Online Ph.D. In Human Resources

Get Ranking Seal

The human resources (HR) field involves the study and practice of key organizational processes for employees, including hiring, training, benefits and compensation, and conflict negotiation. Human resources doctoral programs often feature courses in business, labor relations, management, and organizational development.

HR PhDs can pursue leadership roles, such as college professor, researcher, and human resources manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $116,720. The BLS also projects jobs for these professionals to grow 6% between 2019-2029.

Ph.D. in Human Resources Student FAQ's

Why Get a Degree in Human Resources?

A degree in human resources positions graduates to advance their careers and earn higher salaries. Graduates can pursue advanced teaching roles and lucrative HR management careers, which garner median annual salaries of around $80,000 and $116,000, respectively.

Many working professionals choose to pursue a human resources Ph.D. online. The flexibility of the online learning format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.

How Much Does a Human Resources Degree Cost?

The cost of a human resources Ph.D. program varies by factors like school, delivery format, and enrollment status. A 2020 College Board report on college pricing shows that in-state, public universities cost an average of $10,560. According to the same report, out-of-state public tuition and private tuition usually cost more than twice as much.

However, many online programs allow out-of-state distance learners to pay in-state tuition prices. Additionally, some states feature much higher average tuition rates than others, so shopping around for less expensive online programs in other states can save students money.

Ph.D. programs often take 4-7 years to finish, but only the first two years of coursework typically entail full-time enrollment and costs. During the dissertation phase, students often pay a per-credit tuition charge.

How Much Do Human Resources Majors Make?

Human resources graduates often make strong salaries. The BLS indicates that HR specialists make a median annual salary of $61,920, and labor relations specialists earn a median salary of $69,020.

Human resources Ph.D. graduates may also qualify for management roles in various industries. Possible titles include compensation and benefits manager, training and development manager, and human resources manager. These professionals earn median annual salaries of around $115,000-$122,000.

HR Ph.D. students may also pursue academic careers as university professors or education administrators. The median salaries for these careers fall into the $80,000-$95,000 range.

Courses in Human Resources

Human resources Ph.D. programs often consist of around 80 credits, including about 15 dissertation credits. Requirements vary based on prior coursework, but most programs feature general business courses, human resources core courses, and specialized HR electives.

Core courses cover topics like HR management, ethics, and research methods. Some Ph.D. programs offer HR as a specialization within a larger business or management program, while other programs offer further HR specializations. Possible HR concentrations include labor relations, organizational behavior, and statistics and data science.

Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines courses commonly found in human resources Ph.D. programs.

• Human Resources Management

  Sometimes appearing as a two-part course sequence, this foundational class discusses recruitment, selection, work design, and training. Additional topics include training and development, performance and knowledge management, strategic HR management, and human capital. This core course may serve as a prerequisite for some courses.

• Organizational Behavior

  Often appearing as an elective or curriculum specialization, organizational behavior explores work behavior within organizations. The course covers research variables, different levels of analysis, and various theories. The course typically occurs within a sequence of courses that may prove particularly useful to aspiring HR researchers and consultants.

• Labor Relations

  This course provides an overview of labor framework, various employee relationship models, labor law compliance, and key labor relations processes. Participants learn and practice strategies and skills for conflict mediation. Labor relations courses may appear as an elective, a curriculum concentration, or a core course.

Certifications and Licensure for Human Resources

A human resources Ph.D. exceeds the degree requirements for all HR jobs. However, some employers look for professional credentials certifying that candidates possess particular skill sets. The following list outlines several optional certifications for HR professionals.

Scholarships for Human Resources

Online Ph.D. in human resources students can take advantage of scholarships to help offset the cost of their degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for HR Ph.D. students.

Online Ph.D. in Human Resources