Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Human Resources
Are you interested in learning about the people-side of business throughout the employment life cycle? Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in human resources equips you with the knowledge and skills to coach and support supervisors in talent selection, team management and driving organizational outcomes. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to excel in roles across a wide spectrum of organizations from multinational corporations to nonprofit agencies.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare for careers in human resources management
Human resources professionals are necessary to every organization, making candidates with a specialized degree highly sought after. This program prepares you for careers in this dynamic field by exploring how human resources influences every stage of employment from identifying business needs to managing the end of employment cycles. With a projected employment growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032 and a median reported salary of $136,350 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’ll graduate ready to lead organizational excellence across various industries and government sectors with abundant employment opportunities and the potential for a rewarding salary.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
This program begins by providing you with foundational business knowledge crucial for managerial roles. As you advance, you’ll focus on core human resources functions and develop the skills to handle the complexities of modern workforce needs, such as:
- Analytical and critical thinking.
- Effective communication.
- Global and cultural sensitivity.
- Leadership.
- Legal knowledge.
- Personal ethics and integrity.
- Relationship management.
Through a curriculum that blends theoretical study with practical applications using traditional texts, real-world case studies and contemporary business literature, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge in assessing, selecting, developing, managing, compensating and guiding employees. This dual approach ensures you not only grasp the strategic importance of human resources management but also acquire hands-on skills to thrive in various organizational environments.
Mentorship and networking opportunities
This program offers ample opportunities to build a strong foundation in human resources management through mentorship and networking. As a student, you'll join the Society for Human Resource Management National Chapter, gaining access to invaluable resources tailored to your human resource concentration courses. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in HR mentoring workshops each semester featuring guest speakers who share insights on resume writing and interviewing skills, as well as conduct mock one-on-one interviews with industry professionals. Many students choose to enhance their studies with internships, gaining valuable mentorship from practitioners and faculty with real-world experience, including former HR executives from Basis Education and Employers Council.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
HR degree concentration courses
Courses delve into every facet of managing the employment cycle. This includes strategizing an organization's human capital needs; selecting, onboarding and training employees; developing compensation and benefits packages; and overseeing post-employment processes — all while ensuring legal compliance. You’ll also develop global competence and learn about cross-national differences in human resources policies and practices.
What you can do with a human resources degree
Human resources professionals are needed in every organization, regardless of industry or size. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be prepared to build collaborative relationships between teams and work toward organizational goals. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Corporate Trainer
Employee Training Manager
Human Resources Analyst
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Labor Relations Specialist
Office Manager
Payroll and Benefits Manager
Learn from human resources experts across many industries
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members.
- Renowned journal publications.
- Speakers at national conferences.
Learn from human resources experts across many industries
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members.
- Renowned journal publications.
- Speakers at national conferences.
How to apply
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Study at one of the best business schools in the nation
The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.
#2
best online bachelor's in business programs.
#3
best online master’s in business programs (excluding MBA).
#3
best online general management MBA programs.
Top 5
best online business analytics MBA programs.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
