Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

An online master's in human resources can help you double your salary and advance to leadership positions. Check out our list of the best programs.
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Updated on November 11, 2023
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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. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
9%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,926
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,000
Out-of-state
$30,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,356
Out-of-state
$13,356
Retention Rate
53%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
2,813
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
26,782
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$970
Out-of-state
$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,420
Out-of-state
$3,420
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
6,728
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$34,504
Out-of-state
$34,504
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,191
Out-of-state
$11,191
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
3,399
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#7 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
12,243
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,230
Out-of-state
$29,012
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,736
Out-of-state
$30,144
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
50,411
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,871
Out-of-state
$8,871
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,083
Out-of-state
$11,083
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,944
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Top Human Resources Master’s Programs

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,951
Out-of-state
$14,123
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,248
Out-of-state
$12,510
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
14,016
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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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.

"As an HR professional, you have to wear many hats. You're an advocate of the workforce and an advisor to the company. In this field, you have to be able to build relationships and gain trust on every level of the organization."

Eryn Gregory, SHRM-CP HR business partner

Benefits of a Master's in Human Resources


  • Check
    Develop specialized expertise
  • Check
    Qualify for executive positions
  • Check
    Increase earning potential
  • Check
    Advance your career
  • Check
    Develop leadership skills
  • Check
    Expand your professional network
  • Check
    Boost your resume
  • Check
    Earn professional certification

Why Get Your HR Masters Online?


  1. 1
    You want a flexible schedule or accelerated timeline.
  2. 2
    You plan to work full time while pursuing the degree.
  3. 3
    You're looking for an affordable master's in HR.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Human Resources Cost?

Online Master's in HR Program Costs
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.

Human Resources Master's Degree Career Info
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

  • Minus

    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.
  • Minus

    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.
  • Minus

    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.

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:

Portrait of Eryn Gregory

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!

Portrait of Matthew W. Burr

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.

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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