you pursue your passion and interest in working with people and helping them achieve their potential. It can also help you make a positive impact on the organizational culture, performance, and outcomes.

How Much Does an Online HR Degree Cost?

The cost of an online HR degree can vary depending on several factors, such as the level, format, curriculum, accreditation, and reputation of the program.

However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for a four-year online bachelor’s degree program in 2020-2021 was $13,016 per year for public institutions, and $36,801 per year for private institutions.

However, the cost of an online HR degree may not include other expenses, such as books, supplies, technology, transportation, or living costs. Therefore, you need to consider your total budget and financial resources before enrolling in an online HR degree program.

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the cost of an online HR degree, such as:

• Applying for financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study programs, from the federal government, state government, or the online HR degree program itself. You can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility and amount of financial aid.
• Transferring previous credits or degrees from other accredited institutions, which can shorten the duration and lower the cost of your online HR degree program. You can also earn credits by taking exams, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), or by demonstrating prior learning or experience, such as military service, professional training, or certification.
• Choosing an online HR degree program that offers a flat-rate tuition, which means that you pay the same amount per term or year, regardless of the number of credits or courses you take. This can help you save money by taking more credits or courses per term or year, and completing your online HR degree program faster.
• Choosing an online HR degree program that offers a tuition discount, which means that you pay a lower amount per credit or course, based on certain criteria or conditions. For example, some online HR degree programs may offer a tuition discount for military personnel, veterans, spouses, or dependents, or for alumni, employees, or partners of the online HR degree program.

What are the Features of Online HR Degree Programs?

Online HR degree programs can have different features, such as:

• Accreditation: Accreditation is a process of quality assurance and recognition that evaluates the standards and outcomes of an online HR degree program. Accreditation can be regional, national, or specialized. Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted and respected type of accreditation, and it is granted by regional accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). National accreditation is another type of accreditation, and it is granted by national accrediting agencies that are also recognized by the ED and the CHEA. However, national accreditation is less common and less accepted than regional accreditation, and it may not be transferable to other institutions or programs. Specialized accreditation is a type of accreditation that focuses on a specific field or discipline, and it is granted by specialized accrediting agencies that are also recognized by the ED and the CHEA. For example, some online HR degree programs may have specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which are the leading accrediting agencies for business education.
• Curriculum: Curriculum is the content and structure of an online HR degree program, which includes the courses, assignments, projects, and assessments that students need to complete. Curriculum can vary depending on the level, format, focus, and goals of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and core topics that an online HR degree program may cover are:
  • HR fundamentals, such as the history, evolution, and functions of HR, and the roles and responsibilities of HR professionals
  • HR management, such as the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling of HR activities and resources, and the alignment of HR strategy with organizational strategy.
  • HR law, such as the legal and ethical issues and regulations that affect HR practices and policies, such as employment discrimination, harassment, labor relations, health and safety, and privacy.
  • HR operations, such as the design, implementation, and evaluation of HR processes and systems, such as recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, benefits, performance management, and retention
  • HR development, such as the identification, assessment, and enhancement of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees and managers, and the creation and delivery of learning and development programs and interventions
  • HR analytics, such as the collection, analysis, and visualization of HR data and metrics, and the use of HR analytics to support decision making and improve HR outcomes.
  • HR issues, such as the current and emerging challenges and opportunities that affect HR practices and policies, such as diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, talent management, HR technology, and the future of work.
  • Faculty: Faculty are the instructors and mentors who teach and guide the students in an online HR degree program. Faculty can vary depending on the qualifications, experiences, and backgrounds of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and desirable characteristics that an online HR degree program faculty may have are:
    • Academic credentials, such as a master’s or doctoral degree in HR or a related field, and accreditation or certification in HR or a related field
    • Professional experience, such as working or consulting in HR or a related field, and having relevant and current knowledge and skills in HR or a related field
    • Teaching experience, such as teaching or facilitating online or on-campus courses or programs in HR or a related field, and having effective and engaging pedagogical and technological skills in online or on-campus education
    • Research experience, such as conducting or publishing research or scholarship in HR or a related field, and having original and innovative contributions to the field of HR or a related field

• Resources: Resources are the materials and services that support the learning and success of the students in an online HR degree program. Resources can vary depending on the availability, quality, and accessibility of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and useful resources that an online HR degree program may offer are:
  • Course materials, such as textbooks, articles, videos, podcasts, webinars, and other multimedia and interactive content that provide the information and instruction for the online HR courses
  • Learning management system (LMS), such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or D2L, which is the online platform that hosts and delivers the online HR courses and assignments, and allows the students to access, submit, and track their progress and grades
  • Library, such as the online or on-campus library that provides the students with access to books, journals, databases, and other academic and professional sources and references for their online HR courses and assignments
  • Tutoring, such as the online or on-campus tutoring service that provides the students with academic assistance and guidance for their online HR courses and assignments, such as writing, math, or statistics
  • Advising, such as the online or on-campus advising service that provides the students with academic and career counseling and support for their online HR degree program, such as choosing courses, transferring credits, applying for financial aid, or finding internships or jobs
  • Mentoring, such as the online or on-campus mentoring service that provides the students with personal and professional mentoring and coaching for their online HR degree program, such as developing skills, building networks, or preparing for certification

What are the Options of Online HR Degree Programs?

Online HR degree programs can have different options, such as:

• Concentration: Concentration is a specific area or topic of focus within an online HR degree program, which allows the students to customize and specialize their online HR education according to their interests and goals. Concentration can vary depending on the availability, diversity, and depth of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and popular concentrations that an online HR degree program may offer are:
  • HR Strategy, which focuses on the alignment of HR strategy with organizational strategy, and the development and implementation of HR policies and practices that support the organizational vision, mission, and goals
  • HR Leadership, which focuses on the development and application of HR leadership skills and competencies, such as communication, collaboration, influence, and change management, and the creation and maintenance of a positive and productive organizational culture
  • HR Analytics, which focuses on the use of HR data and metrics to measure and improve HR performance and outcomes, and the use of HR analytics tools and techniques, such as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, to support HR decision making and problem solving
  • HR Technology, which focuses on the use of HR technology systems and solutions, such as HR information systems, HR software, HR applications, and HR platforms, to automate, streamline, and optimize HR processes and functions, and to enhance HR service delivery and user experience
  • HR Diversity and Inclusion, which focuses on the promotion and management of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and the design and implementation of HR policies and practices that foster a fair, respectful, and equitable work environment for all employees
• Minor: Minor is a secondary area or topic of study that complements an online HR degree program, which allows the students to broaden and diversify their online HR education according to their interests and goals. Minor can vary depending on the availability, compatibility, and flexibility of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and relevant minors that an online HR degree program may offer are:
  • Business, which covers the basic and essential topics and skills of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics, and provides the students with a general and practical understanding of the business environment and operations
  • Psychology, which covers the scientific and applied topics and skills of psychology, such as cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, and social behavior, and provides the students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of the human mind and behavior
  • Sociology, which covers the systematic and critical topics and skills of sociology, such as culture, society, groups, organizations, and social change, and provides the students with a sociological and analytical understanding of the social world and issues
  • Communication, which covers the interpersonal and organizational topics and skills of communication, such as verbal, nonverbal, written, and digital communication, and provides the students with a communicative and expressive understanding of the interaction and exchange of information and ideas
  • Education, which covers the educational and instructional topics and skills of education, such as learning theories, curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment strategies, and provides the students with an educational and pedagogical understanding of the learning and development of individuals and groups
• Dual Degree: Dual degree is a combination of two different degrees that can be earned simultaneously or consecutively in an online HR degree program, which allows the students to accelerate and integrate their online HR education according to their interests and goals. Dual degree can vary depending on the availability, feasibility, and requirements of the online HR degree program. However, some of the common and beneficial dual degrees that an online HR degree program may offer are:
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s in HR, which allows the students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in HR in a shorter and more efficient time than earning them separately, and provides the students with a comprehensive and advanced online HR education that can prepare them for higher-level or more specialized positions or further education in HR.
  • Bachelors in HR and MBA, which allows the students to earn both a bachelor’s degree in HR and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in a shorter and more efficient time than earning them separately and provides the students with a multidisciplinary and versatile online HR education that can prepare them for leadership or management positions or further education in HR or business.
  • Bachelors in HR and JD, which allows the students to earn both a bachelor’s degree in HR and a juris doctor (JD) degree in law in a shorter and more efficient time than earning them separately and provides the students with an interdisciplinary and specialized online HR education that can prepare them for legal or consulting positions or further education in HR or law.

How to Compare and Contrast Online HR Degree Programs?

To compare and contrast online HR degree programs, you need to consider several criteria, such as:

• Accreditation: You need to check the accreditation status and type of the online HR degree program, and make sure that it is accredited by a reputable and recognized accrediting agency, such as a regional, national, or specialized accrediting agency. You also need to check the accreditation status and type of the online HR degree program’s institution, and make sure that it is accredited by a reputable and recognized accrediting agency, such as a regional or national accrediting agency. Accreditation can affect the quality, credibility, and transferability of your online HR degree, so you need to choose an online HR degree program that is accredited by the best and most appropriate accrediting agency for your needs and goals.
• Curriculum: You need to review the curriculum content and structure of the online HR degree program, and make sure that it covers the topics and skills that you want to learn and that are relevant and current for the field of HR. You also need to review the curriculum alignment and preparation of the online HR degree program, and make sure that it follows the standards and guidelines of the professional associations and certification bodies in HR, such as the SHRM or the HRCI. Curriculum can affect the learning, performance, and outcomes of your online HR degree, so you need to choose an online HR degree program that has a comprehensive, rigorous, and updated curriculum for your needs and goals.
• Faculty: You need to evaluate the faculty qualifications and experiences of the online HR degree program, and make sure that they have the academic credentials, professional experience, teaching experience, and research experience that are suitable and sufficient for teaching and mentoring online HR students. You also need to evaluate the faculty availability and accessibility of the online HR degree program, and make sure that they are responsive, supportive, and engaging with online HR students. Faculty can affect the instruction, guidance, and feedback of your online HR degree, so you need to choose an online HR degree program that has a qualified, experienced, and available faculty for your needs and goals.
• Resources: You need to assess the resources availability and quality of the online HR degree program, and make sure that they provide the materials and services that can support your learning and success in the online HR degree program. You also need to assess the resources compatibility and accessibility of the online HR degree program, and make sure that they are compatible with your devices, software, and internet connection, and that they are accessible 24/7. Resources can affect the support, convenience, and quality of your online HR degree, so you need to choose an online HR degree program that has adequate, high-quality, and accessible resources for your needs and goals.