BS in Human Resources - Online Bachelor's Degree Program | UMass Global

BS in Human Resources - Online Bachelor's Degree Program | UMass Global
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BSHR, BS in Human Resources
Develop the vital knowledge and skills to guide your organization in effectively managing its greatest asset — its people — with this bachelor’s degree in human resources. From recruiting and retention to employee relations, benefits, and development, you'll learn to turn people strategy into performance.
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Earn Your Human Resources Degree Online
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources (BSHR) is a dynamic and comprehensive program that provides students with the essential knowledge and skills to contribute to organizational success through the lens of its employees. The human resources coursework offers practical insights into workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, and strategic human resource management, utilizing data and technology to enrich your learning experience — preparing you to effectively support your organization’s people in today’s evolving workplace.
Real-World Skills and Value:
Our coursework is designed to be immediately relevant to your career, whether you're seeking a promotion or changing direction. Our business school professors are also working professionals, ensuring relevance in today’s business environment.
Beyond the Core Curriculum:
Students can tailor their degree with a generous transfer credit policy and a wide range of electives. Build a concentration in areas such as Business Administration, Communications, Healthcare Administration, Business Management, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Organizational Leadership, or Psychology — so your HR degree aligns with your goals
.
At a Glance
Online
120
Credits
$500/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer I (May 4, 2026)
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
100% Online Coursework
At UMass Global, our BSHR coursework is fully online, allowing you the flexibility to keep working while building the skills you need to succeed.
Flexible Start Dates
Designed for working professionals, our BSHR offers six start dates per year, so you can begin your degree program when the time is right for you.
Earn Your Bachelor’s in as Few as 10 Courses
With credits from your military training and education, work experience, prior college courses, and certifications, you can transfer in up to 75% of the qualifying credits needed for your bachelor’s degree.
Career Outlook for
BS in Human Resources
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Data source: Lightcast™ 2026
www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics
data
licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts
Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when
actual
data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any
program
Courses You Might Take
HRCU 350
Compensation and Benefits
3 Credits
Compensation and Benefits
HRCU 350
|
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of compensation and employee benefit programs and practices and how and why employers provide benefits as they do. Employee benefits are a significant component of total compensation and offers employers added flexibility in compensation design. Topics include indirect and direct compensation, legally required employee benefits and voluntary programs, governmental regulations, and external social factors affecting compensation.
HRCU 406
Legal Issues in Human Resources
3 Credits
Legal Issues in Human Resources
HRCU 406
|
3 Credits
Students study legal issues associated with the administration of human resources in public and private sector organizations. The course focuses on human resource matters such as affirmative action, grievance handling, hiring and firing, labor relations, and health and safety.
HRCU 352
Labor Relations
3 Credits
Labor Relations
HRCU 352
|
3 Credits
This course will generate an understanding of and appreciation for core elements of union-management relationships. A thorough review of a model for the labor relations process will focus on real-world situations and concerns.
HRCU 430
Conflict Resolution
3 Credits
Conflict Resolution
HRCU 430
|
3 Credits
Students analyze the nature, types and stages of conflict and conflict resolution. Focus is on conflict within and between persons, organizations, communities, and societies, with emphasis upon resolution techniques.
OLCU 425
Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations
3 Credits
Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations
OLCU 425
|
3 Credits
Understanding and valuing cultural differences assumes greater significance as our world becomes increasingly interdependent. This course explores multicultural issues in organizations highlighting how misunderstandings arise and how they can be rectified or prevented. It focuses on diversity issues (gender, race, and class) in domestic and international contexts, particularly as they apply to leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. Reading, writing, research, and discussion are supplemented with experiential exercises and role-plays.
HRCU 351
Workforce Planning and Employment
3 Credits
Workforce Planning and Employment
HRCU 351
|
3 Credits
This course examines staffing, training, and organizational development techniques organizations use to build group and individual skills while tying anticipated results to improvement in organizational effectiveness. The course also focuses on policies and procedures for both short and long range human resources planning for a competent workforce, job analysis, legal compliance, recruitment and selection, employee separations' and retention, training and career management.
What is it like going to UMass Global?
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Our Faculty
All Faculty
Evelina Atanassova, PhD
Associate Professor of Business Administration, Human Resources and Leadership
Evelina Atanassova PhD
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process and submit required documents. Documents required vary based on the number of transferable credits and include:
0 – 11 TRANSFERABLE CREDITS
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation
Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
12 OR MORE TRANSFERABLE CREDITS
A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
Active military?
Admissibility and minimum transfer credit awarded will be determined based on the Community College of the Air Force, SMART, AARTS, or JST transcripts.
Start Strong with Support
Students with fewer than 12 credits or below a 2.0 GPA will take LBSU 100 (Student Success Strategies) during their first session to build a solid foundation for college success.
We support our
Military
Veterans!
Yellow Ribbon School
Recognized Military Friendly School
Founded to Serve Military Personnel
Check out our Military and Veterans pages and discover how we can support you in your educational journey.
Learn How
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Calculate Time and Cost
Ways to Get Started
Request Info
Apply
(800) 746-0082
Frequently Asked Questions
With a people-first focus, a human resources degree can land you roles across people operations, analytics, compliance, and strategy. Courses have a strong focus on communication, problem-solving, and organization, but also cover general business skills like accounting, finance, and marketing. Here are common jobs a BS in Human Resources can prepare you for:
Human Resources Generalist:
Handles a wide range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and benefits, and could include duties related to administration and operational support.
Recruiter/Talent Acquisition Specialist
: Focuses on sourcing candidates, onboarding new hires, and managing applicant tracking systems.
Benefits and Compensation Specialist and Vendor Liaison:
Manages employee benefits programs and compensation and serves as the primary contact for employees' compensation and benefits questions, issues, and clarifications.
Training and Development Specialist:
Designs and implements practical job-related learning experiences that elevate individual and team performance across the organization.
A bachelor’s in human resources centers on developing core strengths in communication, organization, and people management. This includes:
Core HR
– the basics of a human resources degree include people-first strategies, talent acquisition and development, compensation and benefits, and compliance.
Business fundamentals
– As key partners in the business, HR professionals are integral to organizational success, contributing to business planning, payroll, benefits, and people management.
Ethics and Workplace Integrity
– the human resources function is instrumental in ensuring the organization is upholding ethical standards and protecting the rights and dignity of its employees.
Choose this Bachelor of Science in Human Resources (BSHR)
if you want specialized HR depth,
hands-on preparation, elective/transfer flexibility, and a clean pathway to the Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR).
This bachelor’s degree in human resources can also be a good foundation for those interested in the SHRM certification, a globally recognized credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Choose the
Bachelor of Business Administration with HR emphasis if you want a broader business degree
with lighter HR specialization. For most students targeting HR roles right after graduation — or planning the MSHR — the
BSHR is the more direct, market-aligned route. Additionally, the BSHR concentrates more credits in core HR domains (talent acquisition, employee relations, total rewards, workforce analytics, L&D, HR tech) than a broad BBA, which spreads coursework across finance, accounting, and general management.
Testimonials
The flexibility of this program made it possible to balance work, family, and academics, even when it felt overwhelming. The guidance and encouragement along the way helped to make this milestone possible.
Kristina D.
MS in Human Resources
From the moment I applied, my admissions counselor was such a huge support.
Alison C.
Human Resources, BBA
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