Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs of 2025

Human resources is one of the most valuable assets in a company. As an HR professional, you will be in charge of managing the entire employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, development, benefits, and programs.

An online master’s in human resources is a flexible and affordable way to advance your career. These programs can help you hone crucial skills to excel in the field, such as talent acquisition and management, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration and training and development. Additionally, they may also enhance your soft skills, such as leadership, discernment and communication.

We’ve compiled a list of the top online human resources master’s programs available to help you make an informed decision and level up your career.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online human resources master’s program, including cost, program length, application requirements, and career outlook.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that an online master’s degree in business, management, and marketing (which includes HR programs) cost about $11,000 in tuition and fees for the 2019–20 school year. In contrast, the cost for an in-person program was double that – nearly $22,000.

There are several financial aid options that could help lower the cost of your master’s degree, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.

Human resources graduate students can also take advantage of special scholarships, such as the PSHRA Graduate Study Fellowship. Additionally, if you currently work in HR, check if your company offers any financial support or reimbursements for graduate studies.

An online master’s in human resources typically requires around 30 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that let you earn a master’s degree in as little as a year, saving you time and money.

There are the usual admission requirements for an online master’s program in human resources:

Earning a master’s degree in human resources can open doors to various career opportunities within the field, including compensation and benefits manager, training and development manager, and human resources manager.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for these occupations was above $100,000 as of May 2023. Additionally, these positions are projected to have a better-than-average job outlook over the next decade. For example, the projected job growth for training and development managers is 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is higher than the 4% average for all occupations.

A master’s in human resources is a worthwhile investment for human resources professionals who want to increase their salaries. An advanced HR degree can also help you hone your expertise in areas such as recruiting, labor and employee relations, and compensation and benefits, helping you qualify for higher-level positions.

According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online business students and graduates said they would recommend online education to others, with 94% saying their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

If you want to advance your career even further, you can also pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.

Doctoral degrees in HR vary by institution and program. You can earn a Ph.D. in HR management or organizational management or a doctor of business administration (DBA) with an HR specialization.

These programs prepare students for senior HR roles, academia, or consulting positions. They typically take at least four years to complete and have a curriculum focused on research methods or specialized areas.