Human Resources Management Degree – Online & Campus

Q: What is human resources management?

Human resources management consists of several key aspects of managing people within an organization. HRM focuses on the recruitment, retention and development of employees while ensuring labor law compliance. This field also contributes to the goals of an organization by conducting performance management and setting long-term staffing targets.

Overview

Build a Strong Foundation in Employee Relations and Business Strategy

GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management (HRM) provides the comprehensive human resources knowledge needed to address the challenges of an evolving HR landscape. This program covers how to effectively manage organizational talent and navigate complex employment issues with confidence and professionalism. In addition, you can gain practical insights into aligning HR strategies with overall business objectives, helping to prepare you to play an influential part in organizational success.

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Strengthen Your Understanding of People and Workplace Dynamics

Students in GCU’s human resources management degree program can benefit from a curriculum that is designed around a Christian worldview. This program aims to help you develop both technical skills and a strong ethical foundation rooted in servant leadership and integrity. These values are crucial in HR, where professionals must navigate sensitive issues like conflict resolution and employee well-being.

Earn Your Online HR Management Degree With Flexibility

At GCU, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in human resources management online, allowing you to have greater flexibility while balancing other commitments. You can benefit from knowledgeable faculty, interactive courses and discussion boards that help build community among your peers.

Online Learning

Pursue Your HRM Degree on Campus

This degree can also be completed in an on-campus format. Earning your degree on GCU's campus allows you to be immersed in a vibrant community that can support your academic and personal growth. Being part of the campus experience offers you networking opportunities and helps you build meaningful relationships as you prepare for a career in human resources.

Campus Life

Careers

Career Paths for Human Resources Management Degree Graduates

Human resources professionals play an important role in managing personnel and developing an organization’s culture and future growth. These specialists can work across nearly every industry, as most organizations require HR professionals.

Graduates from this online HR management degree program can pursue roles including:

Human resources specialist or manager

Compensation and benefits manager

Training and development manager

Compliance officer

Labor relations specialist

Compensation, benefits and job analysis specialist

$140,030

Median annual wage for human resources managers in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 1)}

5%

Estimated growth for human resources managers expected from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Accreditation

Earn Your HRM Degree From an Accredited University

Grand Canyon University has maintained institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Accreditation reflects the university’s commitment to academic quality and signifies recognition for meeting established standards and criteria.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the answers to commonly asked questions about earning your online HR management degree.

What is human resources management?

What can you do with a human resources management degree?

A human resources management degree can equip you with skills to shape organizational culture, develop talent strategies and manage workplace dynamics. There are many roles you can pursue with a degree in HRM, as virtually all organizations require some human resources management. You may also be interested in pursuing roles that focus on a specific area of human resources, including benefits, compliance or labor relations.

What’s the difference between an HRM degree and an applied HRM degree?

An applied human resources management degree is designed for students who already have some business education and therefore do not need to complete as many foundational courses. The applied program focuses on advanced topics and practical application. It streamlines the curriculum by skipping introductory material, making it ideal for professionals looking to deepen their expertise without repeating basic concepts. By contrast, a standard HRM degree is better suited to individuals new to the field who need a comprehensive understanding of HR and business fundamentals before progressing to advanced concepts.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major60 credits

Open Elective Credits20-26 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

BIT-200

4 Total Credits

MKT-315

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.

BUS-340

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.

ACC-240

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

MGT-420

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.

MGT-325

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on effective change strategies and communication skills required in modern organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive communication at all levels of an organization, including analyzing the need for change and overcoming communication barriers. Students also learn how to negotiate and convey important information leading to the facilitation of organizational change in today's dynamic workplace.

ECN-351

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.

MGT-434

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a study of the human resource management function in organizations, including detailed coverage of staffing, organizational development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations. Emphasis is placed on how human resource management as a whole enhances organizational performance and success. Prerequisite: HIM-425, MGT-420, or MGT-422HN. Equivalent to AMP-434.

MGT-460

4 Total Credits

MGT-465

4 Total Credits

FIN-350

4 Total Credits

MGT-470

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage human resources in a globalized world. This comprehensive course offers an exploration into the strategic and operational aspects of human resource management, focusing on the complexities and intricacies of a global workforce. Participants explore core human resource functions, from talent acquisition and retention to performance management and employee development, with a strategic and cross-cultural perspective. Prerequisites: MGT-420 and MGT-434.

MGT-475

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores the role of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) in modern human resource management, focusing on technology integration. Students learn how HRIS supports key functions like recruitment, payroll, performance management, and workforce analytics, with an emphasis on AI, automation, and cloud computing. Students learn how HRIS technologies optimize human resource operations and learn skills to manage and implement these systems. Prerequisites: MGT-420 and MGT-434.

BUS-485

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is built around a team-based simulation requiring a high level of peer interaction and collaboration and serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

Begin Your Path Toward Workplace Leadership

Take the next step toward shaping positive workplace cultures with a bachelor's degree in human resources management. Apply today and build practical skills in talent development, staffing and employee support.

Apply Now

The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Human Resources Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as human resources managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers, retrieved November 2025.

BS in Human Resources Management Degree

Build a Strong Foundation in Employee Relations and Business Strategy

Strengthen Your Understanding of People and Workplace Dynamics

Coursework for Your HR Management Degree

Career Paths for Human Resources Management Degree Graduates

Earn Your HRM Degree From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Core Courses