Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Updated June 2, 2023
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Earning a master's in human resources online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Online learners can also attend top programs in the country without relocating.
Graduates with a master's degree in human resources can work in roles such as compensation and benefits manager, human resource manager, and top executive. These roles offer high average salaries and strong projected job growth. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for human resource managers to grow 7% between 2018-2028. The BLS also reports that these professionals earned a median annual salary of $113,300 in 2018.
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The Best Online Master's in Human Resources Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in human resources can earn their degree from Cornell University, located in Ithaca. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous executive master of human resource management program. With a master's degree, candidates also pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to human resources. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The master's program recommends a background in HR or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Cornell University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Executive master of human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $29,500
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,500
#2 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in human resources program at the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, offers a flexible online format. The MS in human resource management program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new professional path.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to HR. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends a background in human resources or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Program Name: Online MS in human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
#3 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in human resources degree at Georgetown University, located in the District of Columbia, prioritizes flexibility. The master's in human resources management program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to human resources. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without an HR background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 14%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Online master's in human resources management
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
#4 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Averett University
Danville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online human resources degree can enroll in the master's program at Averett University Programs, located in Danville. The MBA in human resource management program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the HR field and related industries. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in human resources. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in HR or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Averett University Programs at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 24%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: MBA in human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,790
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,790
#5 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, located in New Brunswick, offers a flexible online master's in human resources. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous professional master's in human resource management program. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in human resources. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in HR before applying to the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 61%
Total Online Master's Programs: 19
Program Name: Online professional master's in human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,736
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,144
#6 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University, located in Miami, offers a flexible online master's in human resources. The master of science in human resource management program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives on HR. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in human resources or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 58%
Total Online Master's Programs: 31
Program Name: Online master of science in human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,912
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,393
#7 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Boston University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's degree in human resources at Boston University offers high academic quality. The MS in human resources management builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in human resources. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a human resources background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Boston University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 19%
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Program Name: MS in human resources management
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
#8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online human resources master's program, offered by George Washington University ranks as a top program in the field. The master of human resource management program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates also pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives on HR. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on prior human resources experience gained during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
George Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 41%
Total Online Master's Programs: 50
Program Name: Master of human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $31,770
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $31,770
#9 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in New York State, Stony Brook University offers an online master's in human resources. The master of science in human resource management program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of human resources. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in HR or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Stony Brook University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 44%
Total Online Master's Programs: 13
Program Name: Master of science in human resource management
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,310
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,100
#10 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Villanova University
Villanova, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Pennsylvania, Villanova University hosts a top-ranked master's in human resources program. The MS in human resource development program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or more into new professional paths.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the HR field. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program builds on prior human resources experience gained during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Villanova University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 28%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program Name: MS in human resource development
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,506
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,506
Online Master's in Human Resources Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Choosing an Online Master's in Human Resources Program
Students interested in earning a master's in HR should consider several factors when researching prospective programs, including length, available concentrations, and cost. For example, public schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools, and in-state students at public schools generally pay the lowest tuition rates. However, many programs allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Most online master's in human resources programs take four years of full-time study to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate faster. Additionally, students with transfer credits should ensure their chosen schools offer generous transfer credit policies, which may save money and expedite graduation.
Students should also consider their career goals before choosing a program. Many programs offer concentrations that prepare for specific careers after graduation. Common concentrations include project management, organizational leadership, and recruiting and staffing.
What Is a Master's in Human Resources?
With a bachelor's degree in human resources, professionals can work as human resource assistants or specialists. A master's degree prepares students for more advanced roles with more responsibilities and potentially higher pay, such as human resource manager, compensation and benefits manager, and top executive.
During a human resources master's program, learners expand upon the knowledge and skills they developed at the bachelor's level, studying advanced concepts like organizational strategy, employee hiring and retention, and employment law. Many master's in HR programs also offer concentrations that allow students to tailor the degree to their interests and career goals.
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Human Resources
Online master's in human resources programs typically offer knowledge and skills in the following areas.
- Employment Law: Human resource professionals need a strong understanding of employment law because they must adhere to laws, procedures, and regulations to ensure fair, ethical treatment of employees across their organizations.
- Human Behavior: Human resource professionals must understand human behavior to effectively work with a variety of employees. This understanding helps HR professionals manage conflicts and ensure employees are treated appropriately.
- Business Tools: HR professionals can take advantage of various business tools to help them better manage employees and the functions of their organization. These tools may include effective communication methods, organizational software, and training programs.
- Compensation and Benefits Management: Human resource professionals in managerial roles often oversee compensation and benefits packages for employees. To ensure fair treatment of employees while adhering to an organization's budget, they need a strong understanding of the best methods for choosing and administering these packages.
- Conflict Resolution: Human resource professionals often manage a variety of employee conflicts, including sexual harassment claims, employee complaints, and disputes among employees and supervisors. Therefore, these employees must understand best practices for resolving conflicts in diverse scenarios.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Human Resources Degrees
When researching potential programs, students should check accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Schools may receive national or regional accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions, while national accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical schools. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. First, only learners at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer or require candidates to hold an accredited degree.
Programs within a school, such as teaching, social work, and business schools, may also receive accreditation. Human resource programs taught within a business school may hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Learners can verify a school's accreditation status through the Department of Education's database.
Human Resources Certifications and Licensure
Human resource professionals who deliver human resource services and are the main point of contact for stakeholders and staff can benefit from earning the SHRM certified professional credential.
Candidates for this credential must meet education and experience requirements. Candidates who hold a master's degree in HR and currently work in HR automatically qualify to sit for the exam, which comprises 160 questions and takes four hours to complete. SHRM members receive a discount on exam fees.
PHR certification demonstrates expertise in the technical and operational aspects of human resource management, including employment laws and regulations and HR program implementation.
Candidates for certification must meet experience requirements, which vary by level of education. Candidates with a master's degree need one year of experience in an HR position to qualify to sit for the exam. The exam comprises 150 questions and takes three hours to complete. Candidates must pay an application fee and an exam fee.
Human Resources Jobs
Earning a master's degree in human resources prepares graduates for advanced human resource roles such as human resource manager, top executive, and compensation and benefits manager. Below, we cover several common roles and potential salaries for graduates of master's in human resources programs.
Human Resource Managers
| Median Salary (2019): $113,300 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% |
|---|
Human resource managers direct, coordinate, and plan the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee employee recruitment and hiring, mediate disputes, and determine disciplinary procedures. Human resource managers also oversee employee benefits programs. They often oversee a team of human resource professionals and work with other managers in the organization.
Human Resource Specialists
| Median Salary (2019): $60,880 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 5% |
|---|
Human resource specialists work with employers to identify employment needs and help organizations recruit and interview potential employees. They may contact references, screen candidates and inform them about potential job duties, and conduct new employee orientation programs. They also maintain employment records and process paperwork.
Compensation and Benefits Managers
| Median Salary (2019): $121,010 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 3% |
|---|
Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and maintain employee compensation and benefits packages. They often research competitive rates and packages, prepare program budgets, and keep business operations within budget. These managers also identify appropriate outside vendors and partners, including benefits vendors, investment managers, and insurance brokers. They may also oversee HR specialists and other staff.
Top Executives
| Median Salary (2019): $104,980 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 6% |
|---|
Top executives devise policies and strategies to help organizations meet long-term goals. These professionals direct and manage the budgetary activities of their organizations, often analyzing financial statements, performance indicators, and sales reports to improve business operations. They may also conduct contract negotiations.
Human Resources Professional Organizations
Human resources students and professionals can benefit from joining professional organizations. These organizations often offer scholarships, career search assistance, and mentorship opportunities. Members may also benefit from professional development, continuing education, and networking events.
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