Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
We rank the best online MBA in Human Resources degree programs.
Key Takeaways
- The online MBA in human resources degree deals with organizational behavior, employee relations, and strategic human resource management.
- Graduate students who earn an online MBA with a human resources management concentration can get well-paying leadership roles as human resource managers.
- A growing number of reputable and accredited business schools offer fully online MBAs with a human resource management concentration.
See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.
Featured Programs
An online MBA in human resource management is a valuable and versatile degree. Students enrolled in the human resource management MBA program will study core subjects like business strategy, corporate finance, labor and employment law, and more.
These practical skills can be applied to a wide range of roles in your organization’s human resources department and beyond.
Fortunately, prospective students have many excellent online MBA programs in human resources to choose from.
Human resources is a great career for people who are interested in strategic management, business law, financial management and more.
Most students who earn an online MBA in human resources will find leadership opportunities in human resources departments. Many HR managers will hold an advanced degree.
However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take including benefits manager, labor relations specialist, and even top executive.
Find other top schools with a look at our Guide to Online Degrees. Otherwise, read on.
About Online MBA in Human Resources Degree Programs
Students in the online MBA in human resource management program will study topics such as human resource development, human resource planning, employment law, and more.
These skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including finance, labor relations, and executive leadership.
In most cases, however, the online MBA in human resources is designed to prepare you for a career in human resource management.
This advanced degree can lead to immediate and well-paying opportunities in the field of human resources. Graduates with an online MBA in human resources degree are capable of earning a median salary of $126,230 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Requirements for the Online MBA in Human Resources
Schools that offer the online MBA program in human resources have different admission requirements.
These are the admission requirements common to online students pursuing an MBA in human resources:
- A completed online application
- An accredited bachelor’s degree
- Official college transcripts
- A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
- Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
- Personal statement or essay
- Reference Letters
- Professional Resume or CV
Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.
Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.
Curriculum and Courses
Schools offering the online MBA in human resources have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core business education courses, elective courses, and human resources courses. There may also be a capstone project requirement.
The typical courses offered in the online MBA in human resources program include:
- Business Research Methods
- Human Resources Planning
- Organizational Behavior
- Payroll and Benefits Management
- Corporate Law
- Employment Law
- Labor Relations
- Strategic Management
- Marketing Management
Key Point: Online MBA programs with a human resources concentration will cover topics such as human resources planning, organizational behavior, and employment law.
Careers for Online MBA in Human Resources Degree Holders
Graduates with the online MBA in human resources have the credentials to qualify for several careers, including:
- Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Training and Development Managers
- Top Executives
Key Points:According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for online MBA in human resources degree holders are projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.
The outlook is also positive for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as Training and Development Managers. Jobs for these positions are also expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Factors for Choosing MBA in Human Resources Online Programs
Aspiring HR professionals must be prepared for the challenges of an accredited online MBA in human resources program.
Choosing from top-notch online human resources programs will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.
Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.
Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers the online MBA in human resources degree:
- Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited by a recognized colleges and schools commission in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.
- Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
- Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
- Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
- Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.
In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in human resources is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.
The 10 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Degree Programs
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
60%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Wayne State University
Cost of Degree: $20,482Expenses: $17,488Starting Salary: $72,308Salary after 4 years: $75,986Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat do we love about Wayne State University?
Wayne State University was founded in 1868 by five returning Civil War veterans. Initially chartered as the Detroit Medical College, today the public university is the third largest in the state of Michigan.
Wayne State University serves roughly 25,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels online, at its flagship Detroit campus and across form satellite campuses.
- Wayne State University is great for students who:
Are still choosing their major. Wayne State has more than 350 degree programs to choose from.
- Wayne State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a traditional campus experience. Some students describe Wayne State as a “commuter school.”
- Wayne State University is great for students who:
- #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $20,469Expenses: $24,000Starting Salary: $66,119Salary after 4 years: $73,339Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat do we love about Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located near Manchester, New Hampshire. SNHU is unique for its predominant emphasis on distance learning. While the main campus is home to 3000 students, another 135,000 SNHU students are currently earning online degrees.
Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest growing universities in the U.S.
- Southern New Hampshire University is great for:
Adult learners as well as those pursuing professional certifications.
- Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for:
Students seeking a traditional on-campus experience.
- Southern New Hampshire University is great for:
- #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
20%
Student body
66K
What do we love about Purdue University Global?
Purdue University Global is a public online university that is part of the Purdue University system. Purdue Global began life as the for-profit structured Kaplan University before its 2018 acquisition.
Today, Purdue Global is a “public-benefit corporation” which means that in-state students can enjoy reduced tuition rates.
- Purdue University Global is great for:
Military veterans. Servicemembers and veterans make up a significant portion of the student population.
- Purdue University Global might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a traditional grading system. Purdue Global uses competency-based learning to award credits to students.
- Purdue University Global is great for:
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at University of Bridgeport
Cost of Degree: $21,786Expenses: $23,722Starting Salary: $62,036Salary after 4 years: $68,810Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Bridgeport known for?
University of Bridgeport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Medical
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport was formed in 1927 as a junior college. In 1947, the school purchased the estate of legendary showman P.T. Barnum, and subsequently became a four year institution. The only four-year university in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Bridgeport is noted today for its excellence in nursing and dental hygienics as well as its popular liberal arts program.
Today, the private university serves more than 5000 students, with more than 2000 of those studying at the postgraduate level.
- University of Bridgeport is great for students who:
Enjoy smaller class sizes and an intimate campus.
- University of Bridgeport might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t prefer an urban environment. The campus is concentrated in Bridgeport, which is Connecticut’s most populous city.
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
68%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/29
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Thomas Jefferson University
Cost of Degree: $23,814Expenses: $22,874Starting Salary: $130,789Salary after 4 years: $145,070Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas Jefferson University known for?
Thomas Jefferson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Thomas Jefferson University?
Thomas Jefferson University was established in 1824 as a private university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though the university merged with Philadelphia University in 2017, it is still largely recognized simply as Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was formed as a medical college but, today, serves nearly 8,000 students in a wide range of disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Today, its medical school ranks as 9th oldest in the nation.
- Thomas Jefferson is great for students who:
Wish to study medicine. Jefferson is noted for its many teaching hospitals.
- Thomas Jefferson University might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not prefer an urban environment. Jefferson is based in the major metropolitan city of Philadelphia.
- Thomas Jefferson is great for students who:
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
56%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Monroe College
Cost of Degree: $18,310Expenses: $16,900Starting Salary: $45,704Salary after 4 years: $50,694Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Monroe College known for?
Monroe College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
What do we love about Monroe College?
Monroe College was formed as a women’s school of business in 1933. Opening its first campus in the Bronx borough of New York City, its first classes were actually held in the famous Starlight Ballroom performance venue. Today, Monroe also has campuses in New Rochelle and Saint Lucia, as well as a learning center in Manhattan.
Today, the for-profit school serves more than 6000 students in popular subjects like business management, hospitality, and nursing.
- Monroe College is great for students who:
Enjoy small class sizes. Monroe boasts a student-faculty ratio of 15:1.
- Monroe College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a traditional campus experience. Some students say Monroe is a better fit for commuters and online students.
- Monroe College is great for students who:
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Maryville University
Cost of Degree: $15,766Starting Salary: $67,304Salary after 4 years: $74,653What is Maryville University known for?
Maryville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Maryville University?
Maryville University was formed in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart. The private university, located in Town and Country, Missouri, began as an academy for young women and underprivileged youth.
Today, the private university offers more 90 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In fact, of the roughly 11,000 students attending Maryville today, more than 7,500 are pursuing advanced degrees.
- Maryville University is great for:
Graduate level students who wish to earn an advanced degree in areas like nursing, data analytics, and software programming at their own pace.
- Maryville University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not comfortable with independent work. Some students say that much of the material is self-taught, and that students must be prepared to take control of their own education.
- Maryville University is great for:
- #6 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
34%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cost of Degree: $5,220Expenses: $12,176Starting Salary: $56,685Salary after 4 years: $59,569Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southeastern Oklahoma State University known for?
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
- Biology
- Psychology
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Southeastern Oklahoma State University?
Southeastern Oklahoma State University was formed in 1909 as the Southeastern State Normal School. Operating as a teaching school for its first 30 years of operation, Southeastern began to offer arts and sciences bachelor’s degrees in 1939.
The Durant, Oklahoma-based research institution is noted today for its popular programs in business, education, and biology. Today, the public university serves roughly 5000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University is great for students who:
Are pursuing careers in aviation. Southeastern is noteworthy for offering one of the best aviation degrees for the cost.
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a lively campus experience. Students describe both the campus and surrounding region as relatively quiet.
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Thomas College
Cost of Degree: $30,896Expenses: $17,378Starting Salary: $57,163Salary after 4 years: $63,404Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas College known for?
Thomas College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Education
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Thomas College?
Thomas College was formed in 1894 as the Keist Business College. Established in Waterville, Maine, the private college began as a career training institution. Originally operating above a Woolworth Company building, Thomas was primarily focused on providing a college education for accountants and secretaries.
By 1963, the college had earned the right to award four-year degrees, and today serves roughly 2000 students. Thomas is especially noted today for its popular programs in accounting, information technology, and business management.
- Thomas College is great for students who:
Enjoy an intimate college atmosphere. Students describe the campus as small and close-knit.
- Thomas College might not be the best fit for students who:
Have financial constraints. Some students describe Thomas College as a costly educational experience.
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
62%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/24
Career Outlook for Human Resources degree at Central Michigan University
Cost of Degree: $16,293Expenses: $16,868Starting Salary: $63,874Salary after 4 years: $67,124Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Michigan University known for?
Central Michigan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Communications
- History
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Central Michigan University?
Central Michigan University was formed in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute. Based in Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan is one of the state’s eight research institutions. The public university is noted today for its excellence in areas like entrepreneurship, engineering, and teacher education.
Today, Central Michigan University serves roughly 15,000 students.
- Central Michigan University is great for students who:
Are undecided on a major. With more than 200 degrees offered at the undergraduate and post-graduate level, Central Michigan students have plenty of options.
- Central Michigan University might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t prefer to go to college in a small town. Students describe the surrounding region as quiet on the weekends.
Career Outlook for Students with Human Resources Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolHuman Resources Management/Personnel Administration
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,250
- Avg. Expenses*: $18,349
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $72,800
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $76,504
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
- Job Growth: 7.10%
- Number of Jobs: 2,407,500
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | 2.09% | $136,380 |
| Human Resources Managers | 6.51% | $136,350 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | 2.11% | $127,360 |
| Training and Development Managers | 7.41% | $125,040 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.67% | $97,130 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $136,380 |
| Human Resources Managers | $136,350 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $127,360 |
Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.
Or find out more with a look at our complete List of University Rankings.
