Best Online Master’s in Human Resources

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN HUMAN RESOURCES

Find top-ranked online master’s in human resources for students wanting to qualify for upper management positions, such as human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, employee recruitment and staffing specialist, and labor relations specialist.

Key Takeaways

  • Meant for professionals seeking advancement or pursuing a doctorate, an online master’s program in human resources takes an in-depth look into business strategies.
  • Individuals interested in HR leadership and other specialized roles can earn an online master’s degree taught by HR experts.
  • At the master’s level, the HR coursework emphasizes diversity and inclusion, human capital management, business strategies, and benefits and compensation.

Top 10 Online Human Resources Master's Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Arkansas
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Pepperdine University
  5. University of Louisville
  6. Wake Forest University
  7. Stony Brook University
  8. Clemson University
  9. Florida International University
  10. University of North Texas
  1. University of Southern California
  2. Wayne State University
  3. Stony Brook University
  4. University of Louisville
  5. University of Arkansas
  6. Wake Forest University
  7. Pepperdine University
  8. Florida International University
  9. University of North Texas
  10. Clemson University
  1. Southern New Hampshire University 96%
  2. Wichita State University 95%
  3. University of Memphis 95%
  4. Montclair State University 91%
  5. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  6. Roosevelt University 88%
  7. Mercy College 86%
  8. University of Louisville 82%
  9. University of Bridgeport 82%
  10. University of Arkansas 79%
  1. Florida International University 24 to 1
  2. University of North Texas 23 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
  4. University of Arkansas 20 to 1
  5. Wichita State University 20 to 1
  6. Stony Brook University 19 to 1
  7. Central Michigan University 17 to 1
  8. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  9. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  10. Montclair State University 17 to 1
  1. University of Southern California $64,726
  2. Pepperdine University $63,142
  3. Wake Forest University $62,128
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology $54,518
  5. Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
  6. North Central College $43,046
  7. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  8. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  9. Roosevelt University $33,068
  10. Mercy College $21,358
  1. University of Southern California $63,468
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology $54,176
  3. Pepperdine University $39,100
  4. Wake Forest University $38,650
  5. Roosevelt University $22,764
  6. Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
  7. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  8. Golden Gate University $19,620
  9. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  10. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  1. North Central College
  2. Montclair State University
  3. Thomas Jefferson University
  4. National University
  5. Nova Southeastern University
  6. Tennessee State University
  7. Wichita State University
  8. Central Michigan University
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. University of Bridgeport
  1. Mercy College
  2. North Central College
  3. National University
  4. Southern New Hampshire University
  5. Golden Gate University
  6. University of Bridgeport
  7. Nova Southeastern University
  8. Central Michigan University
  9. Tennessee State University
  10. Montclair State University
  1. University of Southern California 12%
  2. Wake Forest University 21%
  3. Clemson University 43%
  4. Pepperdine University 49%
  5. Stony Brook University 49%
  6. North Central College 61%
  7. Florida International University 64%
  8. Rochester Institute of Technology 67%
  9. Wayne State University 75%
  10. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  1. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  2. Wake Forest University 10 to 1
  3. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  4. North Central College 12 to 1
  5. Rochester Institute of Technology 13 to 1
  6. Pepperdine University 13 to 1
  7. Golden Gate University 13 to 1
  8. University of Louisville 13 to 1
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  10. Wayne State University 14 to 1
  1. Florida International University $4,721
  2. Wichita State University $6,848
  3. Stony Brook University $7,070
  4. Tennessee State University $7,128
  5. University of Arkansas $7,666
  6. University of North Texas $8,295
  7. University of Memphis $8,352
  8. Golden Gate University $11,088
  9. University of Louisville $12,324
  10. Montclair State University $12,755
  1. Wichita State University $5,544
  2. University of North Texas $6,350
  3. University of Arkansas $7,875
  4. Florida International University $9,119
  5. University of Memphis $9,378
  6. Tennessee State University $9,524
  7. Clemson University $10,858
  8. Stony Brook University $11,310
  9. Montclair State University $13,740
  10. University of Louisville $13,944

Featured Programs

Every organization requires several departments and teams that are integral to its operations. And one of the most crucial is Human Resources.

The HR department caters to the needs of every company employee, and is responsible for salaries, recruitment, training, performance management, and work policies and ethics. Through HR, organizational culture is developed, reinforced, and modified.

Whether you’re currently working in the HR sector and want to climb the corporate ladder or explore other fields of management, pursuing an online master’s in human resources degree is a valuable qualification and addition to your resume. After all, all industries and employment sectors require HR managers.

A bachelor’s degree is sufficient to break into the field, but an online master’s degree can improve your chances for better pay and higher positions in HR organizational structures.

HR managers are also qualified to take on leadership roles in the field. Even when you’re busy working and do not have enough time to attend physical classes, the best alternative is to pursue an online master’s degree.

Dozens of excellent colleges offer master’s degree programs in human resources online. The online format of these programs allows students to maintain a good work-life balance.

A master’s degree in HR online is of the same high quality as a traditional degree. Finding the right university or college that matches your academic and professional goals is key.

Choosing an Online Master’s in Human Resources

The structure of an online master’s degree program in human resources should be considered when evaluating potential programs. Various program options are available, including part-time, full-time, entirely online, and hybrid programs that combine both on-campus and online learning. This ranking will be exclusively for online master’s degrees in human resources.

Before enrolling in an online program, ensure it will fit your other obligations and schedules. Choose between synchronous and asynchronous formats.

If there’s a specific course topic that you want to specialize in, choose concentrations for your master’s degree in human resources. Also, consider the program that offers real-world and hands-on experiences such as on-field experiences, internship programs, apprenticeships, and other related programs in human resources.

Pay Outlook of an Online Master’s in Human Resources Graduate

The demand for human resources managers will rise in the coming decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for HR specialists is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Earning an online master’s in human resources can advance your career, allowing you to move into positions with more responsibility and higher pay, such as a management position.

In fact, an online HR master’s degree and work experience may open up senior-level positions, despite high competition.

A master’s degree in human resources is one of the most popular degrees for professionals who are considering a career change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources Degrees

An MBA in Human Resources is a good choice if you want to obtain a strong foundation in business knowledge in your master’s degree. If you already have a background in business, then an MS in Human Resources will allow you to spend your time only on human resources, which will allow you to go deeper into the field and focus on a specialization.

Back to Top

Professionals looking to gain advanced skills and improve earning potential can complete a master’s degree in human resources online or on campus.

Back to Top

Most programs require a minimum of 30 credits, which, for full-time students, can be completed in as little as one year.

Back to Top

Students will study topics like employee and labor relations, performance management, and legal issues. Students will likely take courses on diversity and inclusion, negotiation strategies, and employment law.

Back to Top

Those who graduate with a master’s in human resources qualify for upper management positions, such as human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, employee recruitment and staffing specialist, and labor relations specialist.

Back to Top

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,666
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $114,605
    Salary after 4 years: $129,711
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Human Resources Law and Compliance
    • Required Credits: 16
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,066
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $69,075
    Salary after 4 years: $77,492
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Human Resource And Workforce Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $19,789
    Expenses: $16,873
    Starting Salary: $68,551
    Salary after 4 years: $76,904
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting systems
    • Entrepreneurship and innovation
    • Digital/Business Analytics
    • Finance
    • Financial accounting
    • Healthcare Supply Chain Management
    • Global supply chain management
    • Human resources
    • Information systems management
    • International business
    • Required Credits: 117
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1382/30

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Pepperdine University

    Cost of Degree: $39,720
    Expenses: $22,060
    Starting Salary: $100,150
    Salary after 4 years: $113,351
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resources
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $14,145
    Expenses: $19,160
    Starting Salary: $63,701
    Salary after 4 years: $71,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resources and Organization Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Wake Forest University

    Cost of Degree: $39,328
    Expenses: $20,860
    Starting Salary: $102,732
    Salary after 4 years: $116,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSL in Master’s of Studies in Law

    Concentrations

    • Human Resources
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Clemson University

    Cost of Degree: $12,204
    Expenses: $19,192
    Starting Salary: $77,202
    Salary after 4 years: $86,609
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHRD in Human Resource Development

    Concentrations

    • Athletic Leadership
    • Comprehensive Hrd
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,333
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $68,158
    Salary after 4 years: $76,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $8,252
    Expenses: $15,158
    Starting Salary: $64,619
    Salary after 4 years: $72,493
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Org. Behavior & Human Resource Mgmt.
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,908
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $56,624
    Salary after 4 years: $63,523
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Strategic Leadership
    • Human Resources Leadership
    • Training and Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #12

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/21

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $23,094
    Expenses: $20,625
    Starting Salary: $61,562
    Salary after 4 years: $69,676
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Master’S Of Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Accounting Forensics
    • Finance
    • Hospitality & Tourism Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Systems
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Real Estate
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Training And Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1 Year
    • Format: Online
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Rochester Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $54,974
    Expenses: $17,778
    Starting Salary: $87,503
    Salary after 4 years: $99,036
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #14

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $19,875
    Starting Salary: $106,216
    Salary after 4 years: $120,216

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #15

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $18,318
    Expenses: $19,354
    Starting Salary: $57,561
    Salary after 4 years: $65,148
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  15. #16

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $21,686
    Expenses: $25,222
    Starting Salary: $60,787
    Salary after 4 years: $68,799
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Analytics Intelligence
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $64,788
    Salary after 4 years: $73,328
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Intelligence
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Operations And Supply Chain Management
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #18

    Central Michigan University

    Mount Pleasant , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/24

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Central Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,392
    Expenses: $13,318
    Starting Salary: $60,556
    Salary after 4 years: $67,934
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Administration

    Concentrations

    • Human Resource Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1106/22

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Wichita State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,562
    Expenses: $17,260
    Starting Salary: $59,507
    Salary after 4 years: $66,758
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Human Resource Management (Bachelor’s to Master’s)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,732
    Expenses: $15,556
    Starting Salary: $52,167
    Salary after 4 years: $58,524
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Strategic Leadership
    • Human Resources Leadership
    • Training and Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #21

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $71,757
    Salary after 4 years: $81,215
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 37-46
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #22

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $15,912
    Starting Salary: $76,145
    Salary after 4 years: $86,182

    Online Degrees

    MA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  22. #23

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $23,103
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $128,156
    Salary after 4 years: $145,049
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Human Resource Management

    Concentrations

    • Human Resource Generalist
    • Human Resource and Organizational Development
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare
    • Human Resources
    • Operations Management
    • Accounting
    • Acquisition
    • Business Data
    • Finance
    • Global Management*
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • IT Security Management*
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Professional Studies
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sales
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 18-36 months
    • Format: Online
  23. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,285
    Expenses: $19,580
    Starting Salary: $68,682
    Salary after 4 years: $77,051
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Business Analytics
    • Digital Marketing
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. #25

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/25

    Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $14,920
    Starting Salary: $67,498
    Salary after 4 years: $76,395
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHRM in Human Resources
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Human Resources Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,065
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,037
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $68,874
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $77,266
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 5.04%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,258,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$124,492
Human Resources Managers5.22%$115,604
Law Teachers, Postsecondary3.03%$113,101
Training and Development Managers6.54%$111,455
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$52,986$87,859$142,281

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$115,336
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$88,919
#4 New Jersey13% higher than average$118,435
#5 Virginia5% higher than average$99,453
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$88,230

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Compensation and Benefits Managers$124,492
Human Resources Managers$115,604
Law Teachers, Postsecondary$113,101
Back to Top

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here