Top Affordable Online Masters in Human Resources
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A masters degree in Human Resources can pave the way to job security in a field that offers diverse workplace settings. These Top Affordable Online Master’s in Human Resources provides degree programs for students who are currently working full-time.
Whether you’ve been working in the human resources field for many years, have just graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business, or are exploring possible careers in human resources, our list of Top Affordable Online Masters in Human Resources is your guide to furthering your education.
Human Resources is a highly diverse field - with opportunities in the smallest of non-profit organizations to large corporations. You may be most interested in improving a company’s productivity, or perhaps your passion lies in sustainable and ethical leadership. Whatever your passion, one of the programs on our list will cater to preparation for your long-term career goals.
Among a few of the job titles available to human resources professionals are that of personnel recruiter, employee trainer, compensation and benefits manager, and employer relations specialist. Human resources professionals work in many different settings, from educational institutions to government agencies. Private consulting as a job analyst and performance reviewer are also in demand.
Compensation for human resources professionals is highly attractive, even for those who are new to the profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that human resource specialists earn an average of $60,880 per year. Human Resource Managers typically earn about $113,300 per year. The field is expected to grow at a healthy average of 9% over the next six years.
Are you concerned about taking an entire graduate program online? Many of the programs listed below offer or require orientations or introductory classes to prepare their students for an online learning format. Several of the programs also offer preparatory courses for students who do not have a background in business or human resources. Other programs are geared towards professionals already working in the field. Schools on our list also frequently mention the benefits and assistance available to currently active-duty members of the military and veterans. Lastly, the majority of these institutions have scholarship funding opportunities available to online graduate students, making these Top Affordable Online Masters in Human Resources even more affordable.
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Featured Online Human Resources Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Affordable Online Masters in Human Resources
New England College of Business
Boston, MA
Master’s in Human Resource Management
Website
The New England College of Business’s Master’s in Human Resource Management was ranked No. 2 nationally in 2019 by the Leadership Excellence and Development Awards. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report named NECB’s graduate business programs No. 7 in New England. The 30-credit program aims to prepare graduates for careers in high-level human resource positions. NECB has established corporate relationships with many businesses in the region. Nearly 63% of the program's graduates work for one of these organizations. The program’s curriculum follows the competency model set by the Society for Human Resource Management. It was also designed to give its graduates the necessary preparation to successfully pass Senior Professional in Human Resources certification exams. The faculty of the Master’s of Human Resource Management program is made up of ten educators who have years of academic as well as hands-on experience in the field. To gain admission to the program, prospective graduate students should submit NECB’s online application, the $75 application fee, a current resume, an essay, and transcripts from all past institutions. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.7 GPA. The New England College of Business offers a variety of scholarships to its graduate students.
Graduate Tuition: $ 18,210 Score: 71.1
Franklin University
Columbus, OH
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
The Master of Science in Human Resource Management program at Franklin University is 36 credit hours that can be completed in less than 16 months. Throughout the program, students will learn how to develop and evaluate human resource organization and structure. Courses will cover topics on employee rights and responsibilities, compensation administration, and intervention for productivity and quality. All students are required to complete a four-credit capstone project. A faculty member mentors this project. Within the context of the project, students gain experience in how to gather research to address different types of human resource-related problems. The program admits for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Students applying for admission to the program must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA. The student’s employment history and references are essential components of the admissions application. Franklin University is a military and veteran-friendly institution. Active duty members of the military and veterans may receive credit for their service. Family members are also eligible for tuition discounts. Franklin University also accepts up to 12 transfer credits from other institutions.
Graduate Tuition: $ 15,816 Score: 71.7
National University
La Jolla, CA
Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Website
National University’s Master of Arts in Human Resource Management combines real-world, practical skills and the most current theories and research in the field. The program prepares its graduates to succeed as leaders who can design training programs, create recruitment plans, and assess labor relations in a variety of organizational contexts. The program consists of 54 credits. Core classes cover topics such as Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues; Compensation and Benefits; and Advanced Studies in Organizational Behavior. A final project/thesis is also part of the program. Students may opt to specialize in organizational leadership by taking an additional four courses. National University’s courses are four weeks in length, and the school admits new students each month. Applicants to the program must possess a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 2.75 GPA. For those with a lower undergraduate grade point average, GRE or GMAT scores may be submitted. Transcripts from all past institutions are required. NU considers up to 13.5 previously-completed credits if the courses are relevant to the program where the student received at least a B- in the class. National University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and provides discounted tuition to members of the military and veterans.
Graduate Tuition: $ 14,976 Score: 78.3
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
The Master of Science in Human Resource Management at the University of Connecticut can be completed at part-time enrollment. The 30-credit program caters to students currently working in the field of human resources or a related field. Each term is seven weeks in length. Students take classes in Managing Organizations; Human Capital and Workforce Capability Development; and Managing Risk in the Workplace. All students engage in a final capstone course where they will identify a challenge in their current workplace and design a plan to improve upon the problem. The School of Business at UConn offers regular information sessions, both in-person and online to prospective graduate students. The admissions application to the MSHRM program requires a resume, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions, and a statement that explains the student’s interest in the program and long-term personal and career goals. GRE scores are not required. UConn has an active community of veterans and active members of the military, with a variety of services and events for both in-person and online students.
Graduate Tuition: $ 14,500/ Out-of-State: $35,812 Score: 89.1
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
Capella University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management is a 48-credit program. Within the school’s 12 required courses, students will be exposed to concepts on talent acquisition and workforce planning, employment law in a thriving workplace, and how to lead and influence as a practitioner of human resources. Students may also opt to take courses that help them prepare for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exams. All students will also complete a four-credit human resources management capstone project. Neither GRE or GMAT scores are required to enter this program, but applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.3 GPA. Applicants should submit transcripts from all previous institutions. Capella offers a 10% tuition reduction to members of the military and veterans pursuing a graduate degree. Veterans may also be able to transfer their training and experience for academic credit. Additionally, spouses and dependents of service members may also be eligible for tuition assistance and benefits.
Graduate Tuition: $ 14,365 Score: 63.4
Regis University
Denver, CO
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
Regis University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management prepares its students to be socially responsible leaders. The program is a total of 30 credit hours, with terms that last eight weeks. Core courses in the program cover subjects such as Logic and Critical Analysis, Leading in a New Era, and Business Intelligence and Analytics. Additional topics in the curriculum will delve into the strategies of benefits and compensation, managing talent and performance, and employee relations. The program’s curriculum follows the academic and scholarly standards as set by the Society for Human Resource Management. New terms start every other month. Applicants to the program must possess a bachelor’s degree. Admissions applications should include transcripts from all former institutions, a resume, and an admissions essay. Some applicants may be required to have an interview with the faculty or may be asked to submit GRE/GMAT scores. Regis University was ranked No. 16 in the West as a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. Regis is a Yellow-Ribbon school and offers services and resources to veterans and active-duty members of the military.
Graduate Tuition: $ 12,851 Score: 79.8
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development
Website
At the University of Louisville, the Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development requires a total of 11 courses. Students may opt to complete the program with either a thesis or with a portfolio and fieldwork combination. The program is either 33 credit hours, following the portfolio/fieldwork option, or 36 credit hours, following the thesis option. The program aims to prepare its graduates for successful careers in organizational development and assessing workplace performance. Classes in the program will cover such topics as Leadership in Human Resources and Organizational Development, Adult and Organizational Learning, and Evidence-Based Research in Human Resource and Organizational Development. Additional elective topics include Ethics in the Workplace, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Performance Improvement. The MS HROD can be completed at part-time enrollment over a maximum of six years. The program allows the transfer of up to six credit hours, assuming the credits are equivalent to the program’s content. There are three admissions cycles for the fall, spring, and summer. The admissions application requires that students submit a statement of goals, two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a resume, and previous transcripts.
Graduate Tuition: $ 12,246/ Out-of-State: $25,486 Score: 79.9
West Chester University
West Chester, PA
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
At West Chester University, the 30-credit Master of Science in Human Resource Management is designed for current professionals. Students will take a total of ten classes that cover topics on employment law and labor relations, compensation analysis, and managing diversity and cross-cultural work environments. A final capstone seminar that addresses a specific research question and integrates the student’s learning is a final component of the degree. The program is home to the Wester Chester University Human Resources Association, which offers networking opportunities, resume workshops, local SHRM chapter meetings, guest speakers, and scholarship opportunities. 33% of the program's graduates earn over $100,000 a year, and 85% are employed in a human-resources-related job. Admission requirements to the MS in Human Resource Management are a bachelor’s degree and GMAT or GRE scores above 460. Applications are due February 1 for enrollment in May, June 1 for August enrollment, and October 1 for December. The program may allow transfer credits from other institutions. West Chester offers a variety of scholarships to graduate students.
Graduate Tuition: $ 12,000/ Out-of-State: $18,000 Score: 83.8
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA
Master of Science in Human Resources Management
Website
University of Scranton’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management is a 33-credit program comprised of 11 courses. The program emphasizes ethics as well as cultural diversity and organizational development. Students take classes such as Control and Budgeting Systems, Recruitment and Staffing, and workplace learning and performance. All students will also complete a three-credit-hour Applied Human Resources capstone course. This course should reflect the student’s readiness to apply their knowledge in problem-solving and decision making within many different workplace scenarios. Part-time enrollment is an option, and students have six years to complete the degree. There are no more than 20 students in each online class. The program’s faculty is made up of the same 12 dedicated, full-time professors who teach on campus. The University of Scranton has a Business and Leadership Resource Center that provides support and benefits to online MSHRM students. To apply for admission, applicants should submit the online application, a statement of intent, three letters of reference, and a professional resume. Admitted applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree. The University of Scranton participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Graduate Tuition: $ 11,580 Score: 94.1
Brandman University
Irvine, CA
Master of Science in Human Resources
Website
The Master of Science in Human Resources at Brandman University is a 36-credit-hour program. Brandman’s curriculum was designed to train and prepare its graduates for supporting a business’s strategy, developing successful organizational policies, and applying a strong understanding of legal issues in the workplace. Students take classes such as Globalization and Diversity, Talent Management, and Leading Organizational Change. A wide selection of elective courses is also available for students to choose from. Those interested in accounting, finance, marketing, or health administration may apply for courses in those areas toward the required nine elective credits. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE test scores, and previous transcripts. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may supplement their application with additional materials. Transfer credits from another institution may count towards the degree. Military training and service, work experience, or testing out of coursework may also be options. Brandman University participates in the VA’s Principles of Excellence Program.
Graduate Tuition: $ 11,520 Score: 78.8
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS
Master of Arts in Human Resources
Website
The Master of Arts in Human Resources program at Ottawa University is approved by the Society for Human Resources. Two concentrations are offered: one in Leadership Development and one in Population Health/Health Care Management. The program is a total of 30 credits. Students will take courses in Managing Human Resource Costs, Employment Law, and Value Systems and Professional Ethics. By the end of the program, students will be prepared for top-level leadership jobs where they will apply the theories and research learned within the program. Prospective students may contact one of Ottawa’s Enrollment Advisors for guidance as to whether the Master of Arts in Human Resources is a good fit for their long term career goals. Students prepared to enter the program may apply online. Required application materials include a personal statement, previous transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Members of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma are eligible to attend Ottawa University tuition-free. Ottawa University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for members of the military and veterans.
Graduate Tuition: $ 11,430 Score: 71.9
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
Master’s in Human Resources
Website
The Master’s in Human Resources program at Bellevue University is a 36-credit-hour program. Students take classes in talent management, human resource law, organizational behavior, and global HR management. All students will engage in a three-credit capstone project that addresses a real-world issue within an actual organization. With the context of this project, students will conduct research supervised by faculty members. The program is designed so that students stay with the same group of peers throughout the program. Bellevue University’s online classes are supported by a help desk that is open seven days a week. To gain admission to the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA in undergraduate work. Bellevue University offers many student services to its online graduate students. Career services, veterans services, a writing center, and tutoring services are all available to online students. Bellevue also has several internal scholarships. Transferring credits from another institution may be possible. Bellevue University partners with several corporations, such as Home Depot, Verizon, and Union Pacific.
Graduate Tuition: $ 10,170 Score: 79.3
13. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
Master of Science in Human Services Administration
Website
The Master of Science in Human Services Administration prepares its students for careers serving the needs of social service agencies and the populations they serve. The program is a total of 36 credit hours and combines online classes with fieldwork and/or an internship within the student’s community. Core coursework covers topics on Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services, Funding Sources for Human Services Organizations, and Grantsmanship. Those seeking future careers in child services, mental health, counseling, and substance abuse treatment will find that the curriculum addresses the unique skillset and knowledge specific to these areas and as applied to human resources. Admission application materials should include previous transcripts, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and a two-to-three-page statement of purpose. Saint Leo University has a long history of providing higher education to members of the military. Almost 6,000 members of the armed forces are enrolled at Saint Leo. The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offers many services to veterans, and provides discounted tuition to both active members and veterans.
Graduate Tuition: $ 10,170 Score: 79.3
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master of Human Resources Development
Website
Clemson University’s Master of Human Resources Development was designed for professionals currently working in the field of human resources. This program specifically prepares its students to address and enhance competence and performance in the workplace. Additionally, the program provides a specialization in intercollegiate athletics. The program is a total of 36 credit hours, with classes covering concepts on talent management, instructional systems design, and how to evaluate training and development in the workplace. The school utilizes Canvas and WebEx for its online programs. MHRD students also have access to Skillport and other online tutoring applications. The MSHRD program at Clemson University admits new students for the fall and spring terms. Admission application materials include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a response to several essay questions concerning leadership and human resources. The program has an active alumni group and support page, with regularly posted jobs. Clemson University offers a variety of both merit- and need-based scholarships.
Graduate Tuition: $ 9,226/ Out-of-State: $19,528 Score: 93.3
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Greenwood Village, CO
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
The Master of Human Resources Management program at Colorado State University’s Global Campus is a 36-credit-hour degree. 12 of the 36 credits will be in an area of specialization selected by the student. CSU Global offers a variety of degree specializations to choose from. The specialty is intended to enhance the student’s preparedness in a particular field. Degree specializations in Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, and Organizational Learning and Performance are among the specific areas offered. Core courses in the program cover topics such as Managing Human Resources, Maximizing Human Capital, and Staffing and Talent Development. Classes start at the beginning of each month. Admission applications to the program require an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, although applicants with a lower GPA will be considered for provisional admission. Other required components of the admissions application are a statement of purpose and a resume. Applicants must also complete an assessment that helps the admissions committee evaluate their preparedness for graduate school. CSU Global utilizes the learning management system Canvas for its online courses. Online students also have access to several support services such as a career center, disability services, tutoring, and technical support.
