The human resources department of any company includes all the people who are responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training and on-boarding of all new employees. Earning an associate’s degree in human resource management is a great option for those who are looking to enter the field of human resources. A degree in human resource management will familiarize students with the practical skills that are needed to accomplish each of these tasks effectively.
The fifteen programs on the list below are from a list of schools that offer an associate’s degree in human resources. Each of these degree programs can be completed online. Additionally, each of these schools have a tuition of less than $12,000 (this is based on tuition reported to collegenavigator.gov). Those affordable online associate’s in HR programs were then ranked according to quality. (This is based on graduation rate and student teacher ratio). These means were used to determine the top 15 affordable online human resource management associate’s degree programs.
See Also: How Long Does it Take to Get an Associate Degree?
The top 15 programs for an associate’s degree in human resources are:
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- Rhodes State College
- Zane State College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Herkimer County Community College
- Dakota College at Bottineau
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Columbus Technical College
- Lansing Community College
- Clark State College
- Wake Technical Community College
- Waubonsee Community College
- Lehigh Carbon Community College
See Also: What Are the Different Types of Associate Degree?
Ranking the Top Affordable Online Associate’s in Human Resources
15. Lehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Human Resources Management Associate in Applied Science Online
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an affordable associate’s degree program in human resources management. This degree program can be completed entirely online. The program requires the completion of 61 credits and it lasts for four semesters. The online AAS program at Lehigh Carbon teaches students everything that they need to know regarding human resource topics and personnel. Students of the online associate degree will graduate fully ready to enter the workplace in any entry level human resources position. Some examples of these entry level positions are benefits coordinator, training and development coordinator, recruitment specialist, or records supervisor. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs.
Tuition: $8,576
14. Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, Illinois
Associate in Applied Science in Human Resources Management Online
The online associate’s in human resources degree program at Waubonsee Community College prepares students to either enter the field of human resources immediately after graduating. The program also adequately prepares them to move on to a 4-year human resources program. This affordable, 60-credit associate’s degree in human resources program gives students a solid foundation in management principles. These management principles are at the core of all business operations. In addition to general education courses, degree-specific classes and electives, the curriculum includes an internship. Through this internship, the students can receive valuable on-the-job experience. Students will graduate from this program equipped with the core business principles and skills needed to succeed in a human relations and personnel environment. The required courses for this degree can be completed entirely online.
Tuition: $6,455
13. Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North Carolina
Human Resources Management Associate in Applied Science Online
At Wake Technical Community College, students can earn a very affordable associate’s degree in human resource management. This degree is offered through Wake Tech’s business program. The flexible degree program is offered through day and evening classes, as well as online. The school offers more than 100 online programs, and they were recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top colleges for online study. The human resources associate’s degree includes 65 credit hours of coursework. The program is designed to introduce students to the free enterprise system. Students will also learn the core business functions and processes needed to succeed in the world of human resources. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- accounting
- business law
- economics
- human resource management
- marketing
Students will also graduate having been trained in computer literacy, team building, problem solving, and decision making. Financial aid is available for this program.
Tuition: $4,980
12. Clark State College
Springfield, Ohio
Associate of Applied Business in Human Resource Management Online
Clark State College offers an associate’s degree in management with a human resource management specialization. This degree can be earned online, hybrid, or in a traditional format. The program curriculum consists of 61 credits. This curriculum consists of basic management courses paired with more in depth human resource courses. Some of these HR courses include:
- staffing
- human resource management
- training and development
- employment law
- compensation and benefits
Students have the convenient option to study either part time or full time. A perk of this curriculum is that it includes embedded certificates that will be awarded upon completion of the human resources degree online. These certificates can help when looking to secure an entry level job in human resources. There are also some transfer pathway options for those students who do not wish to enter the field immediately.
Tuition: $6,672
11. Lansing Community College
Lansing, Michigan
Human Resource Management Associate Degree Online
The business management program at Lansing Community College offers an associate’s degree in human resource management. This degree can be completed in person, online, or hybrid. The program requires the completion of 67 credits. This degree program is designed to equip graduates with all the business skills as well as personnel skills needed to be able to succeed in an entry level job in human resources management. Graduates also have the option to continue their studies with a bachelor’s degree. They could pursue a higher degree in order to quickly climb the career ladder in HR management.
Tuition: $6,557
10. Columbus Technical College
Columbus, Georgia
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resource Management Online
At Columbus Technical College, students can earn an associate’s degree in human resource management while studying entirely online. This online program is offered through the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection. This system allows students to earn degrees from Columbus Technical College while completing their courses in an online format. This degree program emphasizes specific professional knowledge, skills, and theory that are necessary to succeed in the arena of human resource management. Graduates will be prepared to obtain a human resource position, as well as to advance in their career. The program consists of 64 credit hours of study. The program guide suggests that students complete the program in five semesters of study.
Tuition: $6,368
9. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resources Online
Associate of Science in Human Resources Online
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers two online associate’s degrees in Human Resources. They are the only school in Minnesota to offer an online associate’s in HR. Both programs require the completion of 60 credits in order to graduate. Additionally, both programs include classes in business, technology, problem solving, and effective communication. The AAS program contains 48 required course credits and 12 elective credits. This AAS program is intended for students planning to enter the field immediately. The AS program is made up of 45 required credits and 15 elective credits. This specific program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a 4-year bachelor’s degree program.
Tuition: $10,119
8. Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Associate Degree in Human Resources Online
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers an affordable, online associate’s degree in human resource management. This flexible two year degree program offers entry dates in both August and January. The degree program is designed to prepare graduates with all the skills needed for an entry level job in human resource management. These skills include:
- recruitment
- selection
- training and development
- employee and labor relations
- compensation
- benefits
This program also includes some exploratory courses that count toward a credential. The curriculum includes 62 credit hours. This associate’s degree program is also offered as a transfer program. This is a good option for those looking to gain further education before entering the workforce.
Tuition: $8,369
7. Dakota College at Bottineau
Bottineau, North Dakota
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resource Management
At Dakota College, students can take advantage of an exciting associate’s degree program. This program combines basic business and human resource courses. The program fully equips students for successful careers in human resource management. The 61 credit curriculum teaches the necessary core principles in human resource functions and employee relation issues. Students in the human resources management degree program will learn about:
- recruitment
- evaluations
- employee training and development
- employee law
- compensation
- benefits
Graduates of this program will have the unique opportunity to earn credentials from the HR Certification Institute. Additionally, graduates have the option to take the Associate Profession in Human Resources exam. These extra opportunities could help to boost their resume as they search for a rewarding job.
Tuition: $8,253
6. Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer, New York
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resource Management Online
Herkimer County Community College offers a 63-credit affordable online associate’s in human resources. Graduates of the online associate’s in HR program will be prepared for entry-level positions in both public and private institutions. HCCC utilizes the convenient Generals Online System (GO). This provides the students with everything they need to earn their degree from the comfort of their own home. Graduates of the program will be prepared to write and perform job evaluations as well as write job descriptions. They will also be fully trained in employee and labor laws, compensation and benefits, and health and safety issues. Herkimer also offers transfer agreements with various colleges and universities. This is a good option for those who wish to continue their studies before entering the workforce.
Tuition: $7,306
5. Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, Iowa
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resources Management Online
At Western Iowa Tech Community College, students can earn their online associate’s in human resources, and do it 100% online. This online program can be completed in two years. Students will graduate ready to perform entry-level functions in the Human Resources department of both business and industry. The 4-semester, 64-credit curriculum includes a work experience component. This allows for students to receive on-the-job training while earning their degree. The degree from this human resources management program is transferable, for those who wish to continue on to further training. This program is eligible for financial aid or scholarship.
Tuition: $8,282
4. Zane State College
Zanesville, Ohio
Associate of Applied Business in Human Resources Management
Zane State College offers an affordable, exciting degree program in HR management. This program can be completed entirely online. This two year program is fully transferable. The courses will prepare students to successfully enter the field and be prepared for upward mobility, as well. The curriculum includes classes in:
- staffing and employment function
- strategic compensations
- labor relations
- cultural diversity for human resources
The program can be completed in two years and requires the completion of 61 credit hours.
Tuition: $7,009
3. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Human Resource Associate of Applied Business Online
At Rhodes State College, students can earn an online associate’s degree in human resources. Rhodes is an institution that is especially known for its human resource education. Graduates in human resources from Rhodes State College are highly sought after. This is because of the unique set of skills they obtain while earning their degree. Students at Rhodes will be able to take advantage of a program designed to provide a hands-on, cutting edge and diverse education. Graduates of the program will leave with a strong foundation in all the necessary principles in the field of human resources. The human resources degree program at Rhodes is closely aligned with the business program. This sets students up to be able to earn a double major, if they wish. Students will also graduate with the opportunity to complete the Professional in Human Resources certification exam. The program’s online option is available using zoom classes. Students have the option to study either part time or full time. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded certificates that are embedded into the curriculum. This will be sure to help them as they pursue an entry level job in human resource management.
Tuition: $10,606
2. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, Georgia
Associate of Applied Science in Human Resource Management Online
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers an affordable online associate’s in human resources. This associate’s in human resources online program is a good fit for those currently employed in the HR field desiring upward mobility. It is also a good program choice for those entering the field for the very first time. The program introduces students to core business administration theories and techniques. Students will graduate very knowledgeable in many areas such as:
- business ethics
- employment law
- recruitment
- management training
The 64-credit program combines 15 general education credits, 46 major-specific credits, and 3 elective credits. Students graduating from this program have a 100% career placement rate.
Tuition: $9,158
1. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Human Resources Associate Degree Online
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers the number one online associate’s degree in human resource management. This flexible program is designed specifically for students wishing to earn their associate’s in human resources online. The 63-credit program offers 3 yearly entry points, as well as the flexibility of 8-week courses. Classes are offered both day and evening, and students can study either part time or full time. Students enrolled in the online associate’s in human resources program are fully eligible for financial aid. Graduates of this program will be more than prepared to secure an entry level job in human resource management. Some of the classes they will take include:
- compensation and benefits administration
- labor relations
- employment law
- employee training and development
- wellness and safety initiatives
Tuition: $10,194
Human Resource Management Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job with just an associate’s degree in HR management?
Yes, it is worth it to get an associate’s degree in human resource management. There are many positions within the field of human resources that can be obtained with nothing more than a human resource associate degree. These positions would be considered to be entry level positions. Some examples of entry level positions in human resources are:
- payroll assistant
- benefits coordinator
- human resources clerk
- human resources assistant
- compliance specialist
Once you have your foot in the door in the human resources department of an organization, it becomes easier to move up the ladder. This is especially true if you earn your degree in human resources management. This particular degree can work as a springboard to set you up to eventually work your way into a managerial position. It is true that many of the human resource management associate degree programs offer transfer options. Yet it may be worth it to start working after earning a two year degree. This option allows you to start making money immediately instead of spending money on further education. Once you have started with a human resources position, you will likely have the opportunity to keep moving upward in the career ladder in a very rewarding field.
What kind of person is a good fit for a job in HR management?
There are a handful of important character qualities that are helpful for someone looking to work in human resource management. Anyone who works in the field of human resources should expect to work very closely with people on a daily basis. That being said, good relational skills are very important for someone who wants to succeed in human resources. This includes the ability to communicate clearly.
Human resource managers need good communication in varied situations, from conducting interviews to acting as a liaison between an organization’s management and their employees. Other important relational skills include kindness, understanding, and sympathy. When approached with a problem or a challenging situation, HR managers must be able to listen well, sympathize when needed, and figure out how to solve the problem.
Good problem solving and decision making are also very important qualities for someone working in human resources. Above average organizational skills are also important for someone looking to work in HR management. The varied nature of the job is likely to require a lot of multi-tasking, and an organized person who values planning will be able to handle these responsibilities with ease.
What can I expect to do working in HR management?
Human resource managers have many responsibilities. One day on the job may be very different from the one before it or the one after. This is due to the long list of responsibilities of a human resource department. In most cases, HR managers are largely responsible for the recruiting, interviewing and hiring of new employees. Human resource departments deal with the pay, benefits, and leave of all employees, and an HR manager would oversee each of these components.
A human resource manager will often work as a liaison between managers and their employees, particularly in bigger companies. They are also involved in the strategic planning of a company. The human resource department is often called upon when there are problems with employees, and the HR manager would likely be responsible to help solve problems. Human resources oversees the performance of a company’s employees, making sure that workers are doing their jobs properly. The department plays a part in planning for the future, particularly as it involves succession of current positions. It is clear that the responsibilities of someone working in human resources are varied. With this in mind, it is likely that every day on the job is unique.
Can I expect job stability working in human resource management?
Yes, the decision to enter the field of human resources is a wise one. Although there are more and more jobs that can be replaced by computers, human resource managers are still in high demand. The advancement in technology can make many things easier for a human resources department, such as the ability to find good candidates or to run a smooth payroll system. However, nothing can replace the personal connection of a human resource manager.
According to indeed.com, the need for human resource specialists is expected to grow by 10% in the next ten years. This is higher than the average projected job growth. No matter how much the world changes, one thing that does not change is the impact that personal connection between people can make. In order for a company to succeed, they will need to hire people who are ready and willing to deal with others in a way that makes the person not only feel valued, but also driven to be the best that they can be at their job. A successful human resource department can help create a successful company.
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