Guide to Online PhD in Human Resources (HR) Management
Online PhD programs in HR management can help you climb the career ladder by mastering essential concepts like legal compliance, diversity, inclusion, and talent retention tactics. Here is a look at the best online programs, potential costs, and some common questions about this educational track.
With workplace demands and objectives under constant change in modern times, having the chance to impact the way human resources leaders practice their important role is more crucial than ever. Earning a PhD in HR can lead to research that truly and substantially affects how workplaces operate for the better of businesses and the people from whom they work.
A doctorate degree in human resource management can be used to earn more effective roles in that industry, such as human resources professor, industrial-organizational psychologist, or even CEO.
That increase up the ladder can also lead to higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resource manager jobs earn an average of $130,000 per year and have a faster-than-average job outlook.
Earning your PhD in HR management online could be a great next step in your career as it also grants you the flexibility to maintain your busy career without compromising the quality of your education.
We’ve hand-picked several online PhD programs in human resource management from accredited institutions. You may have questions about how online education at this level works — read on, and this guide will answer all of those.
Program Profiles: Online PhDs in HR Management
If one thing stopping you from advancing your education is lack of time or the inability to commute, earning your PhD in HR management online is a great solution.
Leadership roles, human capital management, and organizational skills can all be taught without physically going to a university campus, which is why many HR PhD programs are mostly offered online.
The following three institutions offer extra affordability and flexibility so you can comfortably continue your career while earning your degree.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers plenty of quality online programs. As part of receiving a PhD in management, you can specialize in human resource management.
This program takes you through several core courses, advanced research courses, and the completion of your doctoral capstone. You’re also free to take your time by completing your doctoral anytime between three and eight years.
This degree is not fully online; two PhD residencies can be virtual, but two other required ones must be completed in person, so you develop necessary team building and socialization skills.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Management, Human Resource Management Specialization
- Credits: 84+
- Length: 3-8 years
- Cost: $765/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
- Academic Counseling: Yes
- Career Placement: Yes
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18
You can earn a PhD in HR management online from the comfort of your home as a student at Capella University. You meet with faculty and peers through virtual residencies and discuss your dissertation with an academic mentor.
By earning your PhD in business management while specializing in human resource management, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to get a high-level job in the field.
A master’s degree with a 3.0 average or higher from an accredited institution is all you need to enter this program. From there, you’ll develop advanced research and critical thinking skills while learning how to manage human resources on even a global scale.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Business Management, Human Resource Management Specialization
- Credits: 90+
- Length: 5-7 years
- Cost: $985/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
- Academic Counseling: Yes
- Career Placement: Yes
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 32
If you don’t have the time or resources to be in a hybrid model program, National University offers a 100% online PhD in human resource management. Through 20 courses, 60 credit hours, and three years of study, you can earn your PhD quickly and efficiently.
Though the program is delivered entirely online, you’ll receive plenty of support in your studies and dissertation.
By the end, you’ll understand advanced research methodologies and be able to apply your knowledge in the real world. This program will allow you to pursue jobs in high-level fields of public administration, education, healthcare, and science.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Human Resource Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $733/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: WASC
- Academic Counseling: Yes
- Career Placement: Yes
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 16
Admission Criteria for HR Doctoral Candidates
Many schools have similar admissions criteria for earning a doctorate in HR. Often, a combination of experience in education and the real world is required.
- Master’s degree – Generally, HR PhD programs require you to have completed your master’s degree. Many universities require you to have graduated with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and some ask that the degree be in a related field, such as business administration.
- Work experience – While not universal, some programs will require you to have around three to five years of work experience in human resources.
- Admissions essay – Applying to a university often requires an admission essay detailing your relevant education and work experience, and why you wish to pursue a PhD in human resources. Some may also require an interview with the faculty.
Benefits of Online PhD Programs in Human Resource Management
A PhD in human resource management isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a tangible improvement to your career. Here are a few of the benefits of earning a PhD in HR management online.
Flexibility
If you have a master’s degree in human resources and are ready to pursue your PhD, you probably already have an active career in this field. One of the biggest benefits of online PhD programs in HR management is the total flexibility and ability to balance work and education.
Opportunities for Networking
Going through a PhD program brings top-class universities into your circle. These institutions can put you in touch with the people equipped to assist you in advancing your career. The faculty itself often has years of experience in the industry and is ready to teach you what you need to know.
Career Advancement
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resource management can only push your career so far. If you want to get into advanced fields in science, education, or management, a PhD may be required.
HR Management Online Doctoral Program Overview
While earning a PhD in HR management online typically allows for more flexible learning schedules, it still features levels of core coursework, electives, and dissertation prep and writing classes that are similar to most university doctorate programs.
If you choose to pursue a part-time PhD program, your doctorate will take a few years longer than average to earn. The advantage of this approach is that you can maintain a job and achieve a healthy work-life balance alongside your studies.
Popular Classes
A human resource management program is usually a specialized version of a business management core, so you’ll spend a lot of time laying down those foundations.
After this, you’ll move on to specialized classes all about HR management, plus electives and dissertation courses. Here are just a few examples of the classes you might take.
Human Resource Theory and Practice
You may have a master’s degree in human resource management or something similar, but it’s still important to thoroughly cover the basics.
Courses like Foundations of Human Resource Theory and Practice, offered by Capella University, will lay the groundwork for your PhD studies. You’ll learn about modern practices and theories impacting HR management.
Organizational Behavior
Walden University offers the Organizational Behavior Performance and Evaluation course, which focuses on evaluating the performance and collaboration of individuals and teams.
Courses like these study how organizational structure and other factors can affect the performance of people in the workforce. Understanding this will help refine your business’ structures and keep people working smoothly.
Research in Human Capital Development
At the University of Southern Mississippi’s online program for human capital management, part of the research core involves the Research in Human Capital Development course.
This course focuses on research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and research findings interpretation relevant to HR management. It prepares you to conduct research in the field.
Diversity and Inclusion
As a leader that many people rely on as an advocate and often someone in charge of the hiring process, understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion is key for someone in an HR leadership position.
Classes like the Diversity and Inclusion course offered by the National University will teach you how to avoid discrimination while following corporate best practices.
Leadership Models
Stronger leadership skills are ones that all human resource managers must develop. Through the online EdD in human resource development program at the University of Arkansas, you can take the Leadership Models and Concepts course which will take you through this topic.
Learn to examine theories and models of leadership, decision-making, and managerial effectiveness, with a focus on their application in organizational or educational settings.
Do I Need to Complete a Dissertation?
Most reputable human resource management degrees will require you to complete a dissertation before you can graduate. Prepare to take plenty of prep and writing courses and to demonstrate improvement if you need extra time to complete it. You’ll usually work with a dissertation committee as you prepare your final capstone project.
Specializations and Certifications
While human resource management is often a specialization of business management, there’s some room to specialize further.
For example, if you want to focus on psychology, you could try Walden University’s industrial-organizational psychology degree with a specialization in resource management or the human capital management degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
You can also specialize in HR topics where you may excel, such as employee relations, training, financial management, and recruiting.
Additional certifications are available from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which can enhance your résumé and credentials.
FAQ: Human Resources Online Doctorate
Is there a difference between a PhD, EdD or DBA in HR management?
A PhD generally focuses on research and academia, while an EdD emphasizes practical applications in education—a DBA centers on business administration with a focus on professional practice, including HR management.
The option you choose depends on if you want to focus your studies on academia, education, or professional use.
Can I earn a PhD in human resources management 100% online?
While some hybrid programs are available for a human resources management PhD, it’s completely possible to earn your degree 100% online. Expect to take 60-90 credits and three to eight years of study, depending on if you pursue your PhD part-time.
Who accredits online HR PhD programs?
Generally, human resource management programs will be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Not all programs have this accreditation, but it’s a good sign of a quality education.
They may additionally have certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).
Paying for Your PhD in HR
Online PhD programs in human resource management can be expensive, costing anywhere from $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how long it takes you to earn your degree.
While the flexibility of online programs allows you to take your time and maintain a healthy work-life-school balance, it will cost you more if you spend a longer time in a human resource management program.
Luckily, online PhD programs accept financial aid, including scholarships, fellowships, and employer tuition assistance. This can make an expensive PhD much more affordable.
Online Program Tuition
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | 84+ | $765/credit | $71,865-$152,440 |
| Capella University | 90+ | $985/credit | $66,246-$86,931 |
| National University | 60 | $733/credit | $43,980 |
Employment Outlook for HR Management Graduates
Once you’ve earned your PhD in HR management, you can expect to pay from $80,000-$100,000 and a faster-than-average demand for many of these jobs.
These five potential careers are just a few examples of what you may be able to achieve through online PhD programs in human resource management.
- Human Resource Manager, Human Resource Director
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
- Human Resources Researcher, Management Analyst
- Human Resources Professor
- Chief Executive, CEO
Career for HR-Trained Professionals
A PhD in HR management prepares you for advanced jobs in education, management, and psychology. You’ll also be able to negotiate higher pay if you have a current job as a human resource manager.
Take a look at the salary data for popular HR graduate careers.
| Career | Median Annual Pay | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resource Managers | $130,000 | 5% |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $139,280 | 6% |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 | 10% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $80,840 | 8% |
| Top Executives | $100,090 | 3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023