The 5 Best Master’s in Human Resources Online

Updated October 22, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of Human Resources Managers is projected to grow 13% through 2022. What’s more, the average salary of HR Managers, currently at $100,000 per year, should continue to rise as well. Translation: if you’re interested in managing organizations’ recruitment and hiring, liaising between executives and employees, and helping with a group’s long-term strategy, now is the time to get in the field. Above all, HR managers cherish interacting with people - consulting with them, advocating on their behalf, hiring them, and watching them succeed.

Featured Online Masters in Human Resources Degree Programs


While it’s possible to work your way up the HR ladder, organizations’ HR departments are typically quite small, so job competition is tight. Obtaining a master's degree in the Human Resources field will immediately distinguish candidates among their peers, in addition to being excellent training for certification. For your convenience, here are our top 5 online masters in Human Resources degree programs.

Featured Online Schools

If you are interested in more general information regarding distance learning top schools online.

1. Colorado State University – Global Campus

Online Master’s in Human Resource Management

Colorado State University — Global Campus’ onlineMaster of Human Resource Managementconsists of 36 total credit hours. CSU – Global also offers more than a dozen specializations, including Accounting, Criminal Justice Leadership, Business Intelligence, Healthcare Administration, International Management, and more, allowing students to tailor their degrees. The program is especially convenient for working professionals, and offers new terms once a month rather than adhering to a strict semester schedule. For interested students, 8-week accelerated courses are available.

  • Tuition per credit is $500.
2. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a Human Resource Development concentration Online

The University of Illinois offers an MEd in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development, consisting of 32 total credits. For interested students, a certificate is available as well for 12 credits. In particular, the coursework focuses on training and development, learning in the workplace, organization development, and performance improvement. Students will choose three electives in addition to core requirements, of which Illinois offers Principles of HRD, Training System Design, Work Analysis, Learning Technologies, Organization Development, and Strategic HRD.

  • Tuition per credit is $437.
3. Trident University International

Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management

Trident University International offers an MS in Human Resource Management, consisting of 44 credits and designed to follow the standards of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). For those interested, Trident offers a certificate option for just 16 credits. Up to 7 credits are transferable, which may accelerate coursework. Upon graduation, students will have an in-depth knowledge of the field, a firm foundational understanding of the business world, be able to evaluate employee performance using analytical practices, and know how to align organizational goals and strategies with human resource policies.

  • Tuition per credit is $510.
4. Florida Institute of Technology

Master’s in Human Resource Management Online

The Florida Institute of Technology offers aMaster’s in Human Resource Managementand aMaster’s in Managementwith an emphasis in Human Resources. The former consists of 33 credits, with 6 required electives and a capstone in which students gain real-world experience by developing an organization’s HR strategy. Core classes include Financial Accounting, Organizational Planning and Development, Business Law, and Organizational Communication, among others. For maximum schedule flexibility, students’ work is largely left in their own hands.

  • Tuition per credit is $723.
5. Fitchburg State University

MBA in Human Resource Management Online

Fitchburg State University offers an MBA in Human Resources Management consisting of 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours. For maximum schedule flexibility, students may complete the degree in as little as17 months, or take up to 6 years. Among the courses included in the curriculum include Organizational Behavior & Development, Management Theory & Process, Corporate Finance, and Management Information Systems, among others. All classes are taught in cohort models and occur asynchronously.

  • Tuition per credit is $304.

Methodology:

  • Affordability (1/3): the average out-of-state tuition per credit hour
  • Flexibility (1/3): if the program offers additional specializations and/or an accelerated track
  • Academic Reputation (1/3): the rank of the school’s parent institution according to US News

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