[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These departments attract talent and ensure employees receive proper training and are satisfied in their roles. They handle payroll and benefits, mediate issues between employees and management, and ensure organizations comply with regulations and laws. Companies need human resources professionals who are well-versed in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in human resource management provides knowledge and skills necessary to secure high-paying positions in the field. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-5/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), top executives — including chief human resources officers — can earn median salaries exceeding $103,000. Earning a Ph.D. in human resources online is a convenient way for current professionals in the field to hone their skills or transition into academia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorate in Human Resources Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list was updated in 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What Else can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Human Resources Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online Ph.D. in human resources prepares students to fill HR management roles. While coursework varies by program, classes typically cover the laws and regulations that govern employment issues, unions, employee recruitment and retainment, and compensation and benefits. Most programs require students to complete a dissertation, which involves extensive research into a human resources topic or issue.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Human Resources[/hen-ui-heading]

• Labor Relations: Students learn about unions, including their history, politics, processes, and relationships with businesses. Learners explore how unions affect the attitudes and behaviors of management and employees. This class prepares students for HR positions within unionized organizations.
• Attracting and Retaining Talent: One of the most important duties of an HR leader is recruiting top employees and keeping them satisfied. This class discusses how diversity, succession planning, and competition for talent help create an appealing work environment.
• Laws, Ethics, and Culture: Companies must adhere to laws and regulations to ensure the welfare of employees; HR managers are responsible for understanding these rules. This course examines the regulatory environment in which human resource professionals operate, their role in communications, and how to manage diversity and inclusion within an organization.
• Organizational Performance and Behavior: This class discusses the principles and practices of improving employee performance. Students learn how to establish organizational performance requirements, create performance improvement proposals, and assess the results of performance improvement interventions.
• Compensation Management: HR managers must know how to create, implement, and manage a compensation and benefits program. This class reviews the components of compensation systems, bases for pay, and legally required and discretionary employee benefits.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate Degree in Human Resources?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most full-time students take at least four years to earn a Ph.D. in human resources online. Programs typically require about 60 credits and a dissertation. Along with program requirements, factors such as enrollment status and program structure affect degree completion time. Students with personal or professional responsibilities may complete fewer credits per term, increasing the time necessary to graduate. Schools generally require students to complete their Ph.D. within ten years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs use a cohort model in which students complete coursework in a prescribed sequence with a small group of peers. Individually paced programs allow students to move through the curriculum at their own speed, providing learners the opportunity to graduate more quickly. Before pursuing a Ph.D. in human resources online, you should determine your ideal learning style. Students who thrive in a community-based environment may benefit more from a cohort structure, whereas those who require scheduling flexibility generally opt for individually paced programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Human Resources Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students planning to earn a Ph.D in human resources online should only consider accredited programs. Accreditation ensures schools provide quality educational programs and gives students access to federal financial aid. Accrediting agencies are private entities that hold institutions to academic and professional standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The two main types of accreditation in the U.S. are regional and national. Regional accreditation is the most common and the most highly regarded. Many employers require job candidates to hold a degree from a regionally accredited institution, and credits earned from regionally accredited schools transfer easily. Trade, vocational, and online schools often hold national accreditation. Programs may also hold specialized accreditation from a field-specific agency. Some online human resources programs receive accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not accredit institutions, the department oversees the accreditation system and recognizes accrediting agencies. Federal financial aid is only available to students at institutions with accreditation from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html”]ED-recognized agency[/hen-ui-link]. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a nonprofit organization that recognizes accrediting agencies and works to ensure the quality of U.S. education. CHEA member institutions include 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities. CHEA recognizes 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations and maintains a searchable [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/directories”]online database[/hen-ui-link] of institutions and programs accredited by recognized agencies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Human Resources Graduates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Human Resources Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a Ph.D. in human resources online, graduates often pursue managerial positions within HR departments or teaching careers at the college level. These high-level roles require leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills, and HR professionals commonly work more than 40 hours per week.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Business Postsecondary Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $84,380[/hen-ui-text] 8% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-1/”]Business postsecondary teachers[/hen-ui-link] specialize in a certain subject, such as human resources. They teach courses and sometimes conduct research. Business professors at four-year colleges and universities typically need a doctoral degree in their field. Community and technical colleges generally prefer applicants with a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Chief Human Resources Officer”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $103,840[/hen-ui-text] 6% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-2/”]These top executives[/hen-ui-link] direct human resources departments. They manage the department’s operations, create and execute policies, and work closely with other leaders in the organization. Top executives typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration. Professionals often advance to this role after serving in lower-level management or supervisory positions. Chief executives generally have extensive managerial experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Human Resource Managers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $136,350[/hen-ui-text] 6% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-1/”]Human resource managers[/hen-ui-link] direct the administrative functions of human resources departments. They oversee recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes. They also manage employee relations and ensure regulatory compliance. These managers may hold specific titles, such as labor relations director, payroll manager, or recruiting manager. These professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree, but some positions require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Training and Development Manager”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $125,040[/hen-ui-text] 7% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm#tab-1/”]These managers[/hen-ui-link] oversee an organization’s training programs, staff, and budgets. They supervise training and development specialists and consult with top executives and financial officers to ensure training priorities align with the company’s goals. Training and development managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, though some positions require a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Human Resources Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals who earned a Ph.D. in human resources online can earn increased salaries throughout their careers. The median salary for late-career training and development officers is about $20,000 higher than the median salary for entry-level officers. Similarly, human resources managers with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. The table below highlights median salaries for human resources professionals at various career stages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption][/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Entry-Level Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mid-Career Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Late-Career Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Postsecondary Professor[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$57,179[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$75,644[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$108,084[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Chief Human Resource Officer[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$107,296[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$126,166[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$156,106[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Human Resources Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$55,701[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$76.530[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$80,912[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Training and Development Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$62,612[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$82,757[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$100,499[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paying”]Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Human Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students earning a doctorate in human resource management have a variety of options for saving money and financing their degree. Complete the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. Students can complete the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year beginning October 1. The federal due date for the FAFSA is June 30, but schools often set their own deadlines.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools and outside organizations, such as professional associations, award scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. Some schools, states, and employers also offer tuition assistance reimbursement programs to students who meet certain criteria. If you want to earn an online Ph.D. in human resources, contact your school’s admissions office for information about available scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]