Best Online MBA in Human Resources

MBA in human resources programs typically require about two years of full-time study, and they are offered both online and in person. These MBA programs provide students with foundational business knowledge while also emphasizing HR topics. Learners looking for more flexibility often choose to pursue an online MBA.

An online MBA in human resources can lead to fulfilling work and an above-average paycheck. For example, many human resources specialists earn $60,000-$70,000, although specialized and advanced HR jobs like VP of human resources can pay upwards of $150,000 a year.

If you’re interested in helping employees and businesses succeed, an MBA in human resources may be an excellent choice. Read on to learn more about this degree, discover which positions could await you after graduation, and get answers to your most pressing questions.

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An MBA in human resources combines the business administration courses of a traditional MBA pathway (e.g., marketing, business law, and finance) with the workforce management courses of an HR master’s program. These programs prepare students for high-level positions running human resources departments. Learners gain more specialized knowledge related to topics like talent management, benefits and compensation, and recruitment than in a traditional MBA program.

Requiring about two years of full-time study, these programs often allow students to enroll online, in person, or through a hybrid format.

Students enrolled in MBA in human resources programs can often specialize in niche subjects, such as training and development, employment law, healthcare management, and compensation and benefits.

Pursuing an MBA in human resources means learning to run a modern business effectively. Students enrolled in these programs learn how to work with both entry-level employees and high-level managers.

Students hone problem-solving and interpersonal skills they’ll use daily when working with employees. They also learn how to strategically shape a company’s culture while maintaining employer satisfaction and overall profit.

Online students may need a higher level of self-motivation and discipline than their on-campus counterparts, but the advantages of earning a degree online often outweigh the disadvantages.

Still wondering if an online degree is worth it? Learn more about the differences between online and on-campus programs and find out which delivery method makes sense for you.

While a traditional MBA is among the most versatile degrees available, narrowing the focus of the degree can qualify you for specific human resources careers.

As companies expand their operations, they will need professionals with human resources experience to run employee onboarding, training, recruitment, and retention processes.

Many HR professionals align closely with legal teams and take part in leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. Payroll and succession planning are also big pieces to many jobs in HR on the operational side.

Job candidates with advanced degrees in human resources are qualified for management positions. As such, an MBA in human resources can set you up for steady, lucrative careers.

Earning an MBA in human resources can be a worthwhile pursuit for students who want to advance their career in HR while gaining the traditional business administration skills of an MBA. However, there are situations when an MBA in HR may not be the right degree for you.

Students who earned their undergraduate degree in business or a related field may be better off sticking to a non-MBA HR program. Because MBA in human resources programs equip students with foundational business, finance, and accounting skills, students who have already gained similar knowledge during their bachelor’s program might find some of the curriculum redundant.

Furthermore, students who are uncertain about working in HR may be better suited for a general MBA or mini MBA program.

The degree you pursue should depend on your specific career goals, level of experience and education, and salary ambitions. If you aren’t certain about human resources, think about choosing an MBA program with a different concentration. However, if you know you want to pursue a career in HR, an MBA in human resources can be a great fit.

You may wonder whether an online master’s in human resources or an MBA in human resources is the better fit for you. These two degrees prepare graduates for similar careers. However, an MBA can be a smart choice for students who didn’t earn an undergraduate degree in a business field.

An MBA in human resources can also be a good route for students who aren’t sure they want to stay in human resources. Because these programs equip students with general business, finance, and marketing knowledge, they can lead to more varied career opportunities than a master’s in human resources.

You have many options when it comes to learning about business and human resources at the master’s level, from an MBA with an HR concentration to a master’s in human resources.

MBA programs offer many alternative concentrations — aside from human resources — that also focus on the human aspect of business. The following list highlights a few other popular MBA concentrations.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion concentrations in MBA programs teach students how social, economic, and psychological factors can influence employees and corporations. Enrollees will learn about workplace discrimination, diversity in organizations, and organizational politics. Graduates should be better prepared to work in diverse organizations and understand different points of view.

MBAs with a concentration in organizational behavior focus on how employees and organizations work. Enrollees learn about human-based problems in organizations and methods to resolve issues. Students will study team dynamics, organizational strategy, and negotiating conflicts.

Corporate sustainability and social impact MBA programs help students develop a holistic view of financial, social, and environmental problems that impact businesses. Attendees will study how issues affect corporate stakeholders, local communities, and governments. Program graduates can pursue roles including sustainability manager, corporate responsibility analyst, and environmental consultant.

MBA programs with a concentration in leadership assist aspiring leaders in learning the necessary skills for their future careers. Enrollees will study leadership, sustainability, and negotiation techniques. Courses in these programs focus on the leadership aspect of business and cover topics like leading the digital supply chain and leading virtual teams.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 8, 2024.