Choosing to pursue an accelerated Human Resources degree online does have its advantages. Accelerated degree programs are designed to speed up the education process so that the student can move forward faster in terms of reaching their goals and earning higher wages. A 2-year or 24-month degree program can be completed in approximately 18-months enabling the student to apply for higher-paying jobs with more responsibilities in a much shorter period of time. Accelerated Human Resources online degree programs are ideal for individuals who don’t need a full degree program but will still benefit from having additional information.
Earning an accelerated Human Resources degree online makes it possible for the student to work full time and also incorporate what they are learning into their job in real-time. This helps them to build experience while they are learning. It reinforces the lessons they are being taught and may even encourage them to ask more in-depth questions when it comes to performing their duties and taking the initiative to move forward in their career. In many cases, an accelerated degree program is just what the student needs to give their career a little push in the right direction.
Featured Schools
Methodology: Ranking the Best Accelerated Human Resources Degree Online Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Center editors built our ranking of the best online accelerated human resources degrees around more than just speed, although the pool starts with accredited institutions offering accelerated-format online programs. From there, we ranked programs by the tuition rate, student satisfaction, and job market reputation.
1. Columbia College
Columbia College of Missouri’s Plaster School of Business offers either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Human Resource Management that has received accreditation from the ACBSP, the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs. These accelerated human resources degree online programs each require degree candidates to complete 120 credit units to graduate. Students graduate are prepared to enter the workforce in the areas of talent acquisition, labor relations, risk management, training, benefits, and management, among others. Students attending Columbia College’s undergraduate human resources program enjoy small class sizes and the latest technology in cutting-edge classrooms.
Columbia College (CC) was established in 1851 as a nonprofit institution of higher education by legislative charter. This non-sectarian college has 40 academic facilities in fourteen states that serve more than 1800 students but is historically connected to the Disciples of Christ.
What We Like: Columbia College operates nearly 20 campuses on military bases across the country.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BS/BA
Columbia College of Missouri Human Resource Management, BS/BA
2. Florida International University
Florida International University’s Landon Undergraduate School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management that can be completed entirely online. Florida International University’s accelerated human resources degree online programs require students to complete 120 semester credits, with half of the credits dedicated to upper-division coursework. To name a few, classes included in FIU’s undergraduate human resource management degree include staffing, employment law, diversity, recruitment, training & development, and international human resource management. Every FIU degree candidate partners with a personal success coach during their school tenure.
Florida International University was established in 1965. Florida International University’s student enrollment nears 59,000, making it the fourth largest student enrollment in the nation. Florida International University’s athletes have garnered several championships, including NCAA national champs.
What We Like: FIU holds the distinction of having grown into the largest university within the greater metropolitan Miami area.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BBA
Florida International University Human Resource Management, BBA
3. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University offers a BS in Leadership and Human Resource Development (LHRD) that is available as an accelerated human resources degree online program. Degree candidates graduated prepared for rewarding careers as a corporate trainer, curriculum developer, human resource manager, or improvement consultant, among others. A minimum of 24 semester credits must include coursework that is a 1000-level course or higher.
Louisiana State University (LSU) was established in 1860 because of the land grant act. Louisiana State University’s main campus is situated alongside the Mississippi River and serves nearly 32,000 students. In addition, Louisiana State University is a space-grant and sea-grant school.
What We Like: Louisiana State University is a flagship campus and flagship school of the state.
Degree: Leadership and Human Resource Development, BS
Louisiana State University BS in Leadership and Human Resource Development
4. Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University offers a BBA in Human Resource Management that is available entirely online or on the Bismarck and Williston campuses. The accelerated human resources degree online program from Dickinson State University requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits in classes such as business law, labor relations, compensation management, workforce diversity, and staffing, to name a few. Business core coursework includes leadership, business policy, managerial finance, marketing organizational behavior, and business ethics, among others.
Dickinson State University was established in 1918 as a teacher training institute. Dickinson State University is a member school of the North Dakota University System. Dickinson State University’s urban campus covers more than 100 acres and serves more than 1,200 students.
What We Like: DSU was one of more than 120 schools that participated in the navy training program during World War II.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BBA
Dickinson State University BBA in Human Resource Management
5. Indiana State University
Indiana State University offers a BS in Human Resource Development for Higher Education and Industry that is available entirely online. Best College Reviews and sussessfulstudent.org have recognized ISU’s accelerated human resources degree online program. The undergraduate human resources program from Indiana State University has received accreditation from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Coursework for ISU’s human resource degree includes organizational development, social and behavioral science, occupational liability, and industrial-organizational psychology, among others.
Indiana State University (ISU) was established in 1865 as a teacher training school. This public institution of higher education’s urban campus is home to more than 12,000 students studying for more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Terre Haute.
What We Like: Indiana State University’s library system includes a collection of more than 2 million items.
Degree: Human Resource Development for Higher Education and Industry, BS
Indiana State University BS in Human Resource Development
6. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University’s Department of Management offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Human Resource Management program that has received accreditation from the AACSB – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Forbes recognizes St. Cloud State University’s accelerated human resources degree online program among the top 3% most affordable higher education institutions among top colleges. Degree candidates find rewarding careers as talent acquisition managers, management consultants, employment law, benefits specialists, and employee relations managers, among others.
St. Cloud State University (SCU) was established in 1869 as a teacher’s training school. The school’s urban campus in St. Cloud covers more than 90 acres and serves more than 16,100 students.
What We Like: St. Cloud State University holds the distinction of being one of the larger members of the MSCU – the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BS
St. Cloud State University Human Resource Management, BS
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BS in Human Resource Management that can be completed 100% online. Degree candidates that are enrolled in UMD Global Campus’ accelerated human resources degree online program must complete 120 semester hours to graduate. These classes include organizational communication, labor relations, finance for nonfinance managers, human resource management, and employment law for business, to name a few. UMD Global Campus offers a generous credit transfer policy of up to 90 eligible credits.
The University of Maryland was established under the land grant act in 1856. As a flagship institution of higher learning in Maryland, the University of Maryland is also the largest university in the greater metropolitan Washington area.
What We Like: The school is a sea-grant and space-grant university with a student enrollment that exceeds 41,100 students.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BS
University of Maryland Global Campus BS in Human Resource Management
8. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers a BS in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education that is recognized among the best accelerated human resources degree online programs by US News. UA’s undergraduate degree in human resources and workforce development requires the completion of 120 semester hours over a two to four-year period. Additionally, students enrolled in this program are required to complete a capstone project to graduate.
The University of Arkansas was established in 1871 as the result of the land grant act known as the Arkansas Industrial University. U of A is also the University of Arkansas’s flagship campus and a space-grant institution of higher learning. The University of Arkansas’ college-town campus covers more than 400 acres and serves more than 27,500 students.
What We Like: The school is situated on ‘the hill’ as it overlooks the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
Degree: Human Resource and Workforce Development Education, BS
University of Arkansas BS in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
9. Portland State University
Portland State University’s School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree program in Human Resource Management that is available 100% online. Degree candidates enrolled in PSU’s accelerated human resources degree online program find rewarding careers in labor relations, employee compensation, human resource management, performance management, organizational culture, and leadership development, to name a few. PSU’s human resource degree has received accreditation from the AACSB – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Portland State University was established in 1946 as an academic institution for returning veterans of World War II. Portland State University is organized into seven colleges/schools that offer more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees to the schools 25,000+ students.
What We Like: The Princeton Review’s School of Business Administration among the top 294 and PSU has been considered among the most innovative schools in the nation.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BBA
Portland State University Human Resource Management, BBA
10. Wilmington University
Wilmington University’s School of Business offers a BS in Human Resource Management that requires students to complete 120 semester credits to graduate. Wilmington University’s accelerated human resources degree online program includes coursework like business ethics, human capital management, organizational development, staffing, compensation administration, plus a senior internship in a related field. Wilmington University offers a concentration in nonprofit management for those human resource degree candidates interested in working in that sector.
Wilmington University was established in 1968 as a private institution of higher education in New Castle, Delaware. The school operates six academic facilities in Delaware and several in New Jersey and Maryland. The school serves more than 20,100 students studying for the more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
What We Like: The college of business has received accreditation from the IACBE – the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Degree: Human Resource Management, BS
Wilmington University BS in Human Resource Management
Why Should I Choose an Accelerated Human Resources Degree?
An accelerated human resources degree program is a great option for those who want to enter the workforce quickly. These programs are often offered online, which allows students to balance their personal and professional lives while still advancing in their career.
With an accelerated human resources degree, you will be able to get into the workforce faster than with a traditional degree. You will also learn how to make decisions that are beneficial for your company’s future and understand the complexities of managing employees.
An accelerated human resources degree program is the perfect solution for students who want to finish their education in a shorter time than a traditional B.A. or B.S. degree would take. These programs are also great for working professionals who want to advance their careers with a human resources-related degree and have the opportunity to study at their own pace and on their own time, without having to be physically present on campus.
The content of these courses is typically more practical and hands-on than that of a traditional human resources degree program, which can be an excellent way for aspiring HR professionals to get ahead in today’s competitive job market.
Of course, working HR professionals can often use prior learning, prerequisites, and real-world work experience to transfer credits that can get them through a degree faster. The admission requirements for a degree completion program can be easier to get through the application process than a traditional on campus HR degree program. That means less in financial aid to pay back.
With ready-made college credits, no general education requirements, multiple start dates, competency-based grading, and flexible electives, an online HR management program may be perfect for working human resource professionals. Online courses help learners build decision-making skills.
How Can a Degree Help My Human Resources Career?
Human Resources is a field where degrees are not required to get hired. If you have the right skills and experience, then you can work in HR without a degree.
It is possible to work in HR without a degree. HR professionals who have worked for companies for more than five years can even apply for an executive level position without one.
However, a degree can make a positive impact on your career in many way.
A degree in HR can provide a competitive advantage to a candidate. There are many benefits of having a degree in HR and it can help you get the job that you want.
The first benefit of having an HR degree is that it will make you more qualified for the job. You will be able to understand how the company works and what skills are needed for certain positions. That way, when you apply for a job, you will be able to show why you are qualified for this position.
The second benefit is that it will give people more confidence in your abilities as an HR professional. It is important that people have confidence in your abilities because they need to trust that they can rely on your judgement with any decisions they make regarding their career.
The third benefit is that it will make you more marketable than someone without one because employers know that degrees mean commitment and dedication which means they will hire someone who has one over someone who doesn’t even if they have the same background.
What If I Don’t Need a Bachelor’s Degree?
Earning a Human Resources certificate online is another option for individuals who are already employed and are simply looking for the credentials to back up the experience they already have. Certificates for Human Resources offer the graduate an opportunity to be recognized for the years of work they have already put into their career. Most Human Resources certification programs can be completed in less time than even an accelerated online degree program while still providing much of the same knowledge. When a Bachelor’s degree isn’t really called for, a Human Resources certificate online program will provide everything the student needs.
There are many situations in which a Bachelor’s degree isn’t really needed. Many certifications and licenses require the individual to earn a specific number of continuing education credit hours each year. With programs that offer certificates for Human Resources, they can earn the certificate and apply the credit hours they receive for their continuing education requirements.
The certificates can also be placed in the individual’s employee file to show that they have taken the initiative to continue to learn as much as they can in order to advance their career. The professional development aspect alone can make a certificate worth it.What Does Human Resources Mean?
What is the Purpose of Human Resources?
The Human Resources team does much more than just hiring and firing employees. They maintain detailed employee files that contain a complete record of each employee’s history with the company. This includes any warnings, disciplinary actions, awards, recognition, and evaluations that have been performed throughout their career. The Human Resources team also helps to evaluate an employee’s ability to perform their duties and may actually recommend them for advancement if their skills and reputation are above average. Certifications take much less time to complete and can be finished online, making it easy for the student to continue to work a 40-hour a week job.
Human Resources team members are also responsible for benefits packages like retirement packages, insurance plans, and achievement milestones. When it comes to financial packages that include retirement plans and insurance, the Human Resources team works to provide each employee with packages that meet their needs in every way possible. It’s also up to the HR team to assist when any type of claim is filed with insurance. Special training is sometimes needed for the HR employee to be able to work with insurance and financial programs.
Some of the job titles in the HR field include:
- human resources specialist
- development specialist
- strategic management
Why Is Human Resources Important?
Human Resources is a very important department. First and foremost, the HR team manages the company’s human resources. The team creates a file on every employee detailing their strengths and weaknesses. They know what type of education they have and what skills they excel in. This information allows the HR team to offer employees opportunities for advancement as well as being able to honor them for their achievements and hard work.
When an employee experiences difficulties while on the job, it is up to the HR team to step in and help resolve the issues and solve any problems that may exist.
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