-
Want to Learn More?
Prepare for Professional Certifications
APU is a Proud Partner of the Society for Human Resource Management
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®) has advocated for the continued advancement of the human resources profession since 1948. A fundamental part of their work has been establishing the core competencies that have become industry standards. SHRM creates valuable tools, such as the HR Curriculum Guidebook, to help educators teach skills accordingly.
The HR Curriculum Guidebook specifies HR capabilities students should master at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students who complete our program will be well-versed in these topics, as APU’s bachelor’s in human resource management is closely aligned with SHRM’s current curriculum guidelines. Furthermore, eligible students may apply to take the SHRM Certified Professional® exam in their final year of this bachelor’s degree program.
American Public University is also home to our own SHRM student chapter. Members regularly congregate for webinars covering the latest issues in the human resources industry. The chapter also connects members to networking and professional development opportunities. Learn more about student organizations at APU.
SHRM® and SHRM Certified Professional® are registered trademarks of Society for Human Resource Management.
Coursework Also Aligns with the HR Certification Institute’s Requirements
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI®) is another credentialing body that offers certifications suited to those in the human resources field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Although certification is voluntary, it shows professional expertise and credibility, and it may enhance job opportunities.”
APU’s HR management curriculum satisfies educational requirements for two certifications the HRCI offers: Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) and Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®)*. Graduates may choose to pursue either credential upon completion of this degree program.
*Eligibility requirements for PHR certifications include professional human resources experience.
Associate Professional in Human Resources®, aPHR®, Professional in Human Resources®, PHR®, and HRCI® are registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc.
Human Resource Management is Evolving
Human resources is a multifaceted field that encompasses much more than “hiring and firing,” especially in a post-COVID world. Some companies now have fully remote staffs. As a result, human resources teams must account for employees in various states or even different countries.
Other companies have instated return-to-office mandates that pose their own unique challenges, particularly when employees must relocate. HR departments are instrumental in overseeing the successful execution of these policies.
Additionally, businesses turn to HR professionals to navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. DEI is becoming integral to the HR field. In fact, studies show that DEI-focused efforts attract more talent, effectively increasing opportunities for corporate innovation. According to the American Marketing Association, companies that properly facilitate DEI initiatives also improve their employee turnover rates.
HR responsibilities continue expanding and evolving to accommodate the modern workforce. APU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management is therefore designed to help students understand the current duties of HR professionals.
DEI is Redefining Organizational Success
Our human resource management program emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. Students learn how to establish and uphold policies that welcome workers of all backgrounds. Faculty also provide guidance on the ways in which HR professionals can advocate for meaningful change. In fact, APU’s podcast, “The Everyday Scholar,” features faculty members and guests who help shed light on key leadership and management issues.
In this episode, Human Resource Management Department Chair Cynthia Gentile, J.D. interviews Uva Christina Coles, the founder and CEO of Inclusiva, a consulting firm specializing in workplace inclusion. Hear them discuss the connection between leadership education and effective DEI policies.
Assistant Professor Leslie Weatherly brings more than 30 years of experience in human resource management to our program. She shares firsthand knowledge of the ever-evolving HR field with APU’s business students.
“What we’re seeing come into play now are both the effects of a post-COVID workforce and one that is slowly starting to be managed by younger generations. More and more, we’re seeing people say, ‘I’m just not willing to work myself to death,’ versus some baby boomers who carried the weight of the world on their shoulders before admitting to burnout. This change has affected management styles and plays a huge role in shifting the culture of the workplace. We can have as many as five generations with differing values working within the same organization.
It’s the job of Human Resources to be able to see the gaps between them and mediate them. To ask the tough questions of, ‘How do we get these groups to communicate well?’ It takes very strategic communication, and you have to be an outstanding negotiator.”
— Leslie Weatherly, SPHR, Assistant Professor, Business
Degree Concentrations Provide a Deeper Understanding of HR Management Principles
APU’s online human resource management degree program is designed to equip business students with practical knowledge and skills. Learners choose from two concentration tracks to focus their studies on core human resource functions.
Employment Law
From employee compensation packages to workplace safety, government regulations heavily influence labor relations. The degree concentration in employment law examines how an HR professional helps an organization maintain compliance with federal and state
General
Human resource specialists help businesses attract top talent, measure workforce performance, and manage employee relations. The general concentration track allows students to choose from courses that explore the nuances of these key HR duties.
Why Choose This Online HR Degree Program?
Since the coronavirus pandemic, the number of students enrolled in online courses has increased. In fact, approximately 54% of U.S. students enrolled in online courses, even after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Online education programs generally provide more flexibility than classes that require in-person attendance. APU’s online courses have no set login times, and students complete assignments each week as they progress through this degree program.
An Online Program Can Be More Affordable than Attending a Brick-and-Mortar University
APU offers online students an enriching learning experience, without the high costs traditionally associated with universities. For instance, online classes eliminate the need for room and board fees, as well as the cost of commuting to campus. Textbook fees are also covered through APU’s book grant, which is available to all undergraduate students.
In addition, eligible students may qualify for university-funded grants to help cover the cost of tuition. APU also became a proud partner of Stride, Inc. in early 2024. Through this partnership, eligible students may qualify for a 10% tuition grant. Request information to learn more.
NOTE: Tuition grants cannot be combined with other special University rates, promotions, or grants. Only one tuition grant can be applied per course registration.
Learn From Anywhere When You Pursue Your Bachelor’s Degree Online at APU
Classes in this human resource degree program take place entirely online. You can complete your studies from any place with a stable internet connection.
Although this online HR degree program does not require face-to-face instruction, you will still have the opportunity to connect with your peers. Courses incorporate weekly discussion forums, through which you will converse with other students and instructors. Faculty members include successful HR professionals who share insights into this field based on their own professional experiences.
Create a Course Schedule That Fits into Your Life
As an online institution, American Public University makes it possible to complete this bachelor’s degree program while balancing other commitments. Whether you work full-time or have family obligations, courses are designed with flexibility in mind. There are no set login times, and students may access course materials 24/7 to meet weekly deadlines for assignments.
APU’s online human resource degree program also connects learners to the University’s dedicated faculty. Students may reach out to instructors and academic advisors via email any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Human resources is a vast field that requires specialized business knowledge. Some learners interested in HR may choose to pursue bachelor’s degrees in business administration. An online human resources management degree is a good fit if you are interested in learning about hiring, managing, and motivating employees.
The HR management major focuses on specialized content that cover important topics like:
- Employee and labor relations
- Career coaching
- Talent acquisition
- Human resource information systems
- Employee reward systems
- Performance management
Students who complete an HR management degree program may also be eligible to sit for HRCI or SHRM certification exams.
A degree in human resource management could be a practical choice for someone interested in learning about the HR field. Human resources degree programs offer more in-depth analyses of labor relations and organizational behavior than other types of business degrees.
In addition, HR management major courses typically explore a range of subjects specific to the role of an HR professional, such as:
- Human Resource planning
- Employee compensation
- Employee benefits and rewards programs
- Professional development
- Legal compliance
- Employee engagement
- Performance management
- Talent acquisition
- Workforce planning
If your interests align with these subject areas, you may wish to consider pursuing a degree in human resource management.
The key differences between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) lie within the subject matter and focus of study. A Bachelor of Arts tends to center on humanities and social sciences, as well as more abstract or theoretical topics that require critical thinking. A Bachelor of Science, on the other hand, focuses more on math and science and will tend to include a more technical approach to course material.
For example, a BS in human resources management will likely focus on companies’ recruitment processes, résumé selection tools, and other statistics-driven functions. Conversely, a BA in the same discipline is more likely to focus on the professional strengths and interpersonal skills necessary for engaging an organization’s workforce.
If you consider yourself a "people person" and are interested in learning about how to support a productive work environment, then pursuing a Human Resource Management Bachelor of Arts could be a practical choice.
At its core, the human resources field focuses on maintaining functional relationships between organizations and employees. If you are a natural leader and value the diverse perspectives of others, you may find HR management courses especially interesting.
A good HR manager holds a high level of emotional intelligence and is tactful, using ethical leadership skills to navigate sensitive situations within the workplace. Successful human resource managers also possess strong communication skills.
An HR professional must be able to engage all departments within an organization. Moreover, working in HR requires a natural humility and diplomacy, as professionals in this field negotiate on behalf of their organizations. Learn more about the roles of human resource managers and the skills they employ.