Top Human Resources Master’s Programs 2024
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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
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Degree:
In-State | $35,000
Out-of-State | $35,000
Credits to Graduate: 38
Students can earn an online MS in human resource management from the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. The 12-month program aligns with standards set by the Society for HR Management.
The curriculum includes classes like critical thinking in human resource management, high-involvement human resource management, and human resource analytics.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a preferred GPA of 3.0 or above in upper-division coursework, GMAT or GRE scores, and professional HR work experience.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $471
Out-of-State | $565
Credits to Graduate: 30
Located in Stony Brook, New York, Stony Brook University offers an online MS in human resource management degree that aligns with standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Full-time students can graduate in as few as 12 months, and part-time learners in 20 months. The program also offers a one-at-a-time option that takes two years and eight months to complete.
The curriculum explores topics like employee relations and labor management, diversity issues in the workplace, and strategic organization. Students can complete an optional one-credit internship to gain field experience.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $14,196
Out-of-State | $14,196
Credits to Graduate: 48
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a STEM-designated online master's in human resource management through its School of Management and Labor Relations. The program explores topics like global employment strategies, the transformation of work, and strategic HR management and takes four semesters to complete.
The curriculum includes classes like developing human capital, HR decision-making, employment law, and managing rewards systems. Students can choose an HR analytics track that provides training in data analysis for workplace success.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244
Credits to Graduate: 24
Distance learners can earn an online MS in human resource management from USC in Los Angeles, California. Designed with HR professionals in mind, the program offers one-year and two-year tracks and features a curriculum designed with help from industry leaders.
Students take classes like human resource strategy, organizational culture and employee outcomes, learning and development, and talent management. The program costs a total of $53,856 in tuition as of the 2023-2024 program.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $800
Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: 30
Clemson University offers a fully online human resource development master's degree. The Clemson human resources program curriculum includes classes like instructional systems design, human resource development program evaluation, and research concepts and skills.
Students can pursue a general course of study or choose a concentration in athletic leadership or learning leadership.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, two recommendations, a resume, and a personal statement. Most students complete the degree in five semesters or less.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,069
Out-of-State | $1,119
Credits to Graduate: 30
The fully online MS in human resource management from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, explores HR strategy, talent management and acquisition, and compensation. Students take classes like total rewards, leadership, change management, and negotiations in organizations.
The program can prepare graduates for leadership roles in workforce management in 20-36 months. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, two years of relevant professional experience, and two letters of recommendation.
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,965
Out-of-State | $1,965
Credits to Graduate: 30
George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers an online master of human resource management degree. Full-time learners can graduate in 18-24 months, and part-time students in 30-48 months.
The Society for Human Resource Management-aligned curriculum requires courses like leadership and executive development, emerging topics in human resource management, and organizations and human capital. George Washington's master of human resources management program also covers topics like diversity and inclusion, human performance management, and leadership development.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a strong academic background, one letter of recommendation, and a resume.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,573
Out-of-State | $1,573
Credits to Graduate: 33
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University offers an online master's in human resource management through its School of Continuing Studies. The ethics-focused program can develop skills in critical thinking, applied problem-solving, and training and development.
The curriculum, which aligns with recommendations from the Society for Human Resource Management, explores the entire HR lifecycle, including talent acquisition, management, and retention. Students can enroll part time or full time and complete the program in 2-5 years.
The program requires classes like workplace ethics, human capital analytics, and a human resource management capstone.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $730
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 36
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, Minnesota, offers a two-year online MA in human resource management that can help students learn to help organizations deal with various changes. The management-focused curriculum explores conflict management, budgeting, company planning, and communication.
The Society for Human Resource Management-aligned program includes classes like human resource analytics, employment law, globalization and diversity, and a human resource management capstone. Students can add stackable 12- to 15-credit graduate certificates in areas like finance, nonprofit management, and healthcare administration.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,050
Out-of-State | $1,050
Credits to Graduate: 33
Students who pursue an online master's in human resource management at the University of Connecticut take mostly asynchronous classes. Coursework covers core HR topics like diversity and inclusion, managing risk in the workplace, and human capital and teams. Students also choose elective classes and complete an HR capstone. This part-time program features a cohort learning style and takes 20 months to finish.
Interested students can access personalized guidance during the application process. To apply, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. Although previous work experience in human resources is not required, it is preferred.
How We Rank Schools
In order to create this rankings list, 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 2023 College Choice and Admissions Survey.
To qualify for our ranking list, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges. Read more about our rankings methodology.
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
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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 | 2023 Median Pay |
---|---|
Compensation and Benefits Managers | $136,380 per year |
Human Resources Managers | $136,350 per year |
Training and Development Managers | $125,040 per year |
Top Executives | $103,840 per year |
Human Resources Specialists | $67,650 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 $136,350 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But in New York, the annual mean wage was $198,830 during the same period. Other top-paying states include New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and Washington.
Sources: BLS
Most Popular Courses in an HR Online Program
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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 $136,350 per year as of 2023, 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.