Across diverse industries, professionals with master’s degrees in human resources (HR) lead their departments and add value to their organizations. The rise of distance learning has made this degree more convenient and accessible for busy students.
An online master’s in human resources offers a greater depth of study and a stronger emphasis on leadership and strategy than a bachelor’s in HR. Many online master’s in human resources programs focus on strategic human resource management—a process that goes beyond HR’s day-to-day mechanics to encompass the discipline’s role within organization-wide strategies, culture and goals.
If you’re considering an HR master’s degree, explore our guide to discover reputable programs that can set you up for professional success. We profile 10 of the top schools offering online master’s degrees in human resources, discuss the factors that make each program unique, and review important considerations like accreditation and cost.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Degree Options
- Featured Partners
- Featured partners
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Human Resources Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs
- How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Human Resources Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s in Human Resources Program
Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Human Resources Program?
As you think through whether to enroll in an on-campus or online master’s in human resources program, consider these online learning pros and cons:
Pros
- Learners with strong self-motivation and good time management skills often thrive in online study environments.
- Distance learning schools and programs can qualify for the same accreditation as their on-campus counterparts, signifying that online degrees are just as legitimate as traditional in-person credentials.
- Online programs often offer flexible scheduling to make it easier for busy students to fit their studies around job or family commitments.
- Attending an online program allows students to choose from schools outside their home areas without needing to relocate.
- Most schools provide online learners with services like tutoring, academic advising and career counseling.
- Online programs can be more accessible to some students with disabilities.
Cons
- Students who prefer more structure may struggle to stay motivated and organized in online programs, which tend to require significant independence.
- With fewer organic opportunities for peer and instructor interaction, networking may require more effort for online learners.
- Online degree seekers must secure their own study spaces and technology, while in-person learners may have access to campus facilities.
- On-campus students enjoy some resources that online students may lack, such as campus-based healthcare, childcare and social events.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Human Resources Programs
The higher education sector sets quality standards for colleges and universities through the accreditation process. Earning institutional accreditation demonstrates that a school offers high-quality education and positive student outcomes. Use the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directories to verify the accreditation status of any school or program.
Institutional Accreditation
Only learners attending institutionally accredited schools can receive federal student aid, so attending an unaccredited institution could reduce your educational funding potential. Furthermore, most schools only accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. Employers and certifying organizations may not recognize unaccredited degrees.
Programmatic Accreditation
Institutional accreditation applies to entire schools, but individual programs or departments can also earn programmatic accreditation through field-specific accreditors.
There is no programmatic accrediting organization for human resources. However, some HR programs hold business-specific accreditation, such as Baker College’s IACBE-accredited MBA in human resources and Saint Joseph’s University’s AACSB International-accredited program. And Drexel University’s School of Education, which offers an MS in human resource development, holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Human Resources Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
As you research where to pursue your master’s, consider which degree type best supports your interests and aspirations. Most master’s-level HR programs fall into one of three categories: human resource management (HRM) programs, human resource development (HRD) programs and MBA programs.
- HRM: HRM programs provide in-depth education on HR departments’ day-to-day functions and overarching goals. Covering the field’s underlying concepts, emerging trends and key competencies, this degree helps students prepare for HR leadership roles at public and private organizations.
- HRD: Often including psychology, education and organizational leadership courses, HRD programs like those at Villanova and Drexel emphasize the field’s strategic side over its everyday operational aspects. This degree can benefit individuals seeking many HR positions. They may particularly interest students pursuing training and development careers, Ph.D. programs in human resources or research-oriented roles.
- MBA: An MBA in human resources pairs general business courses with HR-specific topics. Unlike learners pursuing other HR master’s degrees, MBA candidates typically take classes in accounting, marketing, finance and management information systems. This option may appeal to learners seeking a more versatile business degree.
You might also consider which certifications you plan to earn. For example, if you’re seeking SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® certification, look for programs that align with SHRM curriculum guidelines.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online and on-campus programs typically cost about the same in tuition, but remote students often save on commuting- and relocation-related expenses. Moreover, some public universities extend in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of where they live.
As of 2021, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average U.S. university charges $19,749 in graduate tuition and fees per year.
The programs on our list generally align with this statistic. Annual tuition costs for these programs range from about $9,000 to $36,000, with an average of just under $19,000. Master’s candidates can use financial aid to help defray their degree costs. Forms of aid available to graduate students include:
- Graduate assistantships
- Federal, state, institutional and private grants
- Institutional and private scholarships and fellowships
- Military tuition benefits
- Employee tuition assistance
- Federal and private student loans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s in Human Resources Program
Is it worth getting a master’s in HR?
In many cases, yes. You don’t need a graduate degree to start a career in HR, but many employers prefer master’s-educated candidates for managerial or leadership positions such as human resources manager.
Is an MBA or a master’s in HR better?
MBA candidates usually study multiple business disciplines, adding concentration courses in a specialty area like human resources. A master’s in HR, on the other hand, focuses solely on human resources topics, conferring more advanced skills and deeper field-specific knowledge. However, MBA students gain valuable general business context and may have wider job options in non-HR fields.
How long is a master’s in HR?
Most master’s in HR programs take about two years to complete, but each student’s timeline may differ. Some programs give enrollees up to four years to finish their degrees, while others allow learners with certain experience or certifications to accelerate their progress.