Best Online Master’s in Human Resources

Have a knack for finding the best talent? Are you a people person and a team player? Here are the Best Online Master’s in Human Resources!

Featured Programs

If you have excellent communication skills and you enjoy getting to know people on a personal level, a career in human resources may be a great fit. You’ll need to be able to keep calm in stressful situations and know how to mitigate employee issues fairly and with ease. The best part about working as an HR professional is the flexibility it allows you; you can work in just about any industry! If the company is large enough to have employees, then surely an HR manager will be necessary.

What is a Human Resources Master’s degree?

Whether you hope to work for a small start-up, a large corporation, or somewhere in between, a human resources degree will be a great asset. In fact, no matter what industry you work in or what size the company is, the fundamentals of human resources are the same. Human resources managers are involved in planning, directing, and coordinating all the administrative functions of an organization, including interviewing and hiring new staff members.

From organizational behavior and ethics to legal issues, employee compensation, and more – a human resources degree will give you the skills you need to be every employee’s go-to person, no matter where you work. If helping people through all aspects of life, not just professional, is your calling, consider a master’s degree in Human Services.

How much can you earn with a Human Resources Master’s degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resource Managers can earn upwards of $110,000 per year. In fact, jobs for HR managers are expected to increase nine percent from now until 2026 as more and more new companies and organizations continue to pop up. Of course, your salary will be contingent upon the company you work for, the city you work in, and the years of experience you have under your belt.

Of course, being the CEO of the company is the surest route to financial success. If business is your calling and money is your love language, consider the best online Master’s in Business Administration.

What is required for a Human Resources Master’s degree?

Many of the below programs require applicants to have either a bachelor’s degree, several years of professional experience, or both. In fact, some of the more competitive programs require at least eight years or more of industry experience.

Most GPA prerequisites for the below programs range from 2.5 to 3.0. Additionally, some of the programs require students to complete a capstone or final project equivalent in order to receive their degree. Many online master’s degrees on this list can be completed in just two years or less.

What are the best Human Resources Master’s degree?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

  1. National University

    National University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $14,976(in state) / $14,976(out of state)
    • Flexible four-week classes start every month
    • Dynamic, interactive online learning environments, accessible 24/7
    • Access to the NU System Library, Math Center, and Student Concierge Services

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction70.80%
    Programs offered online46

    Program Level

    Median Debt$35,204
    Programs in Department7
    Popularity at School24.70%
    100%
    OSR Score

    The Master of Arts in Human Resource Management program at National University requires  students to complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work. Required courses may include Compensation and Benefits, Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues, and a thesis. This degree program also offers a specialization in Organizational Leadership.

  2. University of Southern California

    USC

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $43,200(in state) / $43,200(out of state)
    • No GRE required
    • The program may be completed on a 1 or 2-year track
    • Earn your degree in one year from a Top 20 University

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction75.80%
    Admission Rate16%
    Programs offered onlineNot Reported

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in Department5
    Popularity at School25.30%
    97%
    OSR Score

    USC’s Bovard College offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management which requires 24 units of coursework. Required courses may include Human Resource Strategy, Organizational Culture and Employee Outcomes, Organization Design, and more. USC’s curriculum was designed by industry leaders who are at the forefront of the future direction of this field.

  3. Boston University

    Boston University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $50,980(in state) / $50,980(out of state)
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • You may complete this program either full-time or part-time
    • Get 24/7 access to cutting-edge course material, online lectures, and more

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction74.60%
    Admission Rate25%
    Programs offered online2

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in Department8
    Popularity at School22.80%
    93%
    OSR Score

    The Master of Science in Human Resources Management is a 48-credit program at Boston University that’s made up of 12 courses. However, Boston University also recognizes the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® designation as the equivalent of four graduate-level courses. Required courses may include International Business, Economics, and Cultures, Planning and Operating New Ventures, and more.

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  5. Colorado State University Global

    Colorado State University Global

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
    • Flexible, asynchronous schedule, 100% online
    • Offers monthly term starts and accelerated 8-week courses
    • Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residence

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction65.40%
    Programs offered online15

    Program Level

    Median Debt$43,697
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School59.80%
    90%
    OSR Score

    Colorado State University now offers an online Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management. The program consists of 8 three-credit core courses as part of a full 36-credit master’s degree. Required courses may include Managing Human Resources, Leading Diverse Teams, Effective Labor Management, and more.

  6. Florida International University

    Florida International University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $8,912(in state) / $21,393(out of state)
    • Degree can be completed in as little as 12 months
    • In-state students receive a discounted online tuition rate
    • Every online undergraduate student is paired with a success coach

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction76.40%
    Admission Rate54%
    Programs offered online26

    Program Level

    Median Debt$42,923
    Programs in Department6
    Popularity at School24.60%
    88%
    OSR Score

    Florida International University is home to the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business which offers a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. This 38-credit, fully-online program includes a one-year membership to the Society for Human Resource Management. Required courses may include Employment Law and Human Resource Management, Human Resource Strategy and Planning, Labor Issues and Conflict Management, and more.

  7. Florida Institute of Technology

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $22,338(in state) / $22,338(out of state)
    • Florida Tech is a military-friendly university
    • The GRE and GMAT are not required for admission
    • This program can be completed in two years or less

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.80%
    Admission Rate63%
    Programs offered onlineNot Reported

    Program Level

    Median Debt$51,250
    Programs in Department11
    Popularity at School10.20%
    86%
    OSR Score

    The Master’s in Human Resources Management at Florida Tech can be completed entirely online. This program includes courses like Program Management, Employee Relations, Business Ethics, Information Systems, and more. All graduate students must also complete a capstone requirement to earn their degree.

  8. University of Denver

    University of Denver

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $47,520(in state) / $47,520(out of state)
    • Each term is just ten weeks in length
    • No GRE or GMAT required for admission
    • Earn your degree in as little as 18 months

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.20%
    Admission Rate58%
    Programs offered online7

    Program Level

    Median Debt$40,230
    Programs in Department3
    Popularity at School35.00%
    86%
    OSR Score

    The University of Denver’s 48-credit MS in Strategic Human Resources with a Concentration in HR Employment Relations is offered entirely online. Concentration courses may include Employee Compensation, Employment Law, Employment Total Benefits, and more. The University of Denver offers the unique opportunity to enroll in a course before you officially apply so you can get a feel for what the program is like.

  9. Villanova University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $18,373(in state) / $18,373(out of state)
    • Earn your degree in as little as two years
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • A maximum of six credit hours may be transferred from another university

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction76.80%
    Admission Rate36%
    Programs offered online6

    Program Level

    Median Debt$33,481
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School26.70%
    85%
    OSR Score

    Villanova University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Development is a 36-credit, 12-course program offered entirely online. Required courses may include Organization Development, Employment Law, HR Technology, and more. All students in this program must also successfully complete a Capstone Experience in order to fulfill their degree requirements.

  10. Concordia University-Saint Paul

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $8,550(in state) / $8,550(out of state)
    • No application fee
    • All Concordia online students receive a tuition discount
    • Named one of the most Affordable Private Colleges in Minnesota

    School Wide

    Student SatisfactionNot Reported
    Admission Rate55%
    Programs offered online17

    Program Level

    Median Debt$29,334
    Programs in Department2
    Popularity at School31.20%
    84%
    OSR Score

    The Master of Arts in Human Resource Management program at Concordia University is made up of 36 credit hours and can be completed entirely online. Required courses may include Recruitment, Selection, and Retention, Compensation and Benefits, Finance for Human Resources Leaders, and more. Coursework in this program is designed to be sequential.

  11. Liberty University

    Liberty University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $8,217(in state) / $8,217(out of state)
    • Courses are just eight weeks long
    • Up to 50% credits can be transferred to Liberty
    • Students typically complete this program in two years

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.40%
    Admission Rate30%
    Programs offered online23

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School17.20%
    84%
    OSR Score

    Liberty University’s 45-credit MBA in Human Resources degree is offered 100 percent online. Required courses may include International Business, Operations Management, Legal Issues in Business, and more. If you or a family member is in the military, you’ll enjoy 8-week courses, eight different start dates each year, and no set login times.

  12. Western Carolina University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $4,435(in state) / $14,842(out of state)
    • In-state students receive a discounted tuition rate
    • Rated as the Top Best Buy Degree in the Get Educated rankings
    • Students also have access to online tutoring services 24 hours a day

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.20%
    Admission Rate39%
    Programs offered online7

    Program Level

    Median Debt$18,069
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School17.30%
    82%
    OSR Score

    The 36-credit Master of Science degree in Human Resources at Western Carolina is offered completely online. The curriculum consists of seven required courses that all students take, as well as five elective courses. Required courses may include Principles and Practice in Human Resources, HR Consulting, Talent Development, and more. A capstone course is also required.

  13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $15,186(in state) / $28,773(out of state)
    • Earn your degree in as little as two years
    • Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis
    • Hybrid synchronous and asynchronous format

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.80%
    Admission Rate62%
    Programs offered online1

    Program Level

    Median Debt$41,607
    Programs in Department4
    Popularity at School12.70%
    80%
    OSR Score

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an online Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations degree through its School of Labor and Employment Relations. Online students have access to professional advancement workshops, a strong alumni network, and a dedicated staff to support your academic needs. This 48-credit online program consists of two 8-week courses per semester, including summers.

  14. Regis University

    Regis University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $12,852(in state) / $12,852(out of state)
    • Boasts a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • Ranked as a Top Tier Western University by US News and World Report

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.60%
    Admission Rate60%
    Programs offered online25

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in Department4
    Popularity at School23.80%
    80%
    OSR Score

    The 30-credit Master of Science in Human Resource Management program at Regis University  can be completed entirely online. Required courses may include Attracting and Retaining Workforce Talent, Employment Law and Compliance, Leading Change and Innovation, and more. Courses are offered in 8-week terms that begin in January, March, May, July, August, and October.

  15. Stony Brook University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $10,870(in state) / $22,210(out of state)
    • The GRE test is not required
    • In-state students receive a discounted tuition rate
    • Ranks in the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News and World Report

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction75.20%
    Admission Rate42%
    Programs offered online2

    Program Level

    Median Debt$20,200
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School8.10%
    79%
    OSR Score

    Stony Brook University’s School of Professional Development now offers an online Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management. This 30-credit degree curriculum integrates theory and practice, featuring courses taught by practitioner-scholars who are leaders in their respective fields. Full-time students can complete this program in just one year (including summer), while part-time students can complete it in as little as two years.

  16. Cornell University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $29,500(in state) / $29,500(out of state)
    • Complete your degree in as little as 15 months
    • Tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency
    • Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT test scores

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction76.00%
    Admission Rate13%
    Programs offered onlineNot Reported

    Program Level

    Median Debt$36,000
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School14.70%
    78%
    OSR Score

    Graduate students can now earn an Executive Master of Human Resource Management degree through an Ivy League school, Cornell University. This mostly online program is intended for HR professionals who have at least eight years of industry experience. Prospective students should note that this program includes three one-week sessions of on-campus instruction.

  17. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

    Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $20,470(in state) / $20,470(out of state)
    • World Campus courses are asynchronous
    • No on-campus residency requirements in this program
    • Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency

    School Wide

    Student SatisfactionNot Reported
    Admission Rate67%
    Programs offered online42

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School24.90%
    78%
    OSR Score

    The 33-credit Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations degree at Penn State is offered entirely online. This program in particular is intended for professionals already working in the human resources/employment relations field. Required courses may include Labor and Employment Law, Human Resources in Multinational Enterprises, Diversity in the Workplace, and more.

  18. Georgetown University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $47,880(in state) / $47,880(out of state)
    • Can be completed full-time or part-time
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • The online programs offer three terms per year

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction76.80%
    Admission Rate16%
    Programs offered onlineNot Reported

    Program Level

    Median Debt$54,000
    Programs in Department2
    Popularity at School18.30%
    78%
    OSR Score

    Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies offers a 33-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Management. This program is made up of 11 courses which may include Workplace Ethics, Human Capital Analytics, a Capstone, and more. There are also five focus areas, including Strategic Human Capital Development, Foundational HR Management, International HR Management, HR/Org Development, and Diversity and Inclusion Management.

  19. Clemson University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $9,226(in state) / $19,528(out of state)
    • No need to visit campus at any time
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • This program can be completed in just two years

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction74.20%
    Admission Rate47%
    Programs offered online2

    Program Level

    Median Debt$38,957
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School19.10%
    77%
    OSR Score

    Through the university’s College of Education, Clemson now offers a 36-credit, 12-course online Master of Human Resource Development. Required courses may include Consulting for Education and Industry, Organizational Performance Improvement, Evaluation of Training and Development, and more. This program also includes an optional emphasis area in Athletic Leadership.

  20. Webster University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $13,140(in state) / $13,140(out of state)
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • Students may choose to take courses either full-time or part-time
    • Courses delivered by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction72.20%
    Admission Rate54%
    Programs offered online17

    Program Level

    Median Debt$52,200
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School23.50%
    77%
    OSR Score

    Offered by Webster’s Walker School of Business and Technology, the 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management can be completed entirely online. Required courses may include Employment Law, Organizational Behavior, Basic Finance for Managers, and more. Interested students may also wish to check out the university’s 48-credit Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resource Management.

  21. Robert Morris University

    Robert Morris University

    Quick Facts

    • There is no application fee
    • Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency
    • Among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction71.00%
    Admission Rate83%
    Programs offered online10

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School40.90%
    76%
    OSR Score

    Robert Morris University now offers a 30-credit online Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. Required courses may include Compensation Management, Employee Rights Under Law, Strategic HR Management, and more. All online students get a dedicated student counselor, a dedicated career advisor, a wellness counselor, a financial aid counselor, and 24-hour tech support.

  22. Nova Southeastern University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $18,932(in state) / $18,932(out of state)
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • Program can be completed in as little as 21 months
    • Offers five annual start dates in August, October, January, March, and May

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction72.60%
    Admission Rate58%
    Programs offered online8

    Program Level

    Median Debt$64,914
    Programs in Department2
    Popularity at School14.70%
    74%
    OSR Score

    Nova Southeastern University’s Huizenga College of Business now offers a 49-credit online MBA with a Concentration in Human Resource Management. Required courses may include Talent Management, Managing Total Rewards, Employee Relations, and more. The university also accepts as transfer credit up to two courses (six credits) of master’s level coursework.

  23. The University of Texas at Tyler

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $5,220(in state) / $12,690(out of state)
    • No need to visit campus at any time
    • In-state residents receive a significant tuition discount
    • No letters of recommendation, resume, or admissions essay are required

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction72.60%
    Admission Rate65%
    Programs offered online2

    Program Level

    Median Debt$35,139
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School21.60%
    74%
    OSR Score

    UT Tyler’s Soules College of Business now offers a 36-credit online Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development. Through this program, you’ll be able to study at your own pace, using online chat and Skype to interact with your professors and other students. Required courses may include Conflict Resolution, Organization Development, Performance Consulting, and more.

  24. University of Scranton

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $11,580(in state) / $11,580(out of state)
    • There is no application fee
    • Earn your degree in as little as two years
    • The online programs offer six terms per year

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction77.60%
    Admission Rate75%
    Programs offered onlineNot Reported

    Program Level

    Median Debt$43,883
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School21.30%
    73%
    OSR Score

    Scranton’s MS degree in Human Resources Management is a fully-online program that’s made up of 11 courses, for a total of 33 semester credits. Required courses may include Strategic Planning, Organizational Change, Ethics in Human Resources, and more. An Applied Human Resources capstone is also required for graduate students to earn their degree.

  25. Regent University

    Regent University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $12,726(in state) / $12,726(out of state)
    • Regent University offers eight start times per year
    • Ranked among Top 5 Best Online MBA Programs in Va.
    • Interact with fellow students via chat and listen to real-time lectures

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction75.40%
    Admission Rate78%
    Programs offered online3

    Program Level

    Median Debt$39,524
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School21.20%
    71%
    OSR Score

    Through its School of Business and Leadership, Regent University offers a Master of Business Administration degree with a Concentration in Human Resource Management. This fully-online 42-credit degree is a globally-based, Christ-centered, and entrepreneurial-focused program. Courses can be taken part-time and the degree can be completed entirely online.

  26. Troy University

    Troy University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $7,506(in state) / $15,012(out of state)
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • Multiple start dates offered throughout the year
    • This program can be completed in as little as one year

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction75.60%
    Admission Rate88%
    Programs offered online18

    Program Level

    Median Debt$44,329
    Programs in Department2
    Popularity at School16.30%
    71%
    OSR Score

    Troy University now offers a comprehensive online Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management through its Sorrell College of Business. This one-year completion program focuses on the management of human resources within the context of a global business framework. This degree program is intended for working professionals with industry experience.

  27. University of Houston-Clear Lake

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $7,308(in state) / $16,290(out of state)
    • Earn your degree in as little as 16 months
    • In-state students receive a discounted tuition rate
    • A variety of scholarships and aid packages are available

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction73.20%
    Admission Rate72%
    Programs offered online5

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School24.70%
    70%
    OSR Score

    UHCL’s College of Business now offers an affordable 36-credit online MA in Human Resource Management. This program focuses on five essential competency areas, including Core Human Resource Processes, General Business Management, Strategic Decision Making, Change Management, and Personal Mastery and Influence. Students may choose to complete this program full-time or per credit hour.

  28. Fitchburg State University

    Fitchburg State University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $2,124(in state) / $2,124(out of state)
    • Offers multiple start dates each year
    • Earn your degree in as few as 12 months
    • All students pay the same affordable tuition rate

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction74.20%
    Admission Rate80%
    Programs offered online2

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in Department3
    Popularity at School13.40%
    68%
    OSR Score

    The online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management at FSU requires the completion of 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours. Required courses may include The Human Resource Function and the Manager, Legal Issues in Human Resources Management, Selected Topics in Management, and more. No GMAT is required for the Fitchburg State University online MBA.

  29. New York University

    New York University

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $41,352(in state) / $41,352(out of state)
    • All online students pay the same rate of tuition
    • Graduate applications are reviewed throughout the year
    • NYU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world

    School Wide

    Student Satisfaction72.40%
    Admission Rate28%
    Programs offered online10

    Program Level

    Median Debt$76,561
    Programs in DepartmentNot Reported
    Popularity at School12.80%
    66%
    OSR Score

    New York University now offers a 39-credit fully-online Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Development. Students may choose from one of the following concentration options: Human Resource Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Global Talent Management, or Learning, Development, and Executive Coaching. This degree can be completed in two years of full-time study or in up to five years of part-time study.

  30. University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

    Quick Facts

    • Tuition: $16,557(in state) / $16,557(out of state)
    • Students do not have to take the GMAT or GRE
    • The coursework at SFU is mainly asynchronous
    • Full-time students can earn their degree in just two years

    School Wide

    Student SatisfactionNot Reported
    Admission Rate99%
    Programs offered online4

    Program Level

    Median DebtNot Reported
    Programs in Department2
    Popularity at School6.60%
    56%
    OSR Score

    The Master of Human Resource Management program at Saint Francis University is offered as a fully-online degree. Graduates must complete 30 credits in this 10-course program and have the option to study both part and full-time. Required courses may include Labor Law, Employment Law, Human Resource Management, and more.