By HumanResourceMBA.net Staff
As more organizations are expanding their HR departments to adhere to the nation’s changing employment laws and compete in today’s business marketplace, bachelor’s in human resources degrees are becoming increasingly popular at the nation’s top universities. If you are good at assessing people’s talents, possess strong interpersonal skills, thrive when working on an inter-disciplinary team, and want to help organizations retain strong workforces, then you could be the perfect fit for a human resources degree to unlock in-demand career opportunities. In order to ensure that you are choosing a quality education that will build the essential knowledge and skills in HR functions, it is recommended that you select a program that has a track record of retaining talented students with a high four-year graduation rate.
Methodology
In making our picks for the top 25 bachelor’s degrees in human resources, we began by searching through the undergraduate programs aligned with the curriculum guidelines of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). As another indicator of quality education, we focused on the aligned programs that have also been accredited for excellence by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and also report to have an active student chapter of the SHRM. Once we narrowed down our list to the schools with one or more published rankings on the U.S. News and World Report, we finished our ranking according to the most recent four-year graduation rates listed on the College Navigator and sorted them from low to high.
Ranking the Top 25 Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees
25. California State University, Fresno: Fresno, CA
Craig School of Business
B.S. Business Administration – Human Resource Management
On one of the oldest and most prestigious campuses in the California State University System in the world’s richest agricultural region, the Craig School of Business offers a traditional and accelerated B.S. Business Administration program with an option to specialize in Human Resource Management. Undergraduates can join the on-campus student chapter of the SHRM, which has won the National Top Ten Student Chapter Recognition Award for seven consecutive years.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #8 Top Public Schools; #36 Regional Universities (West)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 14%
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24. University of Colorado: Denver, CO
Business School
B.S. in Business Administration – Human Resource Management Emphasis
In the heart of downtown Denver with local and Fortune 500 businesses just steps away, the CU Denver Business School offers a B.S. in Business Administration program with a Human Resource Management Emphasis. Featuring a Top 10 SHRM student chapter, the program is focused on training students in the area of personnel administration and development in the Mile High City with a unique emphasis on social responsibility.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #108 Top Public Schools; #190 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 16%
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23. Valdosta State University: Valdosta, GA
Langdale College of Business Administration
B.B.A. in Management – Human Resources Management
Among the top 5% of business schools worldwide, the Langdale College of Business Administration provides a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Management with a certificate in Human Resources Management. In addition to joining the Valdosta SHRM chapter and participating in the co-op program, bachelor’s in human resources degree students have the unique opportunity to experience the business world overseas by traveling to Germany in a four-week trip exploring major German corporations.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #30 Top Public Schools; #69 Regional Universities (South)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 16%
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22. California State University, Chico: Chico, CA
College of Business
Bachelor in Business Administration with an Option in Human Resources Management
With a focus on preparing students for a variety of careers in personnel management, organizational behavior, workforce training, labor relations, or recruitment, Cal State Chico offers a Bachelor in Business Administration program with an Option in Human Resources Management. Students will take 24 credits in HR-related courses, including an opportunity to gain hands-on field experience with a supervised internship.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #10 Top Public Schools; #42 Regional Universities (West)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 17%
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21. Arkansas State University: Jonesboro, AR
College of Business
B.S. Management in Human Resources Management
With an international reputation for producing respected corporate leaders, the ASU College of Business has created a B.S. Management program in Human Resources Management to foster employee development. As a 7-time winner of the Superior Merit Award, the Student SHRM Chapter also provides opportunities for bachelor’s in human resources degree students to gain insight into the effective management of personnel in work-related experiences with established business professionals.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #14 Best College for Veterans; #25 Top Public Schools; #61 Regional Universities (South)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 19%
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20. St. Cloud State University: St. Cloud, MN
Herberger Business School
B.S. in Management – Human Resources Concentration
As one of only seven accredited business schools in Minnesota, the Herberger Business School at SCSU is home to a B.S. in Management program that offers a Human Resources Concentration aligned with the SHRM. Undergraduates can become in the Society of Unified Management Organization (SUMO), which has been granted a SHRM Superior Merit Award, led by a CSOLD “Outstanding Officer,” and recognized for its innovative practices in the Husky Clean-Up Project.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #29 Top Public Schools; #83 Regional Universities (Midwest)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 19%
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19. Western Kentucky University: Bowling Green, KY
Gordon Ford College of Business
B.S. in Management – Human Resource Management Track
With approximately 100 undergraduate students, the Gordon Ford College of Business offers one of the largest B.S. in Management programs with a Human Resource Management track specifically devoted to effective staffing practices. Students can also learn about actual organizational problems and successes by joining the WKU Student SHRM Chapter in preparing for their career as HRM specialists.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #7 Up-and-Coming Schools; #11 Top Public Schools; #30 Regional Universities (South)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 25%
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18. Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS
College of Business Administration
B.S. in Management – Human Resource Management Track
Ranked 59th in the nation by the Aspen Institute for the inclusion of social, ethical, and environmental content in its dynamic core curriculum, the College of Business Administration shapes tomorrow’s leaders by offering a B.S. in Management with a track in Human Resource Management. Through a unique corporate partnership program, HR students are highly recruited by local partnering companies to help create more productive work environments.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #68 Top Public Schools; #135 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 26%
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17. Northern Illinois University: DeKalb, IL
College of Business
B.S. in Management – Human Resource Management Emphasis
Renowned for being ranked among the nation’s most elite undergraduate business programs since the inception of Bloomberg Businessweek’s ranking, the NIU College of Business provides a B.S. in Management program with a Human Resource Management Emphasis for gaining entry-level positions as human resource generalists or specialists. Outside the classroom, the NIU Student SHRM Chapter is one of the country’s largest student chapters offering unparalleled networking opportunities near Chicago for bachelor’s in human resources degree students.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #98 Top Public Schools; #177 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 26%
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16. University of Alabama Birmingham: Birmingham, AL
Collat School of Business
B.S. in Management – Human Resource Management Concentration
Named as one of the nation’s “Best 295 Business Schools” and among the “Top 10 Universities for Diversity” by the prestigious Princeton Review in 2014, the UAB Collat School of Business offers a B.S. in Management with a Human Resource Management Concentration. Available on-campus or 100% online, the program integrates practical experiences in the bustling heart of Alabama’s economic center with innovative mobile technology.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #33 Best Colleges for Veterans; #81 Top Public Schools; #152 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 29%
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15. Murray State University: Murray, KY
Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
Bachelor of Science in Business – Human Resources Track
As a pre-approved provider of certification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business is home to Bachelor of Science in Business program with a Human Resources Track. To ensure graduates have the experiences to effectively manage organizations’ most important resources, the track is professionally linked to the MSU Student SHRM Chapter, which placed second in the 2013 SHRM Case Competition.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #4 Best Colleges for Veterans; #8 Best Public Schools; #25 Regional Universities (South)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 29%
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14. Brigham Young University: Provo, UT
Marriott School of Management
B.S. Management: Organizational Behavior/Human Resource (OBHR) Emphasis
Recognized by Bloomberg Businessweek for being the nation’s 2nd best undergraduate business school for return on investment, the Marriott School of Management at BYU offers a B.S. Management program with a unique Organizational Behavior/Human Resource (OBHR) emphasis. Featuring a 100% job placement rate for three years in a row, the program is ideal for students with a desire to build business by recruiting, retaining, and rewarding top talent.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #10 Best Value Schools; #62 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 31%
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13. San Diego State University: San Diego, CA
College of Business Administration
B.S. in Business Administration – Human Resource Management
Named as one of the country’s “10 Schools that Lead to Low Student Debt,” the SDSU College of Business Administration provides undergraduate students with a B.S. in Business Administration program that offers a specialization in Human Resource Management. Boasting an active SDSU Student SHRM Chapter that took third place in the 2014 Pacific West Student Conference and Case Competition, the program builds a foundation for supporting organizational strategy.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #14 Up-and-Coming Schools; #81 Top Public Schools; #152 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 33%
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12. Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK
Spears School of Business
B.S. in Management, Human Resource Management Option
With a real-world curriculum that incorporates technology to help create industry-driven degrees for future business leaders, the Spears School of Business at OSU has established a B.S. in Management program that allows a Human Resource Management Option. To complement learning in the classroom, students can join the OSU Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) to become involved in exclusive networking events and regional meetings.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #29 Best Colleges for Veterans; #73 Top Public Schools: #142 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 33%
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11. University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA
Tippie College of Business
BBA in Management – Human Resource Management Track
Currently recognized for having the 94th best undergraduate business programs by Bloomberg Businessweek magazine, the top-ranked Tippie College of Business has built a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in Management with a Human Resource Management Track. As one of the newest tracks first offered in Spring 2011, the program offers opportunities to join the UNI Student SHRM Chapter and study abroad in Italy.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #2 Top Public Schools; #6 Best Colleges for Veterans; #13 Regional Universities (Midwest)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 37%
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10. Shippensburg University: Shippensburg, PA
John L. Grove College of Business
B.S. in Business Administration – Human Resource Management Concentration
As one of the premier business schools in the Mid-Atlantic Region named to the Princeton Review’s “Best 295 Business Schools” in 2014, the John L. Grove College of Business is proud to offer a B.S. in Business Administration program with a Human Resource Management Concentration. With a student chapter sponsored by the Cumberland Valley SHRM, the aligned program provides a forum for students to learn about industrial relations in a collaborative environment.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #27 Top Public Schools; #93 Regional Universities (North)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 37%
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9. Colorado State University: Fort Collins, CO
College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management – Human Resource Management
Based in historic Rockwell Hall with state-of-the-art classroom facilities to teach the highest standards of business practices, the CSU College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management program with a Human Resource Management certificate for meeting the challenges of managing a diverse workforce. As a SHRM Merit Award winner, the CSU Student SHRM Student Chapter further acquaints students with HR practitioners.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #60 Top Public Schools; #121 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 37%
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8. Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA
E.J. Ourso College of Business
B.S. Management – Human Resource Management Concentration
Named the 59th best undergraduate business school among public universities in the United States by Bloomberg Businessweek, the E.J. Ourso College of Business offers a B.S. Management program with a Human Resource Management Concentration. Within the 120-credit program, students can join the LSU Student SHRM Chapter to supplement the cutting-edge business education with real-world experiences in an intellectually diverse environment.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #68 Top Public Schools; #135 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 38%
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7. Temple University: Philadelphia, PA
Fox School of Business
BBA in Human Resource Management
Consistently ranking in the top 15% of Best Business Schools nationwide, the Fox School of Business is home to a traditional four-year and accelerated three-year BBA in Human Resource Management that prepares students for careers in managing organization’s most valuable asset – human capital. Along with one SHRM student chapter at the main campus and another at Ambler, the program encourages majors to join Net Impact or Student Professional Sales Organizations (PSO).
U.S. News Ranking(s): #24 Best Colleges for Veterans; #60 Top Public Schools; #121 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 39%
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6. North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC
Poole College of Management
B.S. in Business Administration – Human Resources Management Concentration
Featuring a B.S. in Business Administration program with a concentration in Human Resources Management with project-based learning, internships, and study abroad opportunities, Poole College of Management is currently recognized for having the 95th best undergraduate business programs nationwide by Bloomberg Businessweek. As one of the top chapters receiving the Superior Merit Award, the NCSU Student SHRM strives to develop members as future leaders in a supportive learning atmosphere.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #8 Up-and-Coming Schools; #14 Best Colleges for Veterans; #41 Best Value Schools; #47 Top Public Schools; #101 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 41%
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5. Rowan University: Glassboro, NJ
Rohrer College of Business
B.S. in Human Resource Management
Attracting over 1,000 high-achieving business majors each year whose SAT scores are above the Rowan mean, the Rohrer College of Business has prestigious AACSB accreditation for delivering a B.S. in Human Resource Management program aligned with the curriculum guidelines of the SHRM. With a consistent National Superior Merit Award Chapter, the program is specifically focused on blending classroom and extra-curricular activities to train students with effective human resources strategies.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #2 Best Colleges for Veterans; #3 Top Public Schools; #18 Regional Universities (North)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 46%
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4. Illinois State University: Normal, IL
College of Business
B.S. in Management – Human Resource Management Sequence
Adopting a new high-tech learning environment build on the Oxford College model with an open-air courtyard and state-of-the-art technologies, the Illinois State College of Business is named one of Princeton Review’s “Best 295 Business Schools” with a B.S. in Management program in a Human Resource Management sequence. Through participating in the Organizational Leadership Institute, the program provides students with specific in-depth skills needed to assist business in the effective utilization of employees.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #81 Top Public Schools; #152 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 46%
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3. Meredith College: Raleigh, NC
School of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration –Human Resource Management Concentration
With the goal of developing the core business skills while acquiring the abilities to perform key analyses for HR-related functions, the Meredith School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration program with a Human Resource Management Concentration. With a chapter granted the Superior Merit Award and the SHRM Advisor of the Year Award, the program has an outstanding track record for preparing students as business leaders.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #2 Regional Colleges (South); #6 Best Value Schools
4-Year Graduation Rate: 50%
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2. DePaul University: Chicago, IL
Driehaus College of Business
BSB Management – Human Resources Concentration
As one of the nation’s ten oldest business schools established in 1912, the Driehaus College of Business has been recognized for having the 3rd best value undergraduate business program among private universities by Bloomberg Businessweek and among the top 100 institutions nationally to graduate business students of color. Within the accredited BSB Management program with a Human Resources Concentration, students are trained to meet changing organizational workforce needs with junior-year experiential learning and a unique global perspective.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #121 National Universities
4-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
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1. Quinnipiac University: Hamden, CT
School of Business and Engineering
B.S. in Management with Human Resource Management Track
Taking our spot with the highest four-year graduation rate by far at 72%, the School of Business and Engineering at Quinnipiac also has a tremendous 97% career placement rate that has earned it the designation of being among the nation’s best 100 undergraduate business programs named by Bloomberg Businessweek. In particular, the B.S. in Management with Human Resource Management Track is focused on training students to understand the “big picture” of how organizations and their workforces function with experiential learning in the SHRM@QU.
U.S. News Ranking(s): #1 Up-and-Coming Schools; #11 Regional Universities (North)
4-Year Graduation Rate: 72%
Rather than waiting until graduate school to select the specialization, it is becoming increasingly popular for students to start building a strong foundation for a career in HR by earning a four-year accredited bachelor’s degree in human resources that unlocks entry-level positions and opportunities to advance with a master’s degree. When you choose one of these top-notch bachelor’s in human resources degrees with the best four-year graduation rates, you will have the best professional start in a program with a reputation for developing strong HR leaders.
Additional HR Rankings: 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for an HR Degree, Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Degree Programs
