Human Resources Management

Human Resources Degree Online

If you're looking to start a career that is essential to almost every business, Penn Foster College's online Human Resources Management Associate Degree can help you prepare to take the next steps. Through flexible, online classes over four semesters, you'll learn the skills and knowledge needed to work in HR departments from home.

  • A human resource degree online can help prepare students for entry-level human resources jobs such as HR assistant or human resources coordinator.
  • College-level classes cover essential human resource management concepts needed to help in hiring, training, and compensating employees.
  • Completing a college degree can help you increase your earning potential.
  • The American Council on Education's (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service has evaluated and recommended college credit for some Penn Foster courses.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $500 Ends 12/17/2024

First Semester

$1,199

$1,699 Save $500

or

$65/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

human resource manager talking to employee in her office.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to describe and demonstrate common human resources management (HRM) principles, including how companies should prepare for and implement HRM to hire new employees and create training programs.
  2. How to create and implement effective employee training strategies.
  3. How to evaluate employee performance and motivate workers using compensation strategies.
  4. How to develop an understanding of labor relations, including the interaction between organized labor unions and company management pertaining to rights and responsibilities, negotiations, and collective bargaining.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

HR Management Career Outcomes

Job you could pursue after graduation include:

Human Resources Assistant

AVG SALARY*

$45,930/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

103,680


Our Human Resource Degree online can help prepare graduates to take the next steps toward starting an entry-level career in an HR department or toward furthering their education.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Human Resources Degree Online Curriculum

  • 4 Semesters
  • 29 exams (Semester 1)
  • 68 credits
  • 1 submitted project (Semester 1)


Estimated completion time per semester:

  • Fast track = 4 months
  • Average time = 7 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

In our Human Resources Management Degree classes, you'll build the fundamental skills and knowledge that can help you prepare for entry-level jobs in HR departments in a variety of industries. Your online classes include:


  • Human Resources Management
  • Training Concepts
  • Compensation Management
  • Organizational Behavior

Show Full Curriculum

HR Management Degree Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Human Resources Management Associate Degree can help prepare you for the first step in your HR career. This program has helped recent graduates learn at their own pace, find new jobs, and learn the fundamentals of management. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Brittany K.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“Penn Foster gives the flexibility I need and the resources to succeed.”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Learn More

Human Resources Associate Degree Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our Associate Degree in Human Resources Management Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay semester in full

Save up to $500 Ends 12/17/2024

First Semester1

$1,199

$1,699 Save $500

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 12/17/2024

First Semester1

$1,599

$1,699 Save $100

  • Pay $65 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

First semester1

$1,699

  • Pay $65 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Human Resources Management Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Submitted projects

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

Related Programs

Human Resources Degree Online FAQs

What can you do with a human resources degree?

Earning a degree in human resources can help you prepare for a number of entry-level HR jobs. Through online classes covering everything from the basics of human resources management to labor relations, you can become a helpful member of an HR team in roles like human resources assistant, benefits assistant, compliance specialist, or payroll assistant.

How do I get a job in HR with no experience?

Like any job, employers look for relevant education or work experience on your resume before considering you for the position. If you don't have a background in HR, earning a degree in the field can help. Through a program like Penn Foster's Human Resources Management Associate Degree, you'll learn the foundational skills all HR employees should have, from an understanding of employee benefits and compensation to management skills. You can also combine what you learn in school with previous skills you've gained at other jobs that could be transferrable to the workforce, such as leadership and people skills you may have picked up in a retail job.

What skills do you need for HR?

To be an effective human resource professional, you should have leadership skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, computer skills, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, you should have a basic knowledge of the principles of management, how to resolve conflict and the best methods for training employees. You can build and strengthen most of these skills through an education in human resources.

What are the duties and responsibilities of an HR assistant?

HR assistants are a vital part of an effective HR department. They are often responsible for completing administrative paperwork regarding new hires, termination, benefits, and other workplace programs. They also oversee employment verification and, depending on the size of the company, can be responsible for maintaining a strong company culture through organizing workplace events and guiding conversations around company improvements.