In today's business landscape, human resources is about much more than administrative tasks—it's integral to an organization's long-term planning and strategy. That's why our online Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management at Athabasca University combines essential business knowledge, like accounting and finance, with specialized HR training in recruitment, employee training, health and safety, employment law, and motivation strategies. Graduating with this degree equips you with the comprehensive skill set you need to become an impactful HR professional, capable of contributing meaningfully to your department and organization as a whole.
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About Bachelor of Commerce Major in Human Resources Management
At AU, our online human resources (HR) degree is crafted to provide you with not just HR-specific knowledge but also a broad understanding of business essentials. The program's flexible online format allows you to study at your own pace, making it ideal for those who are working, raising a family, or juggling other commitments while pursuing their education.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Please note: If you have a degree in administration, business, commerce or management, or a degree with a related major or concentration from AU or another university, you cannot apply to the Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management Major program.
Program details
Overview
Human resources is no longer just an administrative function. Today, HR is a part of an organization's business planning and long-term strategy. This means that HR managers need grounding in accounting, finance, and strategic management.
Athabasca University's online Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management Major gives you this key training, along with an in-depth knowledge of HR topics including:
recruitment, selection, and training of employees
health and safety
employment law
motivation and productivity
With your Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management, you will have the broad-based business knowledge you need to become a successful HR professional who can contribute to departmental and organizational goals.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management Major is a 4-year online degree program. If you already have a post-secondary diploma, you can take the shorter post-diploma route. There are no set start dates - you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
Post-diploma route
There are 2 possible routes into the post-diploma option, with an additional option available for students who have completed a business diploma in Ontario. Faculty of Business diploma to degree routes.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 2 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study. Or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
If you don't qualify for the post-diploma route, you can still get credit for courses at other institutions, or life experience. However, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU. More about transfer and advanced credit at AU
Transfer credit will not be accepted if course(s) completed more than:
10 years ago in the business and administrative studies area of study at the senior (300/400) level;
5 years ago in CMIS (all levels);
10 years ago in statistics (all levels).
If you are currently working in the field and provide evidence of work being completed, this restriction may be waived. Transfer credit being used to satisfy options other than those in the business and administrative studies area will not be restricted.
Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
In our Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management program, you'll explore a blend of essential business and specialized HR courses. You'll delve into core topics like cost analysis, international business management, and statistics for business, while also focusing on HR-centric courses such as Recruitment and Selection, Occupational Health and Safety, and Strategic Human Resource Management.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill the requirements of the first 2 years of the Bachelor of Commerce, plus those specific to your major.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Focus areas
Career options
With an online BComm in HR from Athabasca University, you'll be prepared for a diverse range of career paths in the human resources field. Whether you're interested in roles like HR manager, talent acquisition specialist, employee relations consultant, or even branching into organizational development, your degree equips you with the skills to excel in both public and private sectors.
Some possible careers in HR include:
training and development specialist
compensation and benefits analyst
employee relations specialist
talent acquisition specialist
HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) analyst
organizational development consultant
labour relations specialist
HR compliance specialist
HR consultant
staffing coordinator
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.