Top Human Resources Master’s Programs
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Human resources is all about making things better –– for everyone. As an HR professional, you will be in charge of managing the entire employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, development, benefits, and programs.
In order to manage your organization's most valuable asset (people), you'll need to develop important HR soft skills like emotional intelligence, discernment, and communication. You'll also need the right formal training. An online master's in human resources is a great way to get it.
We've found the top online human resources master's programs available. Read on to learn more and level up your career.
"If you are self-motivated and disciplined in your approach, the online degree is the right choice for you."
― Matthew W. Burr, human resources consultant
Online HR Masters Programs for You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Master's in Human Resources Programs
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $670
Out of State | $670
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University's online master of science in human resource management shows you how to advance your organization's mission while boosting your career. The curriculum focuses on strengthening your leadership skills, including overseeing employee benefits plans, talent management, and adapting to changing labor laws.
During FU's 14-month master's program, you can also earn micro-credentials in employee and labor relations, human resource management, or strategic HR leadership. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and at least a 2.75 GPA.
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $785
Out of State | $785
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Brenau University's MBA program offers 14 concentrations, including one in human resources management. Getting your MBA is a smart move to increase your pay and transition into a leadership or management role. The flexible curriculum allows you to complete coursework online or during evenings on campus.
In Brenau's MBA in human resources, you'll work directly with faculty to solve real-world problems. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You must also submit official transcripts and a resume.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty University's flexible online master of science in human resources management makes it easy to earn a degree while keeping family and work commitments. During the one-year curriculum, you'll study contemporary HR issues, workforce planning, and employment. You'll also learn ethics and technology.
Good news: With Liberty University's MS in HRM degree, you can transfer up to 50% of the required credits. For admission, you need an accredited bachelor's degree in a business field with a 3.0 GPA or above.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $471
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Stony Brook University's master of science degree in human resource management aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's standards. SBU's curriculum includes both theory and practice, so you'll gain the skills needed to enter the HR field or advance your career.
SBU's MS gives you a chance to learn from colleagues who are leaders in their fields. To apply, you need to submit a personal statement, resume, and official transcripts. You must also submit two letters of recommendation.
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $436
Out of State | $436
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education
With Fitchburg State University's online MBA in human resources management, you can launch the next phase of your career in as little as a year. The school designed the curriculum to develop organizational, leadership, and teamwork skills.
FSU's MBA in human resources provides online discussions and collaborative learning groups to help you master the material. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a 2.8 GPA or higher. You must also submit a professional resume.
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $832
Out of State | $832
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Baldwin Wallace University's MBA in human resources management is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management. You'll learn to tackle strategic and operational HR issues and explore compensation models. Other key real-world topics include job analysis, recruiting, selection, and training.
During Baldwin Wallace University's MBA in HR, you can earn stackable micro-credentials along the way. You can apply online by submitting official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume. The school also requires GMAT or GRE scores.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $270
Out of State | $849
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Western Carolina University's master of science in human resources allows you to learn from seasoned professionals. The MS covers research and evaluation methods. You'll also study traditional HR topics, like employee and labor relations, legal issues, and performance management.
To apply for WCU's MS in human resources, you need a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA from an accredited college. You can apply online, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts. You also need to supply GRE or GMAT scores and three recommendation letters.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,116
Out of State | $1,116
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Rutgers University's master of human resource management is a STEM-designated master's program. It provides an analytic framework for building business fundamentals and HR strategy. You can choose from electives that focus on corporate governance, employee benefits, and diversity and inclusion. Another elective analyzes organizational behavior.
RU's master's in HRM program is known for teaching global employment strategies and new approaches to worker involvement. To apply, submit your resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement. The school also asks for three letters of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $559
Out of State | $559
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global offers a master of science in human resource management. The program focuses on solving real-world problems while aligning with the Society for Human Resource Management's curriculum.
During IWU's MS in human resource management, you'll study the key role of employees in fulfilling an organization's vision and mission. You'll also learn how to develop ethical policies, analyze challenges, and integrate faith into your career.
For admission, you need a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college. You also need an undergrad 2.5 GPA or higher.
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $509
Out of State | $775
Credits to Graduate
30 credits
Program Information
Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Managing people and organizations requires specialized training. The master's in human resource management at Tarleton strengthens recruitment, training, and labor relations skills. Thanks to a flexible format designed for working professionals, you can complete an HRM master's degree in less than two years at Tarleton.
You qualify for full admission with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Tarleton also offers conditional admission if your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0.
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Why Choose Human Resources Management?
Human resources is the essential part of a business or organization in charge of managing personnel. A human resources department is typically responsible for hiring and training new employees, managing compensation and benefits, fostering company culture, monitoring employee performance, and performing other administrative tasks.
― Eryn Gregory, SHRM-CP HR business partner
Benefits of a Master's in Human Resources
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Develop specialized expertise -
Qualify for executive positions -
Increase earning potential -
Advance your career
-
Develop leadership skills -
Expand your professional network -
Boost your resume -
Earn professional certification
Why Get Your HR Masters Online?
-
1
You want a flexible schedule or accelerated timeline. -
2
You plan to work full time while pursuing the degree. -
3
You're looking for an affordable master's in HR.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Human Resources Cost?
| Avg. MBA tuition and fees | $14,700 |
|---|---|
| Avg. MS tuition and fees | $11,800 |
| Avg. master's degree tuition and fees (PUBLIC) | $9,620 |
| Avg. master's degree tuition and fees (PRIVATE nonprofit) | $15,420 |
| Avg. master's degree tuition and fees (PRIVATE for-profit) | $9,400 |
Source: NCES
Funding My Online Human Resources Master's
There are many ways you can choose to fund your master's degree. Traditional options like loans and financial aid will be available to most. And there are many scholarships available for human resources graduate students. For example, the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship or a PSHRA Graduate Study Fellowship.
Students should also look into employer-funded programs. Your employer may help fund your master's degree or reimburse it if you work as a human resources professional.
What Can You Do With a Human Resources Master's Degree?
Human resources graduates can pursue a variety of careers in people operations, leadership, and of course, human resources.
| Job Title | 2022 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $131,5280 per year |
| Human Resources Managers | $130,000 per year |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 per year |
| Top Executives | $100,090 per year |
| Human Resources Specialists | $64,240 per year |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Human Resources Specializations
Human Resources professionals specialize within their field in order to advance their HR career opportunities.
Recruitment
An HR recruiter is responsible for managing the candidate experience. This person helps fill job vacancies by identifying individuals that align with the company or organization's goals and needs. A recruiter's individual responsibilities vary on the size of the organization.
Compensation and Benefits
A compensation and benefits specialist helps oversee an organization's pay structure and compensation plan, ensures payroll is in compliance with federal and state regulations and works with benefits vendors to craft a competitive benefits package.
Training and Development
Someone who works in training and development recommends, designs, develops, and implements programs for onboarding new employees and helps develop current employees.
HR Information Systems Management
An HR information systems manager supports and maintains the internal HR systems the company uses, typically customizing the systems the business needs. This person also, at times, serves as a liaison between the organization and external stakeholders.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Human Resources?
Your annual salary will depend on several factors like where you live and how much work experience you have, but you can generally expect to earn a six-figure wage.
With two scholarships, Matthew Burr, a seasoned HR professional, owed $74,000 in student loans after finishing his graduate degree. When he graduated, he doubled his salary. A master's degree can quicken your path to high-paying leadership positions.
Human resource managers made an average annual salary of $145,750 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But in New York, the annual mean wage was $190,340 during the same period. Other top-paying states include New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington.
Sources: BLS
Most Popular Courses in an HR Online Program
-
Human Resources Strategy
Students develop an understanding of bridging an organization's business strategy with its people management approach. Coursework analyzes the complex nature of HR decisions and how they affect productivity within an organization. -
Organizational Culture and Employee Outcomes
Students look at the impact of leadership on organizational culture, develop tools to create staff trust, and build a toolkit to implement HR best practices. You'll learn to foster a healthy workplace culture and retain talent. -
Leadership in Human Resources
This course encourages learners to develop the social intelligence skills required to lead people within an organization. Students assess the skills and behaviors of effective leaders and construct strategic plans for leadership development.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master's in Human Resources
Is it better to get an MBA or a master's in HR?
That depends on what you want. An MBA in HR provides broad business training that can be leveraged across roles. A master's degree in HR provides deep expertise in specialist areas.
Is getting a master's degree in HR worth it?
Yes: According to a Glassdoor survey, HR managers were among the happiest workers in 2022. HR managers also make great money, with a median salary of $130,000 per year as of 2022, according to the BLS.
Why get a master's degree in human resource management?
Because it will give you more specialized expertise, increase your authority and credibility, and open doors to higher-level positions like HR manager, HR director, or HR consultant.
How long is a master's in HR?
Most master's programs in human resources take two years of full-time study to complete, though many online programs offer accelerated curriculum options that can help you finish even faster.
With Advice From:
Eryn Gregory
I am a self-driven and passionate SHRM-CP HR business partner with an MBA in human resource management. I've worked in various positions in the field of HR which have helped mold me to be a well-rounded HR professional. I currently manage the HR responsibilities for a midsized company in the healthcare industry. In my downtime, I'm spending time with my beautiful little girl, cooking, and binge-watching my favorite shows!
Matthew W. Burr
Matthew Burr has over 15 years of experience working in the human resources field, starting his career as an industrial relations intern to most recently founding and managing two human resource consulting companies: Burr Consulting, LLC, and Talentscape, LLC. He is also the co-owner of Labor Love, a labor and employment law poster printing company.
Matthew has a generalist background in HR and provides strategic HR services to his clients, focusing on small- and medium-sized organizations. He works as an adjunct at Alfred State University and continuing education instructor at Collin College. He successfully designed an HR concentration in the business management major that is aligned with both SHRM and HRCI certifications, providing opportunities for students to sit for both the SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications upon completion of the degree, concentration, and internship hours.
