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.
The BLS projects 6% job growth for human resources managers between 2023 and 2033.
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.
Featured Online MBA in HR Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online MBA in Human Resources Management Programs
These rankings were compiled by our BestColleges Ranking Team and include sponsored results 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.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled0
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$8,766
- Out-of-state$9,740
- Retention Rate33%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled43,927
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Averett University
- Danville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$36,520
- Out-of-state$36,520
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled887
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Union University
- Jackson, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,080
- Out-of-state$22,080
- In-State$10,625
- Out-of-state$10,625
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled3,071
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lincoln, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,770
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$6,138
- Out-of-state$17,928
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled25,108
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$17,980
- Out-of-state$17,980
- In-State$16,875
- Out-of-state$16,875
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled3,799
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,519
- Out-of-state$15,391
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$18,153
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled11,989
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,820
- Out-of-state$26,820
- In-State$10,140
- Out-of-state$10,140
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled3,848
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Everglades University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$17,520
- Out-of-state$17,520
- In-State$19,200
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,247
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,979
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,791
- Out-of-state$14,791
- In-State$7,935
- Out-of-state$7,935
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled93,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,407
- Out-of-state$19,135
- In-State$5,511
- Out-of-state$19,238
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled16,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Regis University
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,208
- Out-of-state$38,208
- In-State$14,322
- Out-of-state$14,322
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled6,310
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,890
- Out-of-state$30,890
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled5,492
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Bryan College-Dayton
- Dayton, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,900
- Out-of-state$16,900
- In-State$9,630
- Out-of-state$9,630
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,412
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Is an MBA in Human Resources?
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.
What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in HR?
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.
Example MBA in Human Resources Courses
- Business strategy
- Managing organizational change
- Organizational ethics
- Leading effective teams
- Personnel staffing and evaluation
What Are Admission Requirements for an MBA in Human Resources Program?
Test Scores
Competitive programs often require a minimum score of 650 on the GMAT. Some schools also accept GRE scores. However, many programs do not require standardized test scores. Peruse our helpful guides to get more information, advice, and resources to prepare for the GMAT and GRE.Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation provide admissions departments with insight into the type of student or employer you are. These letters demonstrate that you have the qualities they want in a future student. Ask former professors and employers for recommendations at least six weeks before the application deadline.Resume
Many MBA in human resources programs require applicants to possess prior work experience. Students with experience working in human resources make ideal applicants. However, even if you don’t have HR-specific experience, showing that you have been a successful professional through your resume is still important.Essays
Personal essays can give admissions departments unique insight into who you are as a person. This is your chance to tell your story and make your case. A personal essay that evokes emotion and shows a strong determination to succeed in the program can tip the scales in your favor, even if your GPA or test scores aren’t as high as they could be.Official Transcripts
All MBA programs require official transcripts. Some schools may require a certain cumulative GPA, while others may only look at your GPA for relevant subjects. Be sure to find out the minimum GPA your school requires in case you need to retake any classes.
What Can I Do With an MBA in HR Degree?
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.
Human resources specialists are entry-level professionals in the field. They assist with recruitment, placement, and training of new employees. They may also help guide new hires through company policies and procedures.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$67,650
Is an MBA in Human Resources Worth It?
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.
Is an MBA Better Than a Master’s in Human Resources?
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.
Which MBA Concentrations Are Similar to 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
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.
Organizational Behavior
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
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.
Leadership
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.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do I Choose an MBA in Human Resources Program?
Cost
Determining the true cost of an online degree is among the top concerns for students looking to earn their master’s. Online students generally pay less in tuition than their on-campus counterparts. In-state students usually pay less than out-of-state learners, and public colleges are often more affordable than private schools.Program Format
Choosing synchronous or asynchronous learning is an important decision. Some students may need the flexibility of an asynchronous online program, while others prefer the structure of a synchronous program. Students must also choose whether a part-time or full-time MBA makes the most sense for them.Location
Even online students may want to consider the location of their future college, as they may need to complete some on-campus requirements. Even when visits aren’t required, some students find that they feel more engaged when they can visit campus. Students who live nearby may also be able to take advantage of additional networking opportunities.Career Opportunities
Some schools offer more resources than others to help students break into the workforce. When researching MBA in human resources programs, look for schools that advertise their collaboration with corporate recruiters. If possible, reach out to alums to see if they can connect you with opportunities.Programmatic Accreditation
When researching MBA in human resources programs, finding schools with proper accreditation is important. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs or departments rather than an entire institution
For MBA programs, look for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Human Resources Programs
It depends on the school and program. Students may have a better chance of being accepted to online programs than on-campus programs. Applicants with work experience also have better odds of earning admission. Many competitive programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GMAT score of 650 to qualify for admission.
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.
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