The 20 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs
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An online Master’s in Human Resource program is an excellent idea for professionals who are interested in entering the field of Human Resource or who want to further their careers.
Human Resource Professionals manage their organization’s most valuable assets — their people. They are responsible for recruiting and training new employees, managing employee conflict and organizational change management, and coordinating employee benefits.
The annual average salary for a Human Resources Generalist is $49,000, while the average salary for a Human Resources Manager is more than $100,000. A master’s degree in the field can help significantly in jumping from a generalist position to that of a manager.
An online program can be crucial in helping working professionals earn their degree without disrupting their schedule. Many programs let students study when they have the time, rather than requiring specific class times. When looking into an online school, it’s important to look into accreditation, programs offered, strength of faculty and the variety of classes offered. Tuition cost is also important.
Here are the 25 best online Master’s in Human Resource programs based on these factors.
#1 – Nova Southeastern University
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tuition: $1,196 per credit hour
Nova Southeastern University offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program through the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The program teaches students to be leaders through balancing team dynamics. It also teaches them to effectively manage and motivate their employees. The Human Resource Management program offers a concentration in entrepreneurship.
#2 – Webster University
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Tuition: $755 per credit
Webster University’s online Master of Arts in Human Resources Management program prepares students for the complexities of the modern workplace. The program teaches about strategic and operational responsibilities, as well as practical and theoretical applications. The importance of the ìhuman elementî is impressed upon students from day one. The program requires 37 credits for graduation.
#3 – Pennsylvania State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $815 per credit
School Profile
Penn State Online offers a 33 credit Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations. The program balances advanced theory with practical knowledge and enables students to confront the real-world challenges they will face as a Human Resources Professional. The program is offered through the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Available tracks include Benefits and Compensation, Labor and Collective Bargaining, Employment and Labor Law, Staffing, Training, and Development.
#4 – New York University
Location: New York, New York
Tuition: $1,608 per credit
Students at New York University can enroll in the online Master’s in Human Resources program and complete their degree in less than two years. The program is designed to help students meet the challenges that come with a rapidly growing and changing working environment. The program includes core coursework, a concentration, and a capstone project.
#5 – Villanova University
Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $1,320 per credit
Villanova University offers a 30 credit-hour Master of Science in Human Resource Development entirely online. The program is designed and taught by accomplished faculty and contains comprehensive curriculum to help professionals stay successful in their chosen field. Students learn about topics like organizational change, human resource planning, compensation, international human resources, and more.
#6 – Colorado State University – Global Campus
Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Tuition: $500 per credit
Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers an online Master’s in Human Resource program that teaches students advanced skills of employee management. The program is designed to develop leadership qualities and prepare students for a variety of roles in Human Resources. Students must complete 36 credits to graduate. Core classes include Managing Human Resources, Legal and Human Resources Dimensions of Business Management, and Fundamentals of Research and Writing.
#7 – Concordia University – St. Paul
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Tuition: $475 per credit
Students at Concordia University in St. Paul can enroll in a 36 credit-hour online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management program. The program is designed to fit into studentsí already busy lives. Core classes include HR Leadership and Ethics, Compensation and Benefits, Strategic HR and Measurement, and the Legal Environment for HR Leaders. This program aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
#8 – Brandman University
Location: Irvine, California
Tuition: $610 per credit hour
Brandman University’s online Master’s in Human Resources program is a concentration within the school’s MBA program. The concentration focuses on how human resources can prepare students for leadership roles in their field. Students learn about sustainability and innovation along with ways they can analyze and evaluate business functions to formulate effective business strategies.
#9 – Tiffin University
Location: Tiffin, Ohio
Tuition: $700 per credit hour
Tiffin University offers an online MBA Human Resource Management degree that teaches students theories and application needed to develop talented employees, manage ongoing relationships, and provide competitive advantages. The school places an emphasis on ensuring students have the ability and background needed to be successful in Human Resource Management.
#10 – Golden Gate University
Location: San Francisco, California
Tuition: $921 per credit hour
At Golden Gate University, students can earn an MBA Human Resource Management degree through the Ageno School of Business. The goal of the program is to teach MBA students to have a successful career in Human Resource Management. Students are taught how to hire, train, and manage a workforce that keeps their business successful. They are fully trained in the importance of benefits information, current employment laws, and labor relations.
#11 – Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Tuition: $541.65 (resident), $1,013.65 (nonresident) per credit
Stony Brook University’s online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program is offered completely online. Classes are asynchronous and offered in 10-week segments geared toward the working professional. The program is aligned with standards in HR established by the Society for Human Resource Management. Core courses include Foundations of Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Employee Relations and Labor Management.
#12 – Benedictine University
Location: Lisle, Illinois
Tuition: $650 per quarter credit hour
Students at Benedictine University can enroll in an online Human Resources Management program offered through the Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies. The program confers a certificate, rather than a degree. It is geared toward experienced human resource professionals who want to expand their knowledge and career potential. Students learn in depth about fundamental issues in the HR field, such as recruitment, training and retention strategies, employee relations, and more. The program requires three 6 credit-hour courses.
#13 – Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Tuition: $236.08 (resident), $746.23 (nonresident) per semester hour
Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions offers an online Master’s in Human Resources. Students are prepared to become ìstrategic HR leaders for the profession.î Courses are designed around guidelines provided by the Society for Human Resource Management. Students at WCU work with seasoned professionals through classes and internship opportunities. The program requires 36 credits for graduation.
#14 – Central Michigan University
Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Tuition: $600 per credit hour
Central Michigan University’s online MBA Human Resource Management program is accredited through the AACSB. The program teaches students how to increase the efficiency of their workforce with the goal of enhanced productivity, high employee retention, and the development of more engaged employees. Courses are constantly reviewed to ensure they keep up with current business trends. The program requires 36 credits of coursework.
#15 – Eastern Michigan University
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Tuition: $607-705.15 per credit hour
Eastern Michigan University offers a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development entirely online. The program’s goal is to prepare students to implement organizational development techniques in their HR work. Students learn greater organizational effectiveness, how to plan and implement change processes, and how to implement appropriate systems related to structure, human resources, and process.
#16 – Wilmington University
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Tuition: $444 per credit hour
Students at Wilmington University can earn an online Master’s in Human Resource Management at their own pace. The program is designed to let students complete coursework when they are able to, rather than at a specific time. The program’s goal is to give students a competitive edge by embracing adaptability. During their studies, students learn to apply contemporary leadership and management models, as well as change frameworks and legal principles. Students learn how to become managers at the micro and macro levels.
#17 – Upper Iowa University
Location: Fayette, Iowa
Tuition: $417 per credit hour
Upper Iowa University offers an online MBA Human Resource Management degree certified by the Society for Human Resource Management. Classes in this program explore theories and methods of managing personnel, as well as in-depth knowledge of employment laws, hiring procedures, and how different cultures shape their human resources. Students also learn about succession plans and crisis management plans.
#18 – University of Houston-Clear Lake
Location: Houston, Texas
Tuition: $416-879 per credit hour
At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, students can enroll in an online Master’s in Human Resource Management through the School of Business. The program is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management. Students learn about five core areas: human resource processes, general business management, strategic decision-making, change management, and personal mastery and influence.
#19 – Robert Morris University
Location: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $875 per credit
Robert Morris University offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program that trains student to excel in a highly competitive field. The program is designed to give students a strong theoretical foundation to build on. Courses address issues like employee retention, succession planning, benefits administration, and retirement planning. Students can take advantage of a study abroad component if they want to gain a global perspective on HR practices.
#20 – University of St. Francis-Joliet
Location: Joliet, Illinois
Tuition: $770 per credit hour
The University of St. Francis-Joliet offers an online Master’s in Human Resources Management through the MBA program. Students learn the latest trends in HR as they are taught to think analytically, understand the value chain of businesses, and develop decision making and leadership skills. Students can begin their concentration immediately, rather than waiting to finish with core courses. The program takes 12-18 months to complete.
