Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs of 2026
A master’s degree in human resources can help advance your career. Discover some of the top-ranked online master’s in human resources programs.
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2026Human resources is an essential part of every company. These professionals are integral to employee hiring and development, benefits, and programs.
By earning an online master’s in human resources, you’ll gain skills to discern talent for your company, handle the proper training and onboarding process for new employees, and ensure employee benefits are up and running. You’ll also learn the necessary soft skills to handle interpersonal conflict and any questions employees may have about company culture and policies.
A master’s degree can also increase your salary potential and career growth. Check out some of the best online human resources degrees.
Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren’t part of our ranking methodology.
How We Rank Schools
Columbia University in the City of New York — Best Ivy League Online HR Program
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: As the only Ivy on our list, Columbia's brand recognition can help you stand out.
Columbia University's human capital management program has, in our opinion, the best reputation on this list. Columbia is an Ivy League school, one of eight private, highly competitive universities with prestigious backgrounds and worldwide recognition. Some of the biggest benefits you'll receive from an Ivy League institution include a fantastic alumni and professional network worldwide, accomplished faculty, and well-funded support and educational tools.
The reputation does come at a cost. Columbia is our most expensive program at $2,746 per credit, or $98,856 total. However, if you're looking to grow your network and stand out to employers across the country, the price may be worth it for you. While it is expensive, Ivy League schools are also known for their generous financial aid packages.
What We Like About Columbia
- According to Columbia, you'll be learning from scholar-practitioners and industry leaders with experience in business, academics, and consulting.
- To accommodate working professionals, most classes are scheduled in the evenings.
- According to a March 2024 university survey, 91% of human capital management alumni were promoted or changed roles after starting the program.
What We Don't Like
- Only the part-time program is online, which may not be your best option if you're hoping to graduate quickly.
- Some elective choices are only available for in-person students, limiting the classes you can take outside your major requirements.
- Columbia's program is not a Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) academic institution, which is necessary to take the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam.
97%
99%
76%
80%
- Online Enrollment
- 12%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
- $53,576
- Retention Rate
- 98%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $53,576
- Acceptance Rate
- 4%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,173
- Institution Type
- Private
Georgetown University — Most HR Specialization Options
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: With six focus areas, you can tailor your HR degree to your career goals.
Georgetown's online MHRM is the best option for customizing your HR education. It offers six different concentrations, allowing you to tailor your degree for humanities, business, legal, or analytical roles. For example, the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) track focuses on creating an inclusive culture at your organization, while the global HR management track focuses on global immersion and managing international and remote talent.
Georgetown offers the most options for specialization, while still providing flexibility. You can finish your degree in as few as two years or take your time over five years through part-time schooling.
What We Like About GU
- GU's program fully aligns with the recommended requirements outlined by SHRM, which is required for the SHRM-CP exam.
- You'll be able to watch lectures and complete assignments at your own pace in the fully asynchronous program.
- This is our most affordable private program, at $55,605 total. Georgetown is also a Yellow Ribbon school, covering the remaining tuition after the Post-9/11 GI Bill® for military students.
What We Don't Like
- Georgetown's application process is more involved than those of other schools on our list, requiring a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a $50 application fee.
100%
100%
100%
100%
- Online Enrollment
- 21%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
- $58,848
- Retention Rate
- 97%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $58,848
- Acceptance Rate
- 13%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,031
- Institution Type
- Private
New York University — Fastest Online HR Program
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: You can finish this master's in as few as 12 months, making it the most accelerated option on our list.
If you're looking for the fastest way to finish your degree, look no further than NYU's MS in human capital management program. Finish your degree in just 12 months, which is six months faster than our next-fastest program, offered by Rutgers.
Even though NYU's program is accelerated, it's not impossible to continue working while earning your degree. The majority of NYU's classes start in the evenings, with the occasional afternoon offerings on the weekends, giving you time to finish the work day before logging on. And you won't be alone: 93% of MSHCM students are working and/or in school.
What We Like About NYU
- NYU's program is SHRM-aligned, so you'll be able to take the SHRM-CP exam after completing your program.
- Start your program at your convenience in the fall, spring, or summer.
- Practice HR concepts in cities across the world, from Washington, D.C., to Abu Dhabi, through Global Field Intensives.
What We Don't Like
- NYU is tied with Columbia for the highest application fee of $150.
- NYU is also the second-most expensive school on our list at $2,785 per credit. If you attend full-time, taking 10-12 credits per term for three terms, you'll pay a total of $82,686 for 30 credits.
- The program is not asynchronous and requires you to log on at certain times, which may not meet the needs of all students.
100%
100%
86%
79%
- Online Enrollment
- 27%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
- $38,826
- Retention Rate
- 96%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $38,826
- Acceptance Rate
- 9%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,828
- Institution Type
- Private
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Most Affordable Public HR Program
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: At about $39,000 for in-state students and $66,000 for non-residents, Rutgers is our list's most affordable program at a public school.
The HR master's program at Rutgers costs about $39,000 for in-state students and $66,000 for out-of-state students. Rutgers is approximately $5,000 less expensive for in-state students than our second-most affordable public school, Texas A&M, and it's much more transparent about cost.
While the school is particularly affordable for in-state students, it may not be the most cost-effective choice for an online HR master's program if you live outside of Texas and New Jersey. If you live elsewhere, Georgetown — our most affordable private university — costs $55,605 for the entire program, regardless of your state of residence.
What We Like About Rutgers
- Rutgers offers a flexible graduation timeline. You can finish the program in as few as 18 months or take up to five years to graduate.
- Most classes are asynchronous, so you don't have to log in to class at a certain time.
- Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations has its own career center and a widely recognized SHRM student chapter.
What We Don't Like
- The program is meant for applicants with more than four years of experience in an HR or organizational management role, so it may not be the best fit for early-career professionals.
95%
95%
61%
64%
- Online Enrollment
- 47%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
- $19,824
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $33,720
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 50,617
- Institution Type
- Public
Texas A&M University-College Station — Best Business-Focused Online HR Master's
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This program — housed in a well-respected, AACSB-accredited college — centers on business fundamentals.
Texas A&M's online MS in human resource management is housed within the Mays Business School, making this the only program on our list to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB accreditation ensures the program meets global standards for business education and is a federally recognized accreditor. The program emphasizes business fundamentals in a curriculum guided by Fortune 100 companies, while also diving deep into HR topics.
While other programs on our list, such as the one at Georgetown University, have business and finance-related focuses, Texas A&M stands out for truly centering business in its HR curriculum, including classes like talent management, financial analysis modeling in HR, and organizational development.
What We Like About TAMU
- You'll only be required to attend synchronous online classes once a week. You can complete the rest of your work asynchronously.
- TAMU uses rolling admissions until each cohort is full, allowing you to apply at any time and receive a response more quickly.
- TAMU is the second-most affordable school on our list for in-state learners, at $45,000, and it charges relatively affordable out-of-state tuition.
What We Don't Like
- It's unclear whether the $65,000 out-of-state tuition applies to online students.
- TAMU is one of the longer programs on our list, with a typical completion time of two years.
39%
$ 7,057
94%
$20,054
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 78,321
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like reputation, specialization options, and affordability. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master’s Degree in Human Resources
Develop Specialized Expertise: A master’s degree in human resources can teach you skills for specialized HR areas, such as recruitment or compensation and benefits.- Increased Earning Potential: A master’s degree can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Qualify for Senior Positions: An advanced degree in human resources can open the door to leadership roles, such as human resources director or chief human resources officer (CHRO).
Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Human Resources Online
- According to our 2025 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 79% of online business students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Nearly all (98%) online business students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
- More than 90% of online business students say their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Best Human Resources Master’s Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online human resources master’s program, including cost, program length, application requirements, and career outlook.
How Much Does a Master’s in Human Resources Cost?
Master’s in Business, Management, and Marketing, 2019-2020
Online Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,995
In-Person Avg. Tuition & Fees
$21,974
Source: NCES PowerStats
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that an online master’s degree in business, management, and marketing (which includes HR programs) cost about $11,000 in tuition and fees for the 2019–20 school year. In contrast, the cost for an in-person program was double that – nearly $22,000.
There are several financial aid options that could help lower the cost of your master’s degree, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Human resources graduate students can also take advantage of special scholarships, such as the PSHRA Graduate Study Fellowship. Additionally, if you currently work in HR, check if your company offers any financial support or reimbursements for graduate studies.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Human Resources?
Typical # of Credits
30 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
An online master’s in human resources typically requires around 30 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that let you earn a master’s degree in as little as a year, saving you time and money.
Application Requirements
There are the usual admission requirements for an online master’s program in human resources:
Bachelor’s degree- Prior work experience
- Statement of purpose
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Transcripts with a minimum GPA
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Human Resources?
Earning a master’s degree in human resources can open doors to various career opportunities within the field, including compensation and benefits manager, training and development manager, and human resources manager.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for these occupations was above $100,000 as of May 2024. Additionally, these positions are projected to have a better-than-average job outlook over the next decade. For example, the projected job growth for training and development managers is 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is higher than the 4% average for all occupations.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | $140,360 | Manage employee benefits and compensation programs |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | Direct the administrative functions of an organization, including recruiting and hiring, employee relations, and payroll. |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 | Oversee training and development programs for staff. |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | Work in all aspects of human resources, including hiring, payroll and benefits, staff training, and employee relations. |
Learn More About Human Resources Jobs
Is a Master’s in Human Resources Worth It?
A master’s in human resources is a worthwhile investment for human resources professionals who want to increase their salaries and career growth potential. An advanced HR degree can also help you hone your expertise in areas such as recruiting, labor and employee relations, and compensation and benefits, helping you qualify for higher-level positions.
According to BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 98% of online business students and graduates said they would recommend online education to others, with 94% saying their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Education Beyond a Master’s Degree
If you want to advance your career even further, you can also pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.
Doctoral degrees in HR vary by institution and program. You can earn a Ph.D. in HR management or organizational management or a doctor of business administration (DBA) with an HR specialization.
These programs prepare students for senior HR roles, academia, or consulting positions. They typically take at least four years to complete and have a curriculum focused on research methods or specialized areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
An MBA provides broader business knowledge applicable to various careers, with only a few HR-specific classes. On the other hand, a master’s in human resources focuses on the skills and knowledge required in the HR field.
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