A Human Resources Associate Degree offers a direct path to entry-level HR careers and serves as a strong foundation for future education. The flexible formats, low cost, and practical curriculum make it an appealing option for recent high school graduates, career changers, and working adults alike.
What to Expect from a Human Resources Associate Degree (AA or AAS)
A Human Resources Associate Degree, whether offered as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), is a two-year undergraduate program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in human resources. These degrees are offered by many community colleges and universities in online, in-person, or hybrid formats. Programs teach students how to manage workplace processes involving hiring, training, compensation, and employee relations.
Curriculum Overview
Students complete general education courses along with major-specific classes that cover topics such as:
- Human Resources Management
- Employment Law and Labor Relations
- Compensation and Benefits
- Recruitment, Selection, and Staffing
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership
- Business Communication
- Computing and Workplace Math
Some programs include internships or cooperative education opportunities to help students apply skills in a real-world setting. For example, Penn State World Campus offers a fully online Associate in Science in Labor and Human Resources with courses in economics, sociology, and HR systems.
Admissions Requirements
Most HR associate programs require:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
- Online application
- Minimum GPA (usually 2.0 or higher)
Standardized test scores are not usually required. Schools may request a personal statement or letter of recommendation.
Program Costs
Tuition for HR associate degrees varies by school and residency:
- In-state public colleges: $4,000 to $7,000 per year
- Out-of-state or private institutions: $8,000 to $15,000 per year
- Online colleges like U.S. Career Institute and Ashworth College offer flexible payment plans starting around $139 per month
Many programs qualify for federal financial aid, grants, and employer reimbursement programs.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of HR associate programs are prepared for roles such as:
- Human Resources Assistant
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk
- Recruiting Coordinator
- Training and Development Assistant
- Benefits Administrator
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR specialists earn a median salary of $64,240 per year. Entry-level HR assistants typically earn $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location.
Transfer and Continuing Education
Many graduates transfer their credits to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Resources. For instance, students in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System can transfer up to 90 credits into McKendree University’s BBA in HR Management.
Top Schools
As the demand for skilled human resources professionals continues to rise across various industries, many colleges and universities offer specialized programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field.
The following institutions provide a range of Human Resource Management associate degrees that combine comprehensive academic learning with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for a variety of HR roles.
Whether you’re looking for flexibility with online or hybrid formats, career-focused outcomes, or a pathway to further education, these programs cater to diverse needs and career aspirations. Let’s explore the unique offerings from these respected institutions.
| School Name | Location | Program Name | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant & Stratton College | Akron, OH | AAS in Human Resources Specialist | Flexible learning options (online & on-campus), stackable credentials, emphasis on ethical decision-making and HR technology. |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | Business Administration AAS with HR Specialization | Transferable skills across multiple industries, business-focused curriculum, seamless pathway to bachelor’s degree. |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh, NC | AAS in Human Resources Management | Available fully online or in hybrid format, cost-effective tuition, strong focus on communication and teamwork. |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | AAS in Human Resource Management | Accredited by ACBSP, stackable credentials, strong career development support. |
| McKendree University (via KCTCS) | St. Clair, IL | AAS in HR Management (transfer to BBA option) | Tuition discounts for KCTCS graduates and military, seamless transfer to McKendree for a bachelor’s degree. |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | AAS in Human Resource Management | Flexible formats (face-to-face, hybrid, online), includes field experience, state-funded $0 tuition options. |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) | Sioux City, IA | AAS in Human Resource Management | Online and on-campus formats, real-world applications of HR practices, financial accessibility with free tuition opportunities. |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | AAS in Human Resources Management | Transfer agreements with partner universities, career preparation with certification exam options (aPHR). |
| Houston Community College (HCC) | Houston, TX | AAS in Business Management with HR Specialization | Affordable, flexible, workforce-ready skills in HR, diverse career opportunities in business, nonprofits, and government. |
| Herkimer College | Herkimer, NY | AAS in Human Resource Management | Available both on-campus and online, alignment with public and private sector HR needs, strong student support services. |
Bryant & Stratton College
https://www.bryantstratton.edu/degrees/business/aas-human-resources-specialist/
Akron, OH
Flexible Learning for Aspiring HR Professionals
The Associate of Applied Science in Human Resources Specialist at Bryant & Stratton College offers students a comprehensive foundation in HR practices, including employment law, benefits management, payroll, recruitment, and ethical decision-making. Delivered in both online and on-campus formats, the program takes under two years to complete and consists of 60 credit hours. Students can begin as early as May 7, and benefit from a flexible curriculum that mirrors the campus experience regardless of format. The program emphasizes real-time remote learning options and student-centered support to ensure a robust, accessible learning journey.
Career-Focused Outcomes and Stackable Options
Graduates will gain skills to effectively navigate the responsibilities of a human resources specialist, such as interpreting laws and policies, applying ethical standards, and using HR technology. The program supports career mobility with stackable credentials, allowing students to transition from diploma to associate, and eventually to a bachelor’s degree. Career paths include roles like HR assistant, payroll clerk, and HR specialist. With Bryant & Stratton’s accredited online learning environment and personalized academic support, students can confidently prepare for HR roles across various industries.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/business-administration-aas-human-resources.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Versatile HR Training with Broad Business Application
Lone Star College’s Business Administration AAS degree with a Human Resource Specialization is a two-year program designed to equip students with critical management and HR skills. Offered at multiple campuses including LSC-CyFair, Montgomery, and University Park, the program is ideal for students who want to quickly enter the workforce. The curriculum emphasizes key HR functions like recruitment, interpreting employment laws, and administrative support, while also developing essential soft skills like communication and decision-making.
Transferable Skills and Career Flexibility
This program prepares students for entry-level roles or management pathways in virtually any industry. With a business-focused core that includes marketing, finance, project management, and HR, graduates are well-positioned for diverse employment opportunities. The degree is also transferable, providing a seamless path to a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences at partnering universities. Lone Star’s blend of theoretical and practical learning helps students become adaptable professionals in today’s global economy.
Wake Technical Community College
Comprehensive HR Education for the Modern Workforce
Wake Tech’s Human Resources Management AAS program provides students with a well-rounded education in business fundamentals and specialized HR functions. Available fully online or in a hybrid format across multiple campuses, the program consists of 65 credits and costs approximately $4,940 in tuition and fees. Courses include human resources management, marketing, business law, and accounting, with a focus on practical application through communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
Diverse Career Readiness and Business Insight
Graduates are prepared to support HR operations in organizations of all sizes, making this degree versatile for both administrative and managerial HR positions. The dual focus on general business and HR topics allows students to explore careers in both disciplines. Wake Tech’s flexible schedule, financial aid availability, and strategic curriculum make it a strong choice for those seeking a cost-effective path into the HR field or broader business careers.
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC)
https://www.lccc.edu/academics/programs/human-resource-management-a-a-s-hmn/
Schnecksville, PA
Workforce-Focused HR Training with Advancement Pathways
The Human Resource Management A.A.S. at Lehigh Carbon Community College equips students with specialized HR knowledge to manage an organization’s most vital resource—people. This program is part of an ACBSP-accredited business management track, offering stackable credentials that can lead from certificate to associate, and even bachelor’s degrees. Students gain a strong foundation in human resource operations such as recruitment, benefits, and training coordination.
Flexible Career Options and Industry Credentials
LCCC supports career development at all stages, with job titles ranging from HR assistant to HR manager depending on education level. Associate graduates can expect to earn between $26–$43 per hour in roles like benefits coordinator and recruitment specialist. With a focus on job-readiness and a clear pathway for further education, LCCC is ideal for students looking to grow steadily in the HR field.
McKendree University (via KCTCS)
https://kctcs.edu/education-training/transfer/transfer-guides/pdfs/mckendree-u-aas-hr-management.pdf
St. Clair, IL
Streamlined Path from AAS to Bachelor’s in HR Management
McKendree University partners with KCTCS to offer a seamless transfer pathway from an Associate in Applied Science in Human Resource Management to a Bachelor of Business Administration in HR Management. Students completing the AAS with a 2.0 GPA can transfer up to 90 credits and complete the bachelor’s degree through McKendree’s campuses in Radcliff, KY, Lebanon, IL, or online. This flexibility supports working professionals and military students through McKendree Worldwide programs.
Tuition Discounts and Transfer Support
McKendree offers competitive tuition discounts for KCTCS graduates (10%), Phi Theta Kappa members (15%), and military students ($250/credit hour). With five enrollment periods each year and minimal residency requirements, this partnership is ideal for students seeking affordability, convenience, and academic continuity. Transfer scholarships and articulation agreements ensure a smooth transition for associate degree holders advancing their HR careers.
Hawkeye Community College
https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/human-resource-management/
Waterloo, IA
Flexible HR Education for a Variety of Career Paths
Hawkeye Community College’s Human Resource Management AAS degree is a flexible two-year program available in face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online formats. With small class sizes (13:1 student-faculty ratio) and day or evening scheduling options, students can tailor their education to their personal and professional needs. The program provides 192 hours of field experience and prepares students for a wide range of roles across industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Eligible students may also qualify for $0 tuition through state-funded initiatives.
Hands-On Training and Career Preparation
The curriculum blends classroom instruction with practical, real-world experience in areas like recruitment, employee screening, benefits administration, and labor law. Graduates are well-prepared to step into entry-level HR positions in both small and large organizations or employment agencies. Whether starting a career in HR or seeking advancement, this program offers a robust foundation in human resource functions, with a clear focus on skill development and career readiness.
Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC)
https://www.witcc.edu/programs/38/
Sioux City, IA
Skill-Based Entry into the HR Field
The Human Resources Management AAS at WITCC is a 64-credit program that prepares students for entry-level positions in HR departments. The program is available online or on-campus and includes essential training in hiring, onboarding, payroll, job analysis, and employee relations. Graduates often secure roles such as HR assistant, payroll specialist, or benefits coordinator. The program is eligible for free tuition for qualifying students, making it a financially accessible option.
Cost Breakdown and Career Outlook
Estimated in-state tuition and fees total $13,632, with books, housing, and other expenses bringing the full cost closer to $20,000. The comprehensive curriculum ensures students are equipped to manage both people and HR data systems. The program emphasizes real-world applications, including maintaining accident reports, administering tests, and writing job descriptions, making it ideal for students ready to launch a career in the field of human resources.
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=1435
Dallas, TX
A Comprehensive HR Degree with Transfer Options
Dallas College offers a 60-credit Human Resources Management AAS program across multiple campuses, including Brookhaven, Eastfield, and El Centro. The curriculum emphasizes core management skills along with specific HR functions like compensation, staffing, and labor relations. Students are also prepared for certification exams like the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), enhancing their credentials in the job market.
Pathway to Employment or Further Study
Students benefit from flexible formats and campus support services to help guide them from course planning to transfer opportunities. With a GPA requirement of 2.0 and 25% of credits earned at Dallas College, the degree is structured to be both attainable and valuable. Many graduates move into roles such as HR generalists or pursue bachelor’s programs through transfer agreements with partner universities, making this a strong starting point for a long-term HR career.
Houston Community College (HCC)
https://catalog.hccs.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=3698
Houston, TX
Specialized HR Skills for Business Settings
The AAS in Business Management with a Human Resource Management Specialization at Houston Community College is a 60-credit program that trains students in various HR functions, including compensation, benefits administration, and compliance. The program combines foundational business courses with specialized HR instruction, ensuring students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Affordable Training with Career Flexibility
Students benefit from HCC’s affordability, robust student support, and flexible course scheduling. The degree equips graduates to work in HR departments of businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. With skills in managing personnel records, employee relations, and HR technology systems, students are well-prepared for diverse opportunities in today’s job market.
Herkimer College
https://www.herkimer.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/program/9/human-resource-management-a-a-s
Herkimer, NY
Practical HR Training in a Flexible Format
Herkimer College’s Human Resource Management A.A.S. program offers a well-rounded curriculum covering job analysis, recruiting, compensation, and employee training. The program prepares students for immediate employment or transfer to a four-year institution, such as SUNY Oswego or SUNY Polytechnic Institute. It is available both on-campus and fully online via the Internet Academy.
Online Accessibility and Career Versatility
The program emphasizes flexibility and student support with online registration, advisement, and tutoring services. With a curriculum aligned to public and private sector HR needs, graduates can secure roles such as HR assistant, benefits coordinator, or training specialist. The affordable tuition and online delivery make this a strong option for students looking to balance education with other responsibilities.
How Long to Pay Off Your Degree?
To determine how long it would take to pay off student loans for tuition, we need to make some assumptions based on the average costs and starting salaries for graduates of these HR programs.
According to recent data, the average tuition for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Human Resources Management is approximately $10,000 (though this can vary depending on the school). Additionally, the average starting salary for HR professionals is around $45,000 per year.
Let’s calculate the time it would take to pay off a $10,000 student loan at different percentages of your starting salary:
Assumptions:
- Average Tuition Cost: $10,000
- Average Starting Salary: $45,000 per year
Calculations:
- 5% of Starting Salary: 5% of $45,000 = $2,250 per year
- 10% of Starting Salary: 10% of $45,000 = $4,500 per year
- 15% of Starting Salary: 15% of $45,000 = $6,750 per year
- 20% of Starting Salary: 20% of $45,000 = $9,000 per year
Now, let’s calculate how many years it would take to pay off the $10,000 loan based on these percentages:
- At 5%: $10,000 ÷ $2,250 = 4.44 years (approximately 4 years and 5 months)
- At 10%: $10,000 ÷ $4,500 = 2.22 years (approximately 2 years and 3 months)
- At 15%: $10,000 ÷ $6,750 = 1.48 years (approximately 1 year and 6 months)
- At 20%: $10,000 ÷ $9,000 = 1.11 years (approximately 1 year and 1 month)
Paying off your student loan depends on how much of your salary you can dedicate toward it. If you commit 5% of your starting salary ($2,250 per year), it will take around 4.5 years to pay off the $10,000 loan. If you dedicate 10%, it will take just over 2 years, and at 15%, you can pay off the loan in about 1.5 years. By contributing 20% of your salary, you could clear the loan in just over a year. Adjusting your repayment strategy based on your financial situation could help you pay off your student loans faster and with less interest accrued.