Human Resources Departments are the glue that holds every company together. Human Resources professionals hire and train employees. They negotiate workplace conflicts, employment laws, and maintain employee satisfaction. There are many different roles and positions in Human Resources, including managers, specialists, clerical jobs, and others. An online Associate degree in Human Resources will provide entry-level training in the field.
Each online school on this list provides a program that will lead you toward employment or a bachelor’s degree. Whichever direction you take, if you want to work in Human Resources, earning an online associate’s degree from one of these top online schools will be an excellent choice!
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Check this out: 20 Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Human Resources Degrees
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Methodology:
The OnlineSchoolsCenter.com researcher/writers use specific criteria when compiling lists and rankings of the best online schools. For the 10 Best Online Schools for Associate’s in Human Resources, such factors include:
- An Associate Degree of Arts, Science, or Applied Science, in Human Resources or an equivalent major,
- 100% online availability for coursework, academic resources, and access to professors,
- A curriculum that prepares students for either employment or a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field,
- Outstanding faculty members, staff, and advisors who are readily available to solve any issue,
- And notability among academic resources.
For more detailed information, please navigate to our Methodology Page.
Best Online Schools for Associates of Human Resources Degrees
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
This degree from South Texas College is an online Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Resource Specialist. As an AAS, the coursework is designed to prepare students for employment, where they will work in Human Resources Departments as Assistants, Technicians, Specialists, Benefits Coordinators, and more. The curriculum trains students to sit for the PHR examination, as well. The array of classes is broad and leadership-focused so that students can enter into positions of more responsibility, leadership, and pay.
Campus Location: McAllen, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Payroll and Business Tax Accounting
- Management and Labor Relations
- Benefits and Compensation
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 29.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The focus areas of the online Human Resource Management Associate Degree at Colorado Christian University include human resource administration, leadership, management, business law, and organizational behavior. This program was designed with adult learners in mind, in particular, and, therefore, accommodates individual schedules without issue. Class sizes at CCU are small, and students have a huge amount of access to their professors. The credits that students earn in this program can be applied to the online Bachelor in Human Resource Management, as well.
Campus Location: Lakewood, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Human Resource Administration I and II
- Business Law I and II
- Leadership and Management
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 47%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The Rasmussen College online Associate in Human Resources and Organizational Leadership curriculum is laddered in a way that makes it easier to transfer credits to a four-year institution. The program is offered in Flex Choice, which means that students have the option to take a combination of online classes and assessments so that they can gain credit for what those topics in which they already have knowledge and experience. Some of the focus areas of this program include human resources fundamentals, critical thinking, management skills, and communication.
Campus Location: Bloomington, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Human Resource Management
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Employment Law
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: unavailable
Graduation Rate: 33.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
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BRYANT AND STRATTON COLLEGE
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The associate degree in Human Resources Specialist at this online schools provides key concepts in hiring practices, benefits, payroll, compensation, problem-solving, and more. There is a particularly strong focus on federal, state, and local employment laws while maintaining ethical standards. There are also topics in business administration to strengthen leadership skills in fast-paced and competitive business environments. With this combined understanding of business practices, laws, and human resources principles, graduates are ready to begin their careers.
Campus Location: Buffalo, NY
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership
- Recruitment, Selection, and Staffing
- Employment Law and Labor Relations
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 29.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRYANT AND STRATTON COLLEGE’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN MANAGEMENT – HUMAN RESOURCES
Program Standouts:
This online school provides an Associate in Management with a concentration option in Human Resources. The curriculum is aligned with the standards set forth by the Society for Human Resource Management, which gives students access to the most well-designed human resources courses available. The goals of the program are to teach students to utilize critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving to work through issues in the workplace and nurture a healthy professional environment. The coursework is an excellent foundation for a bachelor’s degree.
Campus Location: Charles Town, WV
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Human Resource Fundamentals
- Employee Training and Development
- Interviewing Fundamentals
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 22%
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN MANAGEMENT – HUMAN RESOURCES
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LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
At Lakeshore Technical College, the online Associate Degree in Human Resource Administration includes training in regulations, laws, and policies, and respectfully leading human resources departments and working with their employees. There are full-time and part-time program options, both of which are just as flexible as the other, and there are accelerated options, as well. The curriculum offers courses that are offered at a few other schools.
Campus Location: Cleveland, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Payroll Applications
- Accounting for Professionals
- Compensation and Benefits Administration
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 39%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION
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ASHWORTH COLLEGE
ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Ashworth College’s Associate Degree in Human Resources Administration includes coursework in essential topics, such as employment law, business ethics, and business administration theories. The curriculum is an excellent pathway to a Bachelors in Management, Business, Marketing, or Human Resources. Ashworth College offers such avenues to gain even a Master of Business in Human Resource Management! The degree is flexible and accommodating and includes numerous amenities and resources for all students.
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Sampling of Coursework:
- Social Impact of Technology
- Principles of management
- Human Relations
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Retention Rate: unavailable
Graduation Rate: unavailable
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION
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PENN FOSTER COLLEGE
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The Penn Foster College online Associate Degree in Human Resources Management has a focus on fundamental principles in law, business, accounting, and management. Students in this online program learn how to manage employees with discipline and respect, in hiring, training, and firing. There is also an emphasis on the development of oral and written communication skills and resolving problems in the workplace. Penn Foster College is well-known for its excellent trade degrees and preparation for future jobs.
Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Better Business Bureau
- American Council on Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Principles of Management
- Mathematics for Business and Finance
- Human Resources Management
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: unavailable
Graduation Rate: 6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN FOSTER COLLEGE’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The online Associate in Human Resources Management is housed within the Business Administration program, and the curriculum emphasizes administration, training, and management of human resources. Students learn excellent people skills, communication techniques, and training exercises that help them immensely throughout their program and their career. At Fayetteville Technical Community College teaches their human resources students to be both leaders and team players who work well with coworkers and superiors.
Campus Location: Fayetteville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Needs Assessment
- Employment Law
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 52%
Graduation Rate: 7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
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MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Program Standouts:
There are two online associate degrees in Human Resources available at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. The Associate of Applied Science is intended for students who would like to gain entry and mid-level positions of employment upon graduation. The Associate of Science is meant for those who would prefer to transfer to a four-year institution. The coursework trains students in federal, state, and local government records, communication skills, business ethics, global business markets, and more.
Campus Location: Fergus Falls, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 32%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
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If you are interested in business administration and management, but you would prefer to work more closely with people than with accounts, then an Associate Degree in Human Resources is a perfect choice! This is a profession that requires strong skills in leadership, communication, business ethics, law, and management. The Human Resources Department at any organization or business is responsible for the happiness of their coworkers, as well as hiring, training, benefits management, payroll, and other such areas that are crucial to employee satisfaction. With a two-year degree, you will be able to get a job as a human resources specialist or technician, and you will also be well-poised to continue your education in a bachelor’s degree if that is your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Human Resources a business degree?
Yes, it is most often housed within the Business, Management, or Business Administration Departments at any college or university. It does require an understanding of business procedures, particularly as it applies to the workers themselves, rather than accruing revenue and managing business accounts. Human resources professionals are in business, but they manage the internal workings of their workplace.
Will my Human Resources degree by applicable to other areas?
Definitely! One of the great things about a human resources major is that it includes knowledge and skill training in many different areas, such as communication, leadership, and law, and gives you the foundation of understanding to work in other areas, as well. Particularly if you continue your degree with a bachelor’s degree, you could major in a different area so that the two areas of study complement one another and allow you to have even more flexibility in your career.
Will I have job security as a human resources professional?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for Human Resources Specialists and Managers at around 7-9%, which is about as fast as average. The average annual salary is anywhere between $60,000-100,000, depending on your education and experience levels, and work history. You can count on always finding a good job with a degree in Human Resources because it is so applicable to other positions of employment!