Peirce College

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Peirce College Human Resources Programs

Peirce College is also featured in our ranking of the 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management.

Students at Peirce College may enroll in one of two programs in human resources that include the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and the Certificate in Human Resources Management. Students who choose the bachelor’s degree program must earn 121 credits to graduate and may also transfer into the program with up to 90 credits.

There are multiple formats available that include a 100 percent online program or a hybrid approach with some programs offered online and other programs offered on campus. Students who graduate from the program can qualify to take the Professional in Human Resources certification exam, which is given by the Human Resource Certification Institute.

Learning outcomes for the program include being able to demonstrate competency in core business disciplines, as well as the ability to apply human resources knowledge to management situations. Students will be able to evaluate legal issues and statutory requirements that impact human resource procedures and company policies. Students will also gain the ability to research HR issues, develop solutions, and communicate recommendations.


Curriculum requirements for the bachelor’s degree include HR classes like Human Resource Management, Training Development and Design, and Managing Employment Law. Students will also take Accounting for Non-Financial Majors, Human Capital Management, and Ethical Leadership. Students are also allowed to take a few electives and can participate in cooperative work experience.

Applicants who choose the Certificate in HR Management instead of the bachelor’s degree program can also enroll solely in online classes or take a mixture of online and on-campus classes. Students who complete the certificate program can easily continue their studies in the bachelor of science program.

Earning the certificate requires that students earn at least 19 credits. Classes include Organizations & People, Human Capital Management, Managing Employment Law, and Introduction to Human Resource Management. Program administrators recommend that students complete a few classes in English to augment their certificate experience, and enrollment requires that students are eligible for placement in college-level English.

Learning outcomes for the certificate program include being familiar with the processes, procedures, and policies commonly at work in human resource management. Students will also gain the ability to evaluate legal requirements as they concern human resource management and demonstrate competency in the core areas of human resource management.

About Peirce College

Peirce College is located in Philadelphia and offers programs primarily to adult students. It was founded in 1865. Nearly 1,900 students attend the private college, which was started by an educator in Philadelphia who wanted to provide educational opportunities to Union soldiers returning from the Civil War. One of the interesting facets of the college’s establishment is that the founder allowed women to attend, which was a rarity in 19th century America.

The college was originally known as Union Business College and would eventually become known as the Peirce School of Business Administration. The school would become a junior college in 1964 and would earn authorization to award bachelor’s degrees in 1997. The college has offered online classes since 2000. Students can earn an off-campus general studies degree through a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

Peirce College Accreditation Details

Peirce College has been regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The commission is recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, as well as the U.S. Secretary of Education. The college participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, which allows students to participate in distance education programs even if they don’t live in Pennsylvania.

Some programs are additionally accredited or approved by other agencies and organizations. For example, the programs in paralegal studies are approved by the American Bar Association. The bachelor’s degrees in the areas of accounting and business administration are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The Society for Human Resource Management has approved the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management.

Peirce College Application Requirements

Application evaluations at Peirce College are based on several factors and will include an evaluation of the student’s transcripts. New college students and applicants with fewer than 15 credits earned will submit a $50 application fee and a copy of official high school transcripts. Students may also submit their GED diploma and will also send transcripts from all college work attempted. Students who have already earned at least 45 college-level credits may apply for one of the college’s degree completion options.

For graduate admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and possess a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Students will submit their completed application, a $50 application fee, and official transcripts from all institutions attended. Applications must also include a letter of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a current resume.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Peirce College undergraduate tuition is $600 per credit hour, which means a 3-credit class is $1,800. Students who enroll in competency-based education will pay $2,700 per term. There are some additional fees that students may also need to pay. Those fees include a services fee of $165 per session, a credit by examination fee per course of $350, and a course audit fee of $200.

For graduate students, the cost per credit hour is $772, which means each three-credit class is $2,316. Students will also pay a services fee of $100, a graduation fee of $75, and a payment plan fee of $35 per term. Other costs may include a course audit fee of $200, a capstone course extension fee of $750, and a diploma reorder fee of $50.

Applying for financial aid at Peirce College begins with the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must provide a social security number, make up a personal identification pin, and obtain a parent or guardian’s signature if they’re a dependent in order to complete their FAFSA form. Students must also meet a variety of eligibility factors to earn and maintain student aid awards.

Eligibility factors include enrolling in a degree-seeking program and being a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Male applicants must register with the Selective Service if they’re at least 18-years-old, and all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their college career. When Peirce College receives a student’s financial aid information, the college will contact students to request further information, if necessary.

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