Top 10 Online Master’s Degrees in HR
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Advance Your Human Resources Career Online
A career in human resources is a broad profession that offers opportunities in private industries, nonprofit organizations, professional corporations, and government or military agencies. Nearly all businesses have a human resources department that continually needs educated professionals to fill their management positions. A post-graduate degree in human resources can be the ticket to obtaining and thriving in one of these high-level positions.
This list of the Top Ten Online Master's Degrees in Human Resources has been created to provide prospective graduate students with a place to start their search for quality online graduate programs. These schools represent a range of programs that can serve the needs of recent graduates with no HR experience and professionals already working in the field who want to take their careers to the next level.
The programs listed were chosen based on the following criteria: HR courses offered, adherence to industry standards, faculty quality with HR experience, regional accreditations, overall institution reputation, and U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rankings.
#10: University of Texas at Tyler
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resource Development (HRD) online program was created by HR leaders and experts in the field. This degree uses a system of classroom training and planned activities that HR organizations designed to prepare students for specific workplace HR demands. The HRD aspects of the program provide students with the theories and methods needed to develop and manage HR training programs. Graduates will be prepared to design and implement training programs, career development, needs assessments, curriculum organization, and evaluation techniques. The program also allows students to learn organizational development skills where theoretical models are studied and applied.
This online program is flexible and designed to be studied at a student's pace. HRD coursework, research, and practical, real-world projects are used to complete the degree, with no thesis required for graduation. Professors are always available to assist students via online chat or video calls to give each student one-on-one guidance and support throughout the program.
Public Institution: MS in HR Development
100% online, 36 credit hours, flexible schedule
Admissions: Flexible GPA with GMAT test scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
#73 Best Regional University in the West (USNWR)
#9: Abilene Christian University
The Master of Science (MS) in Organizational Development and Human Resources Management degree will help students advance their career goals with an enhanced understanding of current HR practices. This interdisciplinary program was developed to help HR professionals improve as leaders and create positive changes in their organization's practices. Through a unique combination of courses, including psychology, communications, and management practices, students learn practical ways to solve workplace problems. Students can also earn a certificate in Conflict Resolution and a master's degree.
The online program features a flexible schedule for busy professionals, allowing students to log in at any convenient time. An interactive, collaborative online environment will enable students to interact with other students and faculty for timely, relevant discussions related to the coursework. Abilene Christian University provides a faith-based curriculum that creates a supportive environment and sense of community that is different from other secular online programs.
Private Institution: MS in Organizational Development and HRM
100% online, flexible schedule, 24-month completion time
Admissions: Flexible GPA with no standardized tests
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
#17 Best Regional University in the West (USNWR)
#8: University of Scranton
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resources is an online program that offers a cutting-edge curriculum using regularly updated research and organizational methods. This ever-evolving program of study was developed to help HR professionals learn the skills needed to solve issues in an ever-changing workplace environment. The University of Scranton developed a list of five principles needed to produce the most successful HR professionals today. These include believing that their graduates should never stop learning, know how to communicate effectively, practice ethical behaviors, think strategically, and always mind their metrics.
This private Jesuit liberal arts university is one of only 28 Jesuit schools in the country. Courses are taught from a unique perspective, including faith, respect, and service. Faculty members are recognized experts in human resources and are always available for coaching or mentoring with their online students.
Private Institution: MS in Human Resources
100% online, 39 credit hours, 8-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, no standardized tests
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Regional University in the North (USNWR)
#7: Drexel University
The Master of Science (MS) in Human Resource Development (HRD) focuses on teaching students how to improve workplace performance and learning strategies in all organizational settings. Combining experiential learning, broad-based research, and specialized academics will give graduates a competitive advantage in the HR career field. Students who graduate with this degree can work as HR specialists, talent managers, training professionals, and project leaders in all areas of human resources. Graduates can apply their skills to corporate, government, military, and higher education settings.
This two-year program requires a challenging curriculum of online core and HRC concentration courses with a final capstone co-op, resulting in a research thesis and presentation upon completion. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recognizes the HRD program as necessary for all organizations focused on supporting and developing employee relationship programs.
Private Institution: MS in HR Development
100% online, 45 credit hours, 10-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, no standardized tests
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#99 Best University in the Nation by (USNWR)
#6: Stony Brook University
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) balances practical coursework and theoretical methodology to provide graduates with the tools to advance in their careers. The School of Professional Development redefined its online HRM curriculum to align fully with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards. This curriculum gives students a broad-based understanding of global HR practices with a vast array of specialization courses that prepare students for a broad range of career options. Courses in labor management, workforce planning, employment law, and diversity in global issues give students a well-rounded understanding of today's professional environment.
The campus's SHRM Student Chapter is active, offering members access to networking opportunities, free webcasts, online conferences, how-to guides, and career assistance. Online courses are flexible and designed to serve working adults who want to advance in their careers quickly but at a manageable pace.
Public Institution: MS in HR Management
100% online, 30 credit hours, 10-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, no standardized tests
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#89 Best University in the Nation (USNWR)
#5: Regis University
The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) degree specializing in Human Resource Management and Leadership prepares students for a career as a top management professional. The College of Professional Studies (CPS) has partnered with Aubrey Daniels International (ADI) to develop an intensive online program focusing on leadership. This unique program combines ethics, critical thinking, executive leadership, and performance management science for an integrated learning experience. Students can also complete a dual specialization in Organizational Leadership.
This program is for anyone already working in HR or those who want to enter the field and rapidly achieve the skills needed for a career at the professional management level. Students lacking HR experience must take one additional Strategic Human Resource Management class. The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) has recognized this MSOL degree as meeting their HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates requirements.
Private Institution: MSOL in HR Management and Leadership
100% online, 30 credit hours, 8-week courses
Admissions: 2.5 GPA with provisions for lower scores, no standardized tests
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
#28 Best Regional University in the West (USNWR)
#71 Best Online Graduate Business Programs (USNWR)
#4: Brenau University
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) is designed to give students a strong foundation in business fundamentals that can be applied to the role of an HR professional. Online students will receive individualized attention and a specialized curriculum of training to be used on the job while obtaining their advanced degree. Program courses strive to provide academic theories that can be used to solve today's HR issues. MBA core courses focus on business operations, global economics, and strategic management policies. HRM concentration courses focus on employment law, talent acquisition, and human resource management strategies.
This combined MBA/HRM degree program is designed for HR professionals who want to advance their careers and business professionals who wish to apply human resource strategies to their companies. The five HRM concentration courses can also be taken individually by anyone who holds a graduate degree but wants to earn a certificate in Human Resource Management.
Private Institution: MBA in HR Management
100% online, 45 credit hours, 6-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, no standardized tests
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
#61 Best Regional University in the South (USNWR)
#70 Best Online Graduate Business Programs by (USNWR)
#3: Florida International University
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) provides a comprehensive, accelerated curriculum designed to develop professionals who can successfully manage a diverse and international work environment. This flexible, one-year program allows HR professionals to excel with an advanced degree while continuing to gain valuable experience in the workplace. Recent college graduates who want to begin a career in human resources will also benefit from this intensive, challenging, high-quality program. Graduates of the program can work as an HR manager, benefits specialist, staffing director, or international HR consultant.
This program aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) Curriculum Guidebook and Templates requirements. A one-year membership to SHRM is included for select students. Online students also have full access to the business school's career management services program, which only provides career development assistance to graduate and business major students.
Public Institution: MS in HR Management
100% online, 38 credit hours, 12-month completion time
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA with GMAT test scores
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
#46 Best Online Graduate Business Programs (USNWR)
#2: Villanova University
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resource Development (HRD) has led the field for over three decades. This program is designed to prepare HR professionals for advanced careers. This degree can help top executives in the industry who want to increase their understanding of recent HR methods and recent graduates who are just starting their careers in HR. The comprehensive curriculum covers all areas of HRD, including law regulations, business management, and human psychology. Students with limited HR experience in the field can supplement their online coursework with a paid internship at a regional company or organization.
All faculty members in the HRD program are also full-time psychology professors and active human resources community members. Their award-winning SHRM Chapter is nationally recognized and highly regarded in the industry. Students who join the chapter will have increased access to networking opportunities and career advancement programs.
Private Institution: MS in HR Development
100% online, 30 credit hours, 8-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, standardized tests required
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#1 Best Regional University in the South (USNWR)
#6 Best Online Graduate Business Programs (USNWR)
#1: Penn State World Campus
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER) is a specialized program for experienced HR professionals. With a balance of advanced theories in HR practices and practical knowledge applications, this degree will prepare students to advance to the highest levels of their HR careers. Graduates are fully trained to work with top business executives to develop strategic plans for any organization's human resources and employee development goals. Students will also be able to achieve top-tier career positions in HR, such as training and development managers or compensation and benefits directors.
The HRER program's relationship with Penn State's renowned School of Labor and Employment Relations makes it different from other programs. These courses help students understand the relationship between employees, employers, governments, and unions. They can then analyze and solve the personal, legal, and organizational issues commonly affecting these relationships. This understanding makes program graduates uniquely prepared to work in labor relations as a union leader, contract negotiator, or director of industrial relations.
Public university, MPS in HR and Employment Relations
100% online, 33 credit hours, 15-week courses
Admissions: Minimum 3.0 GPA, no standardized tests
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#1 Best Online Bachelor's Programs (USNWR)
#5 Best Online Graduate Business Programs (USNWR)
