Human Resource Management (HRM) Degrees – Online & Campus

Q: Is an HR degree worth it?

An HR degree may be worth it for students who are interested in business operations, employee development and organizational leadership. Human resources degrees can help students build knowledge in areas such as recruiting, workplace communication, employment law and HR management while preparing to pursue opportunities in a variety of industries.

Q: What does a human resource manager do?

A human resource manager helps oversee an organization’s workforce by supporting functions such as recruiting, hiring, employee relations, training, compensation and workplace policies. HR managers may also work with leadership teams to help address organizational needs, support employees and contribute to workplace culture and development.

Q: What is SHRM certification?

SHRM certification is a type of HR credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an organization focused on supporting HR professionals and advancing the human resources field. SHRM certifications are designed to help demonstrate knowledge and skills related to areas such as employee relations, workplace policies, talent management and organizational leadership.

Overview

What Are HRM Degrees?

Human resource management (HRM) degrees can help prepare students to direct and support the people-focused side of organizations. These programs explore how businesses attract, develop and retain talent while helping employees and organizations work together.

Students can gain insight into workplace dynamics, organizational strategy and the role HR professionals play in shaping company culture and performance. Degrees for HR are available online and on campus and can help prepare graduates for careers across a wide range of industries and organizational settings.

Programs

Explore Degrees for HR Management at GCU

3 Matching Degrees

Human Resources Degrees

Which GCU HRM Degree Is Right for You?

Choosing the right HRM degree starts with your goals. Whether you’re looking to begin a career in human resources or strengthen your business knowledge, GCU offers degree options for different experience levels and career paths.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Resources Management

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management

Best For

Degree Level

Learning Focus

Possible Career Direction

Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Resources Management

Students who have prior foundational knowledge of business principles that emphasize broader, integrated learning with a focus on human resource concepts, project management and applied business projects.

Undergraduate

Recruiting, employee support, workplace communication, HR operations and applied business skills

HR specialist, training and development manager, compliance officer, labor relations specialist

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

Students who want an in-depth focus on business core concepts, including but not limited to, accounting, finance, economics and operations management with an emphasis on global and technology human resource curriculum.

Undergraduate

HR strategy, employee relations, compensation, employment law, organizational behavior and business operations

HR specialist, training and development manager, compliance officer, labor relations specialist

MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management

Professionals or graduate students interested in leadership-focused HR roles.

Graduate

Strategic HR, workforce planning, organizational leadership, talent management and business strategy

HR manager, training and development manager, compensation and benefits manager

Coursework

HRM Coursework and Curriculum

GCU’s HRM degree programs can help students explore how organizations support employees, manage workplace operations and adapt to evolving workforce needs. Undergraduate and graduate programs may offer different areas of focus, with coursework progressing from foundational HR concepts to more advanced organizational and leadership topics.

Undergraduate Coursework and Curriculum

Undergraduate HR coursework often introduces foundational business and human resources concepts. Students may explore topics such as recruiting and onboarding, compensation and benefits, workplace communication, employment law and organizational behavior. Coursework can also examine employee relations, training and development, conflict resolution and professional ethics within workplace settings.

Graduate Coursework and Curriculum

Graduate HR coursework often focuses on advanced leadership and strategic human resources practices. Students may explore workforce planning, organizational development, talent management, employment law, data-informed decision-making and employee engagement strategies. Coursework can also examine leadership theory, change management, negotiation and HR’s role in supporting organizational goals and culture.

What HR Certifications Should Human Resources Students Know About?

HR certifications can help demonstrate knowledge of HR principles, workplace practices and leadership strategies.

Some widely recognized HR certifications include:

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP): Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), this certification focuses on HR operations, employee relations and workplace strategy.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP): An advanced SHRM credential designed for experienced HR professionals involved in leadership and organizational strategy.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR): Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the PHR certification focuses on technical and operational aspects of HR management.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): An advanced HRCI certification centered on strategic planning, policy development and leadership within HR.
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR): An entry-level HRCI certification that may be suitable for students or individuals beginning a career in HR.

Careers

What Are Human Resources Careers?

A career in human resources focuses on supporting an organization’s workforce and helping employees and employers work together effectively. Professionals in this business career may assist with areas such as recruiting, employee development, workplace policies, compensation, training and organizational planning while helping businesses foster productive and engaged work environments.

Nearly 70% of organizations report continued challenges recruiting full-time employees, highlighting the growing importance of HR and talent acquisition professionals.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Some of the careers you may pursue with a degree in human resources include:

Human resources specialist

Support day-to-day HR functions by assisting with onboarding, employee records, benefits administration and communication between employees and leadership.

Human resources manager

Help oversee employee relations, recruiting efforts and organizational policies to support business operations and employee engagement.

Compensation and benefits manager

Assist with developing and managing employee compensation structures, benefits programs and reward strategies within an organization.

Training and development manager

Support employee growth by coordinating training programs, professional development initiatives and workplace learning opportunities.

Compliance officer

Help organizations follow workplace regulations, company policies and legal requirements related to employment practices.

Labor relations specialist

Work to support communication between employees and employers while helping address workplace concerns and labor-related matters.

$140,030

Median annual wage for human resources managers in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 2)}

5%

Projected job growth for human resources managers from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 3)}

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore these commonly asked questions about human resources management to help you decide what degree is best for you.

Which degree is best for HRM?

The best degree for HRM depends on a student’s career goals and interests. Some students may choose undergraduate HRM degrees to build foundational knowledge in areas such as recruiting, employee relations and workplace communication, while others may pursue advanced human resources management degrees focused on leadership, strategy and organizational development.

A master’s degree in HR may be a good choice for individuals who already have professional experience or who are interested in leadership-focused roles within HR management. Students exploring degrees for HR can also consider factors such as online learning options, curriculum focus and long-term career goals when choosing between undergraduate and graduate human resources degrees.

Is an HR degree worth it?

What does a human resource manager do?

What skills do you need for HR?

Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills are important for HR professionals. Human resources specialists may also benefit from skills in problem-solving, leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution and attention to detail, as these abilities can support workplace communication and employee relations.

Students pursuing HR degrees often study business operations, communication and workforce strategy while developing professional skills applicable to a variety of workplace settings.

What is the strategic role of human resources management?

Human resources management plays a strategic role in helping organizations attract, develop and retain employees while supporting overall business goals. HR professionals may help shape workplace culture, guide talent management efforts, support employee engagement and assist with workforce planning. They can also help organizations navigate hiring practices, training initiatives, compensation strategies and employment policies to support both employees and organizational success.

What are the benefits of effective human resource management?

Effective human resource management can help organizations support employees, improve workplace communication and align workforce efforts with business goals. HR professionals often help manage hiring, training, employee relations and workplace policies, all of which can contribute to employee engagement and organizational operations.

For students pursuing HRM degrees, studying effective HR management may provide insight into how businesses support and develop their workforce.

What is SHRM certification?

Why GCU

Why Should Students Consider HRM Degrees From GCU?

GCU offers flexible online and on-campus learning opportunities combined with a community-focused college experience. Our human resources degrees are taught by knowledgeable faculty who bring academic and professional experience into the classroom.

Students attending on campus at the undergraduate level also have opportunities to participate in clubs, organizations and campus activities that encourage professional development, networking and collaboration with peers. Students can study within a supportive learning environment that emphasizes ethical leadership, communication and professional growth while preparing to pursue opportunities in HR and business-related settings.

Earn Human Resources Degrees Online

Pursue your human resources degree online with the flexibility to fit your education into your schedule. GCU’s online learning platform allows you to access coursework and resources while balancing work, family and other commitments.

Online Learning

Attend Courses on Campus

Experience campus life while earning your human resources degree through in-person courses at GCU. Our vibrant campus in Phoenix, AZ offers opportunities to connect with peers, engage with faculty and participate in a supportive learning community.

Campus Experience

University Accreditation

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This accreditation reflects the university’s dedication to providing quality education and supporting student learning outcomes.

Institutionally Accredited

Resources

Student Resources

Explore resources that can help support your educational journey while pursuing your human resources degree at GCU.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Admission Requirements

Colangelo College of Business

Earn Your Degree in Human Resource Management

Take the next step toward a career in human resources by exploring GCU’s degree programs and finding the path that aligns with your professional goals.

Apply Now

SHRM. (n.d.). 2025 Talent Trends. Retrieved May 2026.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Human Resources Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. 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 May 2026.