Speed Up GCU’s BS in Applied Human Resources Management

Why GCU’s BS in Applied Human Resources Management is Perfect for Degree Hacking

GCU’s online BS in Applied Human Resources Management combines flexible delivery with transfer-friendly policies. You can bring in a large block of prior credits, apply CLEP and DSST exams where eligible, and move quickly through remaining courses in frequent-start online terms.

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Here is why this degree lends itself to a faster, lower-cost path:

Built for Speed and Transfer

• High transfer ceiling with evaluation of prior college work, exams, and training

• Fully online availability with frequent starts that keep momentum

• Residency set at 30 GCU credits, not necessarily the last 30

Career-Ready HR Skill Building

• Core coverage in staffing, compensation, employee relations, and compliance

• Applied projects tied to workplace HR practice and analytics

• Preparation for HR roles across industries, with options to pursue SHRM-aligned study later

Why Most People Take 3–4 Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)

Why Most People Take 3–4 Years:

Even motivated students end up on a four-year path when they follow the default sequence and enroll before using all their transfer options. Many simply don’t realize how much time short online terms and affordable credits can save.

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Here’s what usually happens:

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• They enroll too soon: Students start at GCU before banking low‑cost credits elsewhere, then pay more for gen eds and lower-division courses.

• They do not use exams: CLEP and DSST could knock out requirements in a day, but many never schedule them and lose months.

• They under-transfer: Learners bring 15–30 credits instead of pushing toward GCU’s higher limit, adding unnecessary classes.

• They leave sequencing to chance: Without a mapped plan, prerequisites and upper-division timing cause idle terms and delays.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Front‑load credits: Max out transferable gen ed and business prerequisites with Study.com and approved exams before matriculating.

• Target exams smartly: Use credit-by-exam options where accepted to compress time.

• Save GCU for the finish: Complete the residency and upper‑level HR courses at GCU for quality signaling and capstone alignment.

• Result: ~6-12 months for ~$14,550 total tuition fee

You don’t need to spend four costly years getting your bachelor’s in applied human resources management. With a mapped transfer and exam strategy, you can finish the HR core at GCU efficiently and at a far lower total cost.

Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU BS in Applied Human Resources Management Program

These tips distill what consistently works for fast finishers. The aim is to move inexpensive credits to the front, then channel your time and budget into upper‑division HR courses that matter for hiring managers.

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Psychologically, this plan keeps motivation high, because visible progress every 7–8 weeks reinforces momentum and reduces burnout.

GCU BS in Applied Human Resources Management Pre-Enrollment Hacks:

• Bank cheap credits first - Study.com subscriptions start at around $95 per month, letting you complete multiple ACE‑recommended courses inexpensively before transferring them to GCU.

• Leverage exams where allowed - CLEP exams are $97 and DSST about $100, and passing can earn 3 credits in a single sitting at approved score levels.

• Map a custom path - DegreeHacked.org can build a personalized 120‑credit map with provider and exam IDs so you know exactly what to take and when.

• Get an early transcript evaluation - Submit prior college, military training, and employer learning for evaluation to prevent duplicating credits.

GCU BS in Applied Human Resources Management Degree Hacking Plan

BS Applied Human Resources Management Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn’t

GCU evaluates prior college coursework, standardized exams such as CLEP, and other learning for transfer into the bachelor’s program. Up to 90 credits may be accepted toward a 120‑credit degree, and you must complete at least 30 credits in residence at GCU. The 30 credits do not have to be your final credits.

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Here’s the typical credit map you’ll target:

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• ~34–40 credits: General Education (transfer-friendly)

• 32 credits: Business/HR major courses (mix of transfer-friendly and GCU only)

• 44-50 credits: Open electives (transfer-friendly)

• 4 credits: Applied business project (GCU only)

GCU BS Applied Human Resources Management Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Applied HR Students:

• Lean tuition spend: Shift gen ed and survey courses to low-cost providers, reserve GCU rates for upper‑division HR.

• Calendar advantage: Short online terms and frequent starts mean faster visible progress and fewer idle months.

• Career focus: Concentrate GCU time on applied HR, analytics, and capstone work that employers value.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

Your plan includes the following:

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✓ Full 120‑credit map with transfer targets

✓ Study.com and CLEP/DSST IDs for each mapped course

✓ Cost and 6–12 month timeline scenarios

✓ Backups if a course or policy changes

Applying to GCU for the BS in Applied Human Resources Management

When to Apply: Best Timing for Enrollment

Apply after you have banked as many transfer and exam credits as possible. GCU offers frequent online starts, so you can time enrollment to align residency and upper‑level HR courses back‑to‑back.

GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Apply online in about 20 minutes

• Send official transcripts and exam score reports for evaluation

• Use the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation tool to preview what transfers

GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Online undergraduate price per credit: $485/credit

• GCU Scholarships, FAFSA, employer tuition benefits, and military aid available

• Major savings come from maximizing transfers before you enroll

GCU Applied Human Resources Management Career ROI

• Median annual salary: ~$72,910 for HR Specialists

• Degree payback time: 3 to 4 months for 30 credits

• Roles: HR Specialist, Talent Acquisition, HR Generalist, Compensation and Benefits Analyst

• Consistent demand across healthcare, tech, finance, manufacturing, and the public sector