Top 10 Best Online Doctor of Human Resources Degrees in 2023

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Employees are the bedrock of every successful company, making Human Resources Management an extremely critical component.

With that in mind, earning an online Doctorate in Human Resources is a wonderful choice!

Featured Programs

The Doctor of Human Resources degree is an advanced professional degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address tough challenges in the ever-evolving workplace. This doctoral-level program provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of human resource management, employee relations, personnel law, labor relations, organizational behavior, and business strategy.

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage successful organizations and to address contemporary issues in the workplace. Graduates of this program are equipped to be excellent leaders and managers within human resources departments and in organizations around the country.

The Human Resources department ensures that employees feel safe, valued, and well-supported. Outstanding human resource management ensures the HR department runs smoothly, evolves, and copes with economic changes.

Quick audio summary:

THE LOWDOWN
There’s no way earning a Doctorate in Human Resources can impede your career… it will only enhance it! And, even if you choose to focus on a career in something other than Human Resources specifically (such as Business Administration), your online Doctorate in Human Resources can get you that job promotion you need, as well as provide additional earning potential. The field of Human Resources is versatile and lucrative! Find a HR Management online program below!

What Human Resources Personnel Do

Human Resources are integral to any organization, from employee well-being to risk management. This intricate field of work would lack structure and struggle to evolve if proper management was not in place.

An excellent way to ensure employee satisfaction, productivity, and future growth is to have a strong HR department supported by solid leadership. That is why every company requires an experienced, compassionate manager to oversee its human resources department.

One of the biggest problems of most companies is strong Human Resources. As a result, many business professionals pursue a Doctorate in Human Resources to advance their careers, contribute to research, earn a higher salary, or advance in their industry. A Doctorate in Human Resources will improve career stability, diversity, and performance.

Career Path for Doctorate in Human Resources Graduates

Career Path for Doctorate in Human Resources Graduates

Graduates of online doctorates in human resources programs frequently pursue managerial positions within HR departments or college-level teaching positions.

These high-level positions necessitate strong leadership, communication, and critical-thinking abilities, and HR professionals often work more than 40 hours per week.

Business Postsecondary Teacher

Human resources, for example, is a subject in which postsecondary business teachers specialize, and they occasionally conduct research and teach courses.

Business professors at four-year colleges and universities are typically required to have a doctorate in their field, and the community and technical colleges generally prefer Doctorate-holders.

Chief Human Resources Officer

These top executives are in charge of human resource departments. They oversee the department’s operations, develop and implement policies, and collaborate with other leaders throughout the organization.

Most top executives have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, but having a doctorate will make you stand out.

After taking on lower-level supervisory or management roles, professionals are frequently promoted to this position. In general, chief executives have extensive managerial experience.

Human Resource Managers

Human resource managers are in charge of the business administration functions of human resource departments. They are in charge of the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes.

They manage employee relations and ensure regulatory compliance. These managers may be referred to as labor relations directors, payroll managers, or recruiting managers.

A master’s degree in human resources is required for these professionals, but some positions require a doctorate in human resources, labor relations, or business administration.

Training and Development Manager

These managers are in charge of an organization’s training programs, personnel, and budgets. They manage training and development specialists and consult with top executives and financial officers to ensure that training priorities align with its objectives.

A master’s degree in human resources is typically required for the training and development of managers, though some positions require a doctor’s degree.


Methodology

The demand for executive-level human resource management professionals increases as the business world grows and changes.

We considered the comprehensiveness of the following educational institutions offering online Doctorate in Human Resources programs due to their exemplary features, such as:

Includes course options pursuant to an online Doctorate in Human Resources degree program,

  • Offers 100% fully online distance education program or hybrid learning formats for convenience and flexibility,
  • Provides an affordable education with federal financial aid options,
  • Students focus on online programs specifically designed to complement existing skills,
  • Taught by qualified faculty experienced in the human resources field,
  • Encourages job promotions and prepares graduates for positions as human resources managers, industrial organizational psychologists, management in business administration, training and development specialists, organizational leadership, and more!

In addition, we highlight the online doctorate degree program details that are unique to each of these online schools. These school rankings are listed in random order, so check them all out!

We hope you find the ideal college for an online Ph.D. program to meet your needs!

Please visit our Methodology page to get in-depth information.


Best Online Human Resources Doctorate Programs

National University

Doctor Of Philosophy In Human Resource Management

National University is a for-profit online school. Because National University is solely an online graduate university, it can focus on specific areas of study and provide a quality, innovative education that prepares passionate professionals to excel in their respective careers.

National University provides an online, research-based Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management program designed to produce HR experts.

The PhD-HRM degree is a research-based program designed to provide students with the expert-level knowledge required to assume leadership roles in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. This degree is intended for human resource professionals who want to research and prepare for leadership positions in this field.

Graduates with a doctorate in human resources management degree will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned academically to current challenges and opportunities in this field through coursework and dissertation writing.

Location:

San Diego, California

Accreditation:

  • WASC Senior College and University Commission
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Program Features:

  • Students enrolled in this Doctorate in Human Resources 60-credit program can expect to take 20 courses for 50 months, plus a dissertation.
  • Relevant human resource issues will be addressed, including discrimination, equal employment opportunity, labor relations, staff retention, compensation and benefits, and employment law.

Course Options:

  • Human Resource Management in the 21st Century
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Labor Relations
  • Workforce Management
  • Supervising in the 21st Century
  • Cultural Issues
  • Legal Issues in Human Resources Management
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Organizational Behavior in Human Resource Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management Policy and Implementation

Admission Requirements:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited university
  • Online application
  • Academic evaluation
    • Direct Entry: Students with a previously completed master’s degree must also have:
      • A generalized business area (business administration or business management) or
      • A specialized business area (Master of Finance) AND an undergraduate degree in business
    • Evaluation Track: Individuals who do not meet the direct entry requirements must evaluate their transcripts to see if their previous coursework meets the Standard Curriculum requirements.

Financial Aid:

  • Federal Stafford Loan
  • Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
  • Special assistance for military personnel and veterans

What’s Unique About the Program:

National University’s Doctorate in Human Resources program is perhaps the most adaptable, with start dates every Monday and a one-to-one learning model to support all online students.

Furthermore, you will be able to turn in your assignments as early as you want during the week, allowing you to fit school into your schedule rather than the other way around.


Capella University

online doctor of Human Resources

Human Resource Management Specialization-PhD in Business Management

Capella University is a for-profit, private online university. Unlike many online Human Resources programs, CU has a purposeful structure to meet the needs of students who thrive in that environment.

Capella’s blended Ph.D. in Business Management with a specialization in human resource management is one of its many online degree programs.

The Ph.D. Human Resources program with a Management specialization focuses on the knowledge and skills required to teach, consult, lead, practice, and conduct research in human resource management.

Learners assess multidisciplinary theories and human resource management strategies and practices for creating flexible and innovative settings in the global workplace of the twenty-first century.

The course covers a wide range of demographic and cultural perspectives, the impact of new technologies in the workplace, and the impact of a dynamic external work environment on human resource management practices.

Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Program

Program Features:

  • Students can expect to take 16 courses, participate in three residencies, and complete a dissertation.
  • As a gesture to make the doctoral degree and dissertation process less intimidating, the program provides online students with a support system that guides them every step of the way.

Course Options:

  • Research Processes, Theory & Practice in Global Business
  • Foundations of Human Resource Theory and Practice
  • Human Resource Practices for Developing Talent

Admission Requirements:

  • A master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Official master’s degree transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
  • A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
  • Minimum score on the acceptance test for proof of English proficiency (international students)
  • Transcript evaluation (international students)

What’s Unique About the Program:

Capella University has a one-of-a-kind synchronous 10-week quarter system called GuidedPath, in which students can take up to three classes per quarter with a $5,000 quarter tuition maximum.


Liberty University

online doctor of Human Resources

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Human Resources

Liberty University is a non-profit Christian institution that aspires to global impact through its commitment to comprehensive, high-quality education. Liberty University, which has the lowest graduate tuition on this list, offers a fully online DBA degree with a Human Resources concentration.

Prospective students will get advanced training in business fundamentals as part of this program’s business degree but will additionally focus on the HR viewpoint within that framework.

As a result, this degree may be better suited for students pursuing a career in the corporate discipline of human resources rather than the academic field.

At Liberty University, the program’s coursework encompasses current human resource management, workforce planning, employment, human resource development, and pay management.

Graduates will be well-prepared for pay and benefits managers, development experts, human resources directors, and recruiting specialists.

Location:

Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation:

  • Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, Commission on Colleges
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Program Features:

  • Classes in this 60-credit program will be held every eight weeks, and students can complete their degree in 3.5 years.
  • The curriculum prepares you for leadership by teaching you practical skills. Hands-on case studies, experiential activities, and research are used.
  • Prospective students will investigate themes such as the changing nature of the labor market, legal difficulties, and compensation management.

Course Options:

  • Workforce Planning and Employment
  • Compensation Management
  • Human Resource Development
  • Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making

Admission Requirements:

  • Admission Application
  • Application fee
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Official college master’s degree transcripts from a college or university accredited by ACBSP or AACSB

Financial Aid:

  • Grants and Loans
  • Scholarship
  • Military Tuition Discount

What’s Unique About the Program:

Tuition for all doctorate programs has been unchanged for the past six years. While many other online universities have hiked tuition, Liberty University, as a non-profit university, has been able to keep fees low.


Bellevue University

online doctor of Human Resources

Ph.D. in Human Capital Management

Bellevue University is a low-cost, non-profit institution. BU is regarded as one of the best military-friendly universities in the country, with over 50,000 students and alumni worldwide.

Bellevue University offers an online Ph.D. in Human Capital Management through the College of Business, Management, and Leadership.

While the term “Human Capital Management” may be less well-known than “human resources,” rest assured that this degree contains many elements of HRM. Human capital management (HCM) is a broader term encompassing more aspects of managing people in a business setting.

This degree at Bellevue University may better fit a graduate student looking for more specialized coursework in human capital-related fields.

Location:

Omaha, Nebraska

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Program Features:

  • The curriculum will be divided into four learning modules for students to follow: strategic human capital management and productivity, linking human capital to organizational outcomes, human capital leadership and introduction to measurement, and measuring, analyzing, and assessing human capital effectiveness.
  • Comprehensive exams and an 18-credit dissertation will be the culmination of all coursework.
  • Students must complete 51 credit hours of coursework, including two residencies and a dissertation.
  • Students should complete modules 1 and 2 of the curriculum. However, if a student decides not to pursue the Ph.D., they will receive Certificates of Completion for the first two modules.

Course Options:

  • Strategic Management of Human-Derived Sources of Capital
  • Human Capital Development and Productivity
  • Economics of Human Capital Valuation Issues
  • Human Learning and Decision Making
  • Advanced Analysis and Presentation Methods

Admission Requirements:

  • Application for Admission
  • Master’s degree awarded by an accredited institution
  • Official transcripts for Undergraduate and Graduate coursework
  • 3.0 GPA or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
  • Five years of professional experience.
  • 575 on TOEFL (international students)
  • Current resume.

Financial Aid:

  • Scholarship
  • Direct Student Loans
  • Grants

What’s Unique About the Program:

This Bellevue University degree equips students with academic understanding and practical skills for influencing culture, leadership, and psychology dedicated to serving company goals. Since this degree covers major psychological topics, graduates will better understand employees.


Colorado State University

online doctor of Human Resources

Ph.D. in Education & Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Specialization

Colorado State University, a Denver-based public, land-grant research university, offers non-traditional students a convenient, flexible, and high-quality online education.

CSU’s School of Education offers an online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and Human Resource Studies specializing in organizational learning, performance, and change.

The Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change specialization is intended to prepare you to have a significant impact on the people and processes of your organization.

You’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to individuals, teams, systems, and processes. You are the catalyst for strategic improvements in your organization – or as a consultant – optimizing workforce and business.

An application component is included in this software. This is essential for going from knowledge to action. You’ll be ready to deal with human capital and organizational performance concerns in the real world. You’ll get access to organizations where you can test out the tools and strategies you’ve learned in class. 

Location:

Denver, Colorado

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Features:

  • This 60-credit course can be completed in four years by taking two classes every semester, including the summer semester.
  • Some courses are online; however, students must attend Saturday courses twice a month during the semester.
  • The first four semesters of the curriculum include systems leadership, evaluation and assessment, and scenario design. The subsequent semesters concentrate on developing research abilities, culminating in the final year with the research seminar and dissertation.

Course Options:

  • Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
  • Evaluation and Assessment in OLPC
  • Workforce Development
  • Systems Leadership
  • Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

Admission Requirements:

  • GRE/GMAT Scores
  • Official Transcripts/Credential & Certified Translations
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Official transcript of collegiate work completed along with a certified translation into English. (international students)
  • Scores on TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. (international students)

Financial Aid:

  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Military Discounts
  • Veterans’ Benefits

What’s Unique About the Program:

This doctorate in human resources degree program is quite competitive. The program wants students with various backgrounds and experiences and significant professional experience, a firm conviction in using research to describe issues and develop answers, and a strong desire to apply solutions to better organizations and the people who work in them.


The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

online doctor of Human Resources

EdD in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in HR Development

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a popular public, land-grant research institution, offers one of the best EdD programs in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, focusing on Human Resource Development.

The EdD degree program is designed to train scholars-practitioners in human resource development. These individuals generally design, implement, and evaluate HRD programs, relying on scholarly research and established best practices to guide their actions.

The degree program includes courses on understanding the discipline’s foundational and advanced theories and practices and conducting research in applied settings.

Graduates of the EdD program typically work as senior practitioners in various organizational settings both nationally and internationally.

Location:

Champaign, Illinois

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Features:

  • Students take six electives if the advisor allows eight credit hours for Qualifying Exams. Students take eight electives if the advisor does not authorize eight credit hours for Qualifying Exams.
  • Students will learn how to design, direct, and coordinate human resource development programs to improve individuals’ and organizations’ knowledge, skills, and performance.

Course Options:

  • Principles in Human Resource Education 
  • Instructional and Training System Design
  • Work Analysis 
  • Learning Technologies 
  • Organization Development 
  • Learning on the Job

Admission Requirements:

  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of Reference
  • Transcripts
  • 3.0 Minimum GPA
  • Application Fee

Financial Aid:

  • Grants
  • Scholarships
  • Waivers
  • Loans
  • Employment

What’s Unique About the Program:

Students will work with faculty mentors and have the unique option to participate in research projects while in the program, resulting in a well-rounded, tailored research portfolio.

Influence and negotiation, leading and managing teams and individuals, managing and growing human capital in the organization, and doctorate seminars in meta-analysis and research synthesis are qualities that make this EdD special.


The University of Texas at Tyler

online doctor of Human Resources

Human Resource Development PhD

The University of Texas at Tyler has seven colleges, three regional campuses, and a student body of over 10,000. The university offers a 60-credit hybrid Ph.D. in Human Resource Development through the College of Business and Technology.

While most classes are completed online, students are required to attend classes on campus five times per semester so this program may be best suited for students living in the Tyler, Texas, area. Most on-campus meetings take place on weekends to accommodate working executives in the industry.

Some of the program’s sample courses are advanced theoretical foundations of human resource development, cutting-edge quantitative research in human resource development, and strategic human resource management. 

Location:

Tyler, Texas

Accreditation:

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Features:

  •  Graduates of this program will contribute to research and application in the areas of increasing job performance, developing organizational leadership potential, and supporting a quickly changing and culturally diverse workforce.
  • This is a 60-hour curriculum that follows the master’s degree and culminates in a dissertation.
  • A dissertation of original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in human resource development will be needed. Students must finish a minimum of 9 dissertation credit hours.

Course Options:

  • Organizational Change
  • Organizational Performance and Behavior
  • Organizational Consulting
  • Human Resource Development Strategy
  • Organization Development
  • Strategic Human Resources Management

Admission Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in HRD, business administration, the management or related field from a college or university approved by a recognized national accrediting body
  • 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) on all previous academic coursework
  • GMAT scores (in some cases, the GRE may be accepted instead of the GMAT) are taken within five years at the time of application to the program.
  • Career statement
  • Complete resume or curriculum vita
  • Three original letters of recommendation

Financial Aid:

  • Fellowship, Stipends & Grants
  • Financial Support
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Tuition & Fees Calculator
  • Graduate Alternate Program
  • Graduate Fellowship Application

What’s Unique About the Program:

The College of Business and Technology provides a one-of-a-kind doctorate in human resource development with a concentration in organizational development and change (ODC) in business and industry and a strategic management viewpoint.

The program is delivered online and intended to provide human resource development scholars with a unique grasp of HRD within the business and management framework.


University of Arkansas

online doctor of Human Resources

Ed.D. in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education

For Arkansas online doctorates in education, the University of Arkansas reigns supreme. The university provides plenty of financial assistance, is CAEP-accredited, and actively participates in the Arkansas Leadership Academy.

Furthermore, per-credit tuition for University of Arizona online doctorates is highly affordable for in-state and out-of-state students.

An online Ed.D in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education is one of the university’s many online degrees. The program will delve into advanced human resources topics such as training, management development, customer service, and total quality management.

It should be noted that the GRE must be taken before admission. The Global Campus at the University of Arkansas employs a self-paced online model in which students set their schedules for their education.

Location:

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Features:

  • GRE scores
  • Students should maintain a GPA of 3.25 in all courses. Any course grades lower than a “C” will not be counted toward a graduate degree.
  • Students must complete all prerequisites for the written and oral candidacy exams, the dissertation, and the final oral dissertation defense.

Course Options:

  • Practicum
  • Entrepreneurial Development
  • Technology Systems – HR and Workforce Development
  • HRWD Ethical and Legal Issues

Admission Requirements:

  • Interest in HR and Workforce Development Education 
  • Evidence of potential to contribute to workforce development education through research and professional leadership.
  • Previous work experience.
  • Graduate grade point average
  • Old GRE: 1000 combined scores of verbal and quantitative, and a 4.0 on analytical writing.
  • New GRE Score: Verbal – 153; Quantitative – 150; and a 4.0 on analytical writing. Scores are valid for five years.

Financial Aid:

  • Grants and Scholarships
  • Student Loans 
  • Work-Study 

What’s Unique About the Program:

The University of Arkansas takes pleasure in offering high-quality education and its dedication to all students, conventional and non-traditional.

Online students are also awarded the same degree as their on-campus counterparts. Their names will be etched on the Senior Walk, a 3-mile-long pathway that honors Arkansas’ 175,000 graduates.


University of Maryland

online doctor of Human Resources

Ph.D. in Human Resources

The University of Maryland has the most affordable Ph.D. in Human Resources online program that we found. It began as a satellite learning center affiliated with the University of Maryland, then evolved into a regional campus before breaking away from that institution and establishing its university system.

The culture of the M&O Ph.D. program promotes both excellence and collegiality—students receive support and advice from faculty and senior students in developing a research identity.

Students are encouraged to present their research ideas in the weekly Student Presentation Series (SPS) from their first semester in the program, a safe yet challenging setting that prepares them for the rigors of academic life and develops their research and presentation skills.

Location:

College Park, Maryland

Accreditation:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Features:

  • It consists of three distinct courses termed creating actionable knowledge classes, which assist students in conducting research and writing their dissertations. Before commencing their dissertation work, students must get clearance from their advisers.
  • This full-time program is typically completed in five years, with students spending two years on coursework and three years on their dissertation, working papers, and other requirements.

Course Options:

  • Issues and Practices in Human Resource Management
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • Recruitment and Selection
  • Managing Virtual and Global Teams 

Admission Requirements:

  • Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher and overall graduate GPA of 3.8 or higher
  • GMAT test scores = 700 or higher.
  • GRE test scores = 320± Total, 160± for Verbal and 160± for quantitative, scoring in the 96 percentile for analytical writing.
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals and research interests
  • Evidence of English proficiency (international students)

Financial Aid:

  • Grants & Scholarships
  • Federal Work-Study.
  • Loans
  • Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships

What’s Unique About the Program:

University of Maryland students work closely with faculty on research assistantships, leading to collaborative publications in the field’s top journals.

Student’s research assistantship assignments rotate throughout the program, allowing flexibility and exposure to various researchers, research subjects, and scientific approaches.

Students graduate with refined interests and form working relationships with instructors based on a personal and professional fit.


Atlantic International University

online doctor of Human Resources

Doctor of Human Resource Management (Ph.D.)

Atlantic International University is a private for-profit distance learning university that offers a flexible and affordable online Ph.D. in human resources management.

This completely online Ph.D. program prepares students to consult, lead, and teach human resources in a worldwide corporate setting.

Adult learning and motivation, cross-cultural management, workplace diversity, human resource management, leadership and communication, managing and organizing people, and leadership theories are offered.

Each Ph.D. candidate writes or is encouraged to write a doctorate dissertation in human resource management.

Location:

Honolulu, Hawaii

Accreditation:

  •  Accrediting Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Program Features:

  • This program broadens students’ expertise in human resource management and provides them with comprehensive research and process human resource management abilities, allowing them to make a significant leadership contribution to their chosen industries.
  • The degree can be completed in 3 years.

Course Options:

  • Organizational Theory
  • Personnel Practices and Relations
  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Leadership and Communication
  • Managing and Organizing People
  • Legal Systems, Labor Relations, and Regulatory Practices
  • Ethics
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Theories of Leadership
  • Human Resource Management
  • Sociology of Education
  • Cross-Cultural Management
  • Adult Learning and Motivation

Admission Requirements:

  • Five years of field/life experience.
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Master’s degree (or an equivalent degree) awarded by a recognized university
  • Applicants may also need to submit one or more of the following documents to determine their eligibility.
  • References from members of the professional and academic communities are sufficient.
  • One sample of scholarly research or professional writing in any format. 

Financial Aid:

  • Scholarship
  • Grants
  • Monthly Payment

What’s Unique About the Program:

AIU’s Doctorate in Human Resource Management program goes a step further by letting students study and explore a wide range of major areas of computer science, allowing them to build a solid and practical foundational knowledge of computer science theory. Furthermore, the program is a curriculum you and your advisor will design.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the completion timeline of an online Doctor of Human Resources program?

Most full-time Online Doctor of Human Resources programs take students at least four years to complete an online doctorate in human resources.

Typically, programs require 60 credits and a dissertation. Factors such as program status and enrollment structure, in addition to program requirements, influence degree completion time.

Students with personal or professional obligations may take fewer credits per term, lengthening the time required to graduate. Generally, schools expect students to complete their doctorate within ten years.

Some human resources programs employ a cohort model, in which students complete coursework in a predetermined order with a small group of peers. Individually paced programs allow college students to progress through the curriculum at their own pace, graduating sooner.

Before enrolling in an online doctorate program in human resources, you should determine your preferred learning style. Students who flourish in a community-based environment may benefit more from a cohort structure, while those who need scheduling flexibility typically choose individually paced programs.

What typical online coursework is included in a Human Resources Doctoral program?

What typical online coursework is included in a Human Resources Doctoral program?

While each human resource management degree program has its requirements, all HR doctorate programs share some human resources courses.

Courses typically cover qualitative and quantitative research methods and advanced statistics to prepare you to conduct your research and evaluate the research of others.

In a series of practical classes, you will typically learn about human resources’ legal, social, and theoretical aspects. Expect to learn how to evaluate business data, create business strategies, comprehend and manage labor relations in an organization, and other related topics.

There may also be classes on business domains such as global business and issues such as diversity and equality in the human resources workplace.

Workforce Management

This course will teach you how to manage a workforce in a large organization. Typically, you will learn about employee recruitment, retention, and incentives, as well as the legal and policy requirements of higher-level human resource positions. You could learn about leadership styles and organizational communication and how to effect organizational change.

Quantitative Research Methodologies

How do you design, plan, and carry out data-driven human resource research? This course teaches descriptive and inferential statistical methods for ensuring the usefulness and validity of research data. You will typically learn how to read and evaluate other quantitative research methods, select your methods, collect primary data, and analyze your data using specialized statistical software.

Labor Relations

This course examines national and international laws, as well as how they affect your role as a human resources professional. Typically, it will cover unions’ history and current state and negotiations, and contract administration. In addition, you will naturally learn about collective bargaining, risk management, and the structure of a union organization.

This class typically examines federal, state, and local laws and how they affect employees of all types. You can probably expect to learn about how laws affect human resource professionals, such as hiring, firing, at-will employment, and contracts. Expect to read the legislation, think about litigation and how to avoid it, and study essential case studies in the field of human resources.

Are there professional associations for Human Resource professionals?

Many human resource professionals and students join professional organizations to gain networking, education, and career opportunities.

Volunteer, leadership, and mentorship opportunities are available to members. Many professional associations also offer professional certifications and annual conferences, and job boards.

Students may be eligible for reduced membership rates; all designed to foster your interests in human resources and more!

Society for Human Resources Management

SHRM is a global non-profit organization that serves over 300,000 HR professionals and students. Scholarships, networking opportunities, and educational resources are available throughout society. SHRM also publishes curriculum guidelines for HR programs and offers HR professional credentialing programs.

National Human Resources Association

This organization assists HR professionals by providing opportunities for leadership and career development. The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) offers opportunities for professional networking, and students receive a discounted membership rate.

International Public Management Association for Human Resources

This organization is a global network of HR professionals from government and non-profit organizations. IPMA-HR offers professional certifications and continuing education to HR students. In addition, the organization hosts an annual conference and provides assessment services.

Human Capital Institute

Human Capital Institute (HCI) promotes the skills of a company’s human resources department by providing certification opportunities and various conferences throughout the year.

Webcasts highlight the various challenges that HR departments must deal with in today’s working environment. Members have access to an extensive digital library and a vast online repository of articles and case studies.

An HCI Corporate Membership provides additional benefits to HR professionals, such as the opportunity to collaborate with peers to implement best practices without reinventing the wheel.

Association for Talent Development (ATD)

Like other organizations for HR professionals, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) provides up-to-date and topical training, design, and measurement (among other opportunities).

Two certifications are available through their program types. The emphasis of ATD is on the training and management side of human resources rather than the benefit and payroll supervision side.

The organization’s two appealing offerings are local chapters and a job board. ATD is looking for members who can contribute to their website by writing about their profession. ATD’s stated vision is to “Build a World That Works Better.”

How will earning a Doctoral degree in Human Resources advance my career?

Earning a Doctoral degree in Human Resources can open up many career options. It can enable you to take on higher-level positions, such as working in human resources consulting, executive positions in HR departments, and conducting strategic planning for larger organizations. It can also provide you with a greater level of expertise in research, helping you to uncover solutions to unique and complex human resources problems.

Having a doctoral degree can help you earn a higher salary and may even help you move up to managerial positions. Finally, you can also become a more valuable asset to current and potential employers.


Summary Points

Are you ready to earn your online Doctorate in Human Resources? Of course, you are!

  • Human Resources programs can easily be found online. The above Human Resources online programs are great because working professionals can earn their degree while you maintain your full-time work schedule and busy home life!
  • A Doctorate in Human Resource Management online degree will take approximately four to five years to complete.
  • Earning your online Doctor of Human Resources degree can provide many opportunities for job promotions. Look for positions as human resources managers, organizational leaders, ethical human resource development, training and development specialists, business managers, labor relations director, or within human resources training and human resources development, and much more!
  • The human resources field promotes communication, management, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, key goals for a doctoral program.
  • You should take advantage of the online learning opportunities in the field of Human Resources! A Human Resource Management degree will serve you well!

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