15 Best Online Schools for Master’s in Human Resources

The human resources profession provides workplaces with the stability and safety needed to ensure competent teamwork and healthy work environments. These professionals are compassionate, encouraging leaders who are responsible for building a staff of employees, as well as managing them as leaders.

Originally Published: May 2023
Updated: January 2024

Graduates from any one of these fine programs have the skill and understanding to fill numerous roles in a wide variety of areas and have keenly developed skills within business and administrative disciplines. Career opportunities for human resources alumni include: 

• Labor Relations Manager
• Employee Relations Manager
• Recruiting Manager
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Trainer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook for Human Resources Management professionals at about 5% over the next 10 years, which is much faster than average. Annual salaries average around $76,610 to $224,360 per year.

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Methodology: Online Master’s in Human Resources

Are you ready to take the next step? A master’s degree in the field of human resources will provide you with many opportunities for career advancement. Here, BMD has searched for the Best Online Schools for Master’s in Human Resources degree programs, all designed to help you achieve your goals.

In addition, we have chosen to list them in random order. So, you should take a look at them all to find one that fits your needs, your career aspirations, and your personality! They were chosen on the following unique offerings and qualities: 

• Prepares graduates for professional positions in the field of Human Resources
• Delivers coursework focused on the complexities of Human Resources and labor 
• Sharpens critical thinking, leadership, and advanced business skills
• Is offered through a 100% online or hybrid learning format
• Taught by exceptional professors who are experts in their field, as well as research pertaining to Human Resources
• Offers a wide variety of specializations, if desired
• Provides financial aid opportunities, grants, and military discounts
• Offers student help centers, career placement counseling, as well as a technical help desk for online learners
• Delivers the same quality education as on-campus students receive
• This may result in a capstone class project or thesis requirement
• Offers degree programs with the most up-to-date and innovative practices used in Human Resources today

For more information, check out our Methodology page!

Best Online Schools for Master’s in Human Resources

PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS

Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations

Prominent Program Features:
Penn State World Campus is one of the country’s most revered online schools. It offers an outstanding Master’s in Human Resources and Employment Relations that provides a strong curriculum that balances advanced theory and practical knowledge. The curriculum stems from numerous departments within the university giving the coursework a more rich and in-depth perspective.

Campus Location: University Park, PA

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Human Resources Certification Institute

Retention Rate: 62%

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Concentration Options:

• Benefits and Compensation
• Labor and Collective Bargaining
• Employment and Labor Law
• Staffing, Training, and Development
• Ethics and Leadership
• International Human Resources and Employment Relations
• Labor Unions: Organization and Strategy

The Final Result:
This impressive curriculum prepares graduates for upper-level management positions in human resources, labor relations, and training development. Faculty members educate students in pertinent, real-world techniques that give them an excellent standing through which to engage in human resources.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS’ ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM

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WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

Online Master’s Degrees in Human Resources

Prominent Program Features:
The well-accredited online human resources programs available from Webster University are designed to give students an immersive experience in the complexities and challenges of managing the workforce of today and its varying demands. The curriculum is pointed toward a well-rounded approach to the discipline through practical and theoretical coursework.

Campus Location: Webster Groves, MO

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Retention Rate: 77%

Acceptance Rate: 59.4%

Program Options:

• Human Services
• Human Resources Development
• Human Resources Management

The Final Result:
Graduates from any one of these programs have shown keen abilities in effectively implementing advanced methods for problem-solving in the workplace and building strong teams of employees. The school and administration provide elite opportunities to advance one’s degree even further in advancement programs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM

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DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Prominent Program Features:
This online school offers a Master of Arts in Management with a Human Resources concentration that is aligned closely with the guidelines of the Society for Human Resource Management. The curriculum is Christ-centered and develops expert business professionals who gain employment in a wide variety of environments.

Campus Location: Dallas, TX

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Retention Rate: 77%

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Coursework Sample:

• Employment Law
• Talent Acquisition and Development
• Leadership Coaching and Counseling

The Final Result:
Graduates from DBU are international human resources professionals who have diverse practical skills and well-developed theoretical knowledge in compensation strategies, dynamic staffing issues, training and development, compliance requirements, and more. Students establish invaluable networking connections with professionals from Southwest Airlines, Neopost, and AT&T.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ARTS IN MANAGEMENT — HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ONLINE

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MCDANIEL COLLEGE

Online/Hybrid Master of Science in Human Resources Management

Prominent Program Features:
McDaniel College’s online/hybrid graduate program in Human Resources Management meets all of the standards set by the Association for Talent Development and the Society for Human Resource Development. It is a 36-credit degree wherein master’s students complete two eight-week courses per semester and finish in about two to three years.

Campus Location: Westminster, MD

Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Retention Rate: 72%

Acceptance Rate: 86.7%

Coursework Sample:

• Legal Environment in the Workplace
• Applied Research in Human Resources
• Organizational Change and Development

The Final Result:
McDaniel grads work in organizational development, instructional design, training, career development, staffing and recruiting, compensation and benefits, and executive development. They are prepared to make a monumental difference in numerous professional environments and a variety of organizational and industrial settings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MCDANIEL COLLEGE’S HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, M.S. ONLINE/HYBRID PROGRAM

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UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Online

Prominent Program Features:
The University of Connecticut offers an accelerated online Master’s in Human Resource Management that allows distance education students to complete the 33 credits in about 20 months. The cutting-edge coursework is delivered in seven-week terms and is designed and instructed by highly experienced faculty members.

Campus Location: Mansfield, CT

Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges; The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Retention Rate: 93%

Acceptance Rate: 55.6%

Coursework Sample:

• Consultative Management for Business Function Professionals
• Management Through the Employee Lifecycle
• Interpersonal Relations, Influence, and Ethical Leadership

The Final Result:
This flexible program gives online students the opportunity to concentrate their elective courses in an area that best applies to their career goals. That way, upon graduating from UConn, they are well-versed in their area and environment of employment, such as Employment Law, Labor Relations, Marketing, Accounting, and others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT’S ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN HUMAN RESOURCES

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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

Master of Science in Human Resource Development

Prominent Program Features:
The Villanova University Master in Human Resource Development has been refined for nearly three decades. Today, it offers a well-reputed curriculum that implements strategic techniques and effective skills to create and develop positive working environments. Students have numerous certification opportunities within this program available alongside the already powerful curriculum.

Campus Location: Villanova, PA

Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Retention Rate: 96%

Acceptance Rate: 25.2%

Coursework Sample:

• Work, Family, and Career Considerations
• Human Resource Ethics
• Cultural Competency, Equity, & Social Justice

The Final Result:
This program gives students the knowledge and understanding to become HR generalists, staffing specialists, recruiters, benefits analysts, corporate trainers, human resources managers, HR healthcare managers, and more.

Villanova alumni have access to a strong network of professionals and look forward to increased earning potential, enhanced career mobility, greater job security, and personal and professional fulfillment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER IN HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

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OTTAWA UNIVERSITY

Master of Arts in Human Resources

Prominent Program Features:
The online master’s degree in Human Resources at Ottawa University is particularly exciting because it provides two unique concentration options. It is an accelerated graduate curriculum specifically designed for busy working adults seeking to advance their professional careers. As a whole, the program has a strong focus on management and leadership.

Campus Location: Ottawa, KS

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Society for Human Resource Management

Retention Rate: 55%

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Concentration Options:

• Leadership Development
• Population Health/Health Care Management

The Final Result:
Ottawa graduates are prepared to take on management and administration roles in any business department. They often work as trainers, employee and student development counselors, consultants, and human resources managers. Students can easily and actively enhance their current positions of employment through this quick and flexible program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OTTAWA UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN RESOURCES ONLINE DEGREE

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BRYAN COLLEGE

Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Online

Prominent Program Features:
At Bryan College, online students have the distinct opportunity to major in a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources. It is an accelerated MBA and one of the few degrees of its kind. The curricula at Bryan are deeply rooted in Christian principles, and students gain a sound, ethical understanding of the discipline.

Campus Location: Dayton, TN

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Society for Human Resource Management; International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education

Retention Rate: 67%

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Coursework Sample:

• Strategic Compensation Management
• Managing Organizational Change
• Employment Law

The Final Result:
Graduates have a massively broad understanding of HR. They are capable of making enhanced moral decisions that are crucial to the management of entire organizations and their personnel. This HR master’s degree can be finished in as few as 14 months, and students leave Bryan with a huge amount of real-world knowledge and experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRYAN COLLEGE’S ONLINE MBA IN HUMAN RESOURCES

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CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Human Resource Development, MHRD

Prominent Program Features:
Clemson University is the only online school on this ranking to offer an optional specialization in Athletic Leadership within a Master of Human Resources Development program. Students who choose this track complete additional coursework focusing on psychology, ethics, administration, and leadership. The general track addresses modern workplace challenges and enhances skills in adult education, strategy, ethics, and leadership.

Campus Location: Clemson, SC

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Retention Rate: 94%

Acceptance Rate: 49.2%

Program Options:

• General Track
• Athletic Leadership

The Final Result:
Graduates from Clemson work in various settings, such as non-profit management, business, government, and education. They have well-developed skills in training, development, learning, performance improvement, and strategic human resources. Employers everywhere respect Clemson grads because of the superiority of their degrees and the immensity of their business acumen.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEMSON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, MHRD

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COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY- GLOBAL CAMPUS

Master in Human Resource Management

Prominent Program Features:
CSU-Global is another of the country’s most prominent and well-celebrated online schools. The Master in Human Resource Management gives a multi-perspective view into the discipline and provides 25 specializations, which is by far the most of any school on this ranking. Students can explore a vast number of areas in pursuit of their HR degree.

Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Retention Rate: 47%

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Concentration Sample:

• Human Resource Performance
• Project Management
• Global Management

The Final Result:
The CSU HR curriculum emphasizes training leaders within the business and human resources fields. Graduates have an in-depth understanding of managing teams, making ethical and legal decisions, and solving complex issues in the workplace with efficiency. Alumni have many well-sharpened skills that set them apart in the job market and can lean on CSU’s academic and career-based resources at any point in their careers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY- GLOBAL CAMPUS ONLINE MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

Organizational Behavior & HR Management Master of Business Administration Online

Prominent Program Features:
The University of North Texas is a great choice for graduate students pursuing an education in human resources. In the exemplary MBA in Organizational Behavior & HR Management, students gain an incredibly solid understanding of essential business management strategies and simultaneously complete specialized human resources coursework.

Campus Location: Denton, TX

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Retention Rate: 78%

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Coursework Sample:

• Human Resource Management Seminar
• Employment, Placement, & Personnel Planning
• Managing Organizational Design and Change

The Final Result:
North Texas grads exiting the Department of Management’s MBA in Human Resources have exceedingly well-developed abilities to market themselves toward a wide variety of career paths. Many alumni are quickly promoted to top positions of management at companies such as Cornerstone Staffing, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Robert Half International Inc.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS ONLINE MBA IN ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR & HR MANAGEMENT

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BRIAR CLIFF UNIVERSITY

Master of Arts in Management – Human Resource Management Concentration

Prominent Program Features:
At Briar Cliff, the online graduate degree in human resources provides an immersive experience emphasizing technology, globalization, and shifting workforce priorities. It is a flexible program available 100% online, offers a thesis and a non-thesis option, and quick and easy access to faculty members and staff.

Campus Location: Sioux City, IA

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; The Society of Human Resource Management

Retention Rate: 63%

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Concentration Options:

• Leadership
• Sports Management

The Final Result:
Depending on their concentration, this program leads students in vastly different directions. The Leadership track is a well-rounded approach to business and HR that allows BC grads to land top employment positions in their current or future environments. The Sports Management track speaks for itself and enables alumni to pursue exciting human resources-related titles in the sports industry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIAR CLIFF UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

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THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Master’s in Human Resource Analytics and Management

Prominent Program Features:
The American University is a historic institution of higher education that offers a prestigious online master’s degree in Human Resource Analytics and Management. It is an exciting program providing numerous extracurricular opportunities, such as the Professional Studies Experience that prepares students to be workforce-ready.

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.

Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; The Society for Human Resources Management

Retention Rate: 90%

Acceptance Rate: 64.1%

Coursework Sample:

• Intercultural Communication for Professionals
• Strategic Management of Sports Organizations
• Evaluating Hiring, Performance and Employee Metrics

The Final Result:
There is an excellent range of core and elective courses available in this online curriculum. It can be tailored to suit any human resources-related career interest. Many students choose to take on additional HR certifications at American University that further enhance their already highly sharpened skills as graduates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER IN HUMAN RESOURCE ANALYTICS AND MANAGEMENT

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Master’s Degree in Human Resources

Prominent Program Features:
Western Carolina University is known throughout the United States for its fantastic online programs, such as the Master’s Degree in Human Resources. This two-year degree is available at both full-time and part-time rates and is perfect for all students, even those without an educational or professional background in HR.

Campus Location: Cullowhee, NC

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Retention Rate: 81%

Acceptance Rate: 79.4%

Sampling of Coursework:

• Coaching for Performance
• Talent Acquisition and Retention
• Organization Development

The Final Result:
Students at WCU learn to work in all areas of the profession, from corporate to non-profit to government settings. Graduates are steeped in human development-focused and organizational values-based perspectives that make them a perfect match for upper management human resources positions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HUMAN RESOURCES MASTER’S DEGREE

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STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management

Prominent Program Features:
Stony Brook University’s Master of Human Resource Management curriculum supplies a wide array of exciting topics that delve into an excellent range of skills and knowledge in business and HR. Students can take classes that are more specific to their career goals, such as international business or family communication.

Campus Location: Stony Brook, NY

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Retention Rate: 90%

Acceptance Rate: 48.1%

Sampling of Coursework:

• Human Relations and Workforce Planning
• Job Evaluation, Compensation Systems, and Benefits
• Diversity and Global Issues in the Workplace

The Final Result:
The online HR graduate program at Stony Brook provides an outstanding level of real-world experience. For example, the optional internship class establishes students in settings outside of their normal environment. Also, learners can take advantage of further advancements with SBU, such as the SHRM Test Preparation Course or the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the admission requirements for an online Master’s in Human Resources?

Universities and colleges typically require you to submit an application form for Graduate Admissions online and require you to pay an application fee. Some universities waive fees. Additionally, they require an official bachelor’s degree transcript in HR or any related field.

Typically, a resume may also be required to evaluate professional work experience and engagements. Lastly, GRE or GMAT scores and interviews are considered optional but may be required for a thorough evaluation depending on the university.

How much can I earn with an online Master’s in Human Resources?

Human resource managers/professionals earn a median annual salary of $130,000 or $62.50 per hour. However, several factors like location, industry, years of experience, working conditions, and shift differentials can affect your pay. A human resources program will help you gain the skills you need.

What jobs are available to online Master’s in Human Resources graduates?

Human resources jobs for personnel and professionals have a wide variety of career paths spanning public, private, non-profit, and government organizations. Some of the career options you could explore with a master’s degree in Human Resources are:

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Human resources managers have several diverse responsibilities and duties. They plan, direct, coordinate, and consult with HR directors or top executives, and oversee the recruitment, interview, and hiring of new employees. They are likely to do person-to-person interaction and meet the employees directly. Some of the common types of HR managers are:

• Labor Relations Managers
• Payroll Managers
• Recruiting Managers

TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALISTS

Talent acquisition specialists often represent the face or voice of the HR department. They are in charge of sourcing, identifying, and hiring employees. Their duties include screening and preparing candidates for hiring managers to interview. They may also conduct final interviews and collaborate with hiring managers.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS

Training and development specialists typically plan and conduct programs to train newly hired and current employees. They assess their performance through surveys, interviews, and consults with managers to create and design training guides and manuals, learning modules, and other training materials.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORS / EXECUTIVES

The responsibilities of Human resources directors involve developing human resources operations and financial strategies, guiding management and employees by updating policies and enforcing organizational values. They also create and modify benefit plans, process paperwork, and address employee complaints and unions (if applicable).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MANAGERS

Compensation and benefits managers take care of the design, development, and management of salary, bonus, and benefits packages for the employees. They are also responsible for making sure that the compensation and benefit packages are in compliance with the regulatory requirements.

HUMAN RESOURCES IT SPECIALISTS

In the evolving world of technology, Human Resource IT specialists are in demand for their skills in human resources and information technology, and the pay package for this job position is high. You can be a software developer and an HR administrator at the same time.

Will earning a Master’s degree in Human Resources help me obtain job promotions and a higher salary?

Yes, earning a Master’s degree in Human Resources could help you obtain job promotions and a higher salary. Individuals with a graduate certificate or a Master’s degree in Human Resources are more likely to receive higher salaries and more career opportunities than individuals with just a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, many organizations prefer to hire individuals with a Master’s in Human Resources for HR positions due to the extensive knowledge and skills they can obtain from this degree program. Therefore, a Master’s degree in Human Resources could certainly help you obtain job promotions and a higher salary.