Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an online HR master’s program is The University of Houston—Clear Lake, followed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.
- Programs were ranked based on ROI, admissions selectivity, and faculty credentials, with a focus on flexibility and quality.
- Many top-ranked programs offer asynchronous online courses, catering to working professionals needing flexible schedules.
If you’re looking to earn an online master’s in human resources, you’re on the right track to joining a field that’s rapidly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for human resource managers is set to rise faster than average, with the best roles often requiring a graduate degree. This guide ranks the top 20 online master’s in human resources programs for 2024, highlighting the best values to help you advance in the industry. Whether you’re considering a master’s in human resource management or exploring different human resources master’s programs, this list has you covered.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Awards and Recognition (Related to Human Resources)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
• Above 100,000 – 1 point
Human Resources Research Opportunities – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Human Resources – 1 point
Human Resources Internship Opportunities – 1 point
Human Resources Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow factor: awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point
Featured Programs
Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Human Resources
After scouring the web to find schools offering a reputable master’s in human resources online, our editors began with a pool of 40 colleges and universities.
We narrowed the initial pool to 20 by retaining only those schools with the highest ROI and admissions selectivity and best faculty credentials, according to payscale.com and US News and World Report. Finally, we applied the rating methodology above to rank the 20 finalists.
In cases where two or more schools received the same number of points, we used the program’s graduate tuition and fees–as reported by College Navigator–to break the tie.
#20 – Robert Morris University
Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Township Moon, Pennsylvania
Points: 4
Robert Morris University’s online master’s in human resources program is broad and gives students a solid foundation in HR management theory. Courses are taught by the same faculty that teach on campus, so online students receive the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts.
One of the most interesting aspects of this program is the Instructional Design Team. This team works with teaching faculty, who may be more accustomed to a traditional format, to ensure that courses are well-designed for the master’s human resources online format.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,650
#19 – Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master of Science in Managing Human Capital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 4
The online master’s in human resources offered by Saint Joseph’s University can be taken online at either a part-time or full-time pace.
This is great for students who have full-time jobs and need this flexibility. However, not all electives and concentrations are available off campus, so students should make sure that the courses they want to take are available to distance students before committing to the program.
While this may discourage some students, students who do not need the campus-exclusive courses still enjoy a comprehensive, high-quality education from this online master’s degree in human resources.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,840
#18 – University of Saint Francis
Online Master of Science in Training and Development
Joliet, Illinois
Points: 4
The University of Saint Francis’s online master’s in human resources is technically an MS in Training and Development with a concentration in Human Research Management. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months, but students are free to take their time and complete the program in two years instead.
Most of the course material is delivered in an asynchronous format in order to give working students the flexibility they need. However, this online human resources master’s degree program still offers opportunities to interact with peers and faculty live through web conferencing.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,140
#17 – Webster University
Online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Website
Points: 4
Webster University offers two distinct online master’s in human resources: an MA and an MBA in Human Resource Management. The programs are offered completely online and designed to be flexible in terms of scheduling so working students can complete the program without neglecting their work responsibilities.
The curriculum is broad and equips students with a strong understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of HR management. This comprehensive online human resources master’s degree thoroughly prepares students for work in government, industry, and nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,300
#16 – Nova Southeastern University
Online MBA in Human Resource Management
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in human resources degree program offered by Nova Southeastern University is essentially a general MBA program with a concentration in HR management. All students take the same core business management and human resources classes and one elective. This means the program is less flexible than many others in regard to academics.
However, it is still more than flexible enough in regard to scheduling. This online master’s degree in human resources is offered entirely online and can be completed in as few as 21 months, though students may take more time if necessary.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,760
#15 – New England College of Business and Finance
Online Master of Human Resource Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 5
The online human resources master’s degree offered by the New England College of Business and Finance is designed for individuals who already have professional work experience and a bachelor’s degree in business.
This program is flexible enough to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. This particular online master’s degree in human resources can be used as a stepping stone to a higher-level position, a career as an HRM educator, or a transition from a different area of business.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,500
#14 – Mercy College
Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Online Master of Science in Human Resource ManagementDobbs Ferry, New York
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in human resource management program at Mercy College is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. It is accessible to individuals who are not already working as supervisors but is still specific enough to benefit those who already have experience in human resources or management.
The completely online format also affords busy students the flexibility that hybrid and traditional programs cannot provide. Students who complete this online human resources master’s program typically find jobs in industry or nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,904
#13 – Concordia University
Online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Website
Points: 5
Concordia University’s master’s in human resources management program is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of working students. It is available in both completely online and hybrid formats.
This accommodates students who enjoy in-person classes but are not always able to attend due to their busy schedules, as well as students with no interest in taking traditional classes. Students who complete this online master’s degree in human resources program are well-prepared for leadership positions in the field, and most students find jobs quickly after graduation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550
#12 – Penn State-World Campus
Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 6
Penn State-World Campus’ online master’s in human resources and employment relations is completely online in order to accommodate working professionals. Courses are asynchronous, so students can participate in forum discussions, access course material, and submit assignments whenever their schedule allows.
Faculty not only have relevant experience in the subjects they teach, but they also have training in effectively teaching distance students. The master’s human resources online program is also flexible academically. It includes seven concentrations, including employment and labor law, ethics and leadership, and labor unions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,328
#11– Dallas Baptist University
Online Master of Arts in Management: Human Resource Management
Dallas, Texas
Website
Points: 6
Dallas Baptist University’s online master’s in human resources is technically an online MA in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management. This concentration emphasizes personnel development, litigation issues, and salary strategies.
The program is open to students who did not major in business as undergraduates and do not have previous management experience. Students lacking foundational business courses are able to complete equivalent courses upon being accepted into the program.
This online master’s degree in human resources program is great for individuals interested in transitioning from another career path to HR management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,814
#10 – Stony Brook University–SUNY
Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Stony Brook, New York
Points: 6
Stony Brook University–SUNY’s online master’s in human resources management is fully online and asynchronous in order to accommodate busy students. However, it is less flexible than other programs in regard to academics. The program is composed of ten courses, all of which are required.
The only exception to this is an optional one-credit internship. Despite this lack of flexibility, the curriculum is still strong and ideal for students looking for more structure. However, students who want more freedom may want to consider another online human resources master’s degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,870
#9 – Florida International University
Online MS in Human Resource Management
Miami, Florida
Website
Points: 6
Florida International University’s online master’s in human resources program was designed with the help of industry leaders and is taught by faculty with relevant field experience. This ensures that students receive the most relevant education possible.
The program can be completed in as few as 12 months, but students aren’t required to progress at a pace that forces them to compromise their full-time work.
Students who complete this online human resources master’s degree program are well-prepared for leadership positions in increasingly diverse workplaces.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,912
#8 – New York University
Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development
New York, New York
Website
Points: 7
The online master’s in human resources offered by New York University’s School of Professional Studies is comprised of a core set of foundational courses as well as elective courses based on the student’s choice of concentrations.
Concentration options include Human Resource Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Global Talent Management, and Learning, Development, and Executive Coaching.
Master’s human resources online students can choose to complete the program entirely online or via a hybrid format and enjoy schedule flexibility as well, opting to study full-time or part-time.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $38,592
#7 – Quinnipiac University
Online Master of Organizational Leadership
Hamden, Connecticut
Website
Points: 7
Quinnipiac University’s online master’s in human resources is actually an MS in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resource Leadership track. The program is 100% online, so it is flexible enough to accommodate both working professionals and students who live too far from campus to take the courses traditionally.
This flexibility doesn’t come at the cost of quality, however. Unlike some online human resources master’s degrees that outsource students’ education, this program’s teaching faculty and technology support staff are all part of the Quinnipiac community and are committed to student success.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,190
#6 – Michigan State University
Online Master of Science in Management, Strategy, and Leadership
East Lansing, Michigan
Website
Points: 7
Michigan State University’s completely online master’s in human resources, officially titled the MS in Management, Strategy, and Leadership, is a broad program designed for students who already have managerial experience and a bachelor’s degree in business.
Students progress through the 20-month program as a cohort, so students have less room to take courses at their own pace. However, this online human resources master’s degree is still flexible enough that working professionals can complete the program while still working full-time.
Recorded lectures and other course materials are always available and can be accessed at the student’s convenience.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,122
#5 – Regis University
Online Master of Science in Organization Leadership: Human Resource Management and Leadership
Denver, Colorado
Website
Points: 7
Regis University’s online master’s in human resources is actually an online Master of Science in Organization Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Management and Leadership. Students also have the option to pair this specialization with another MSOL specialization, such as Enterprise Resource Leadership and Management.
The program is challenging but still flexible enough to accommodate busy students. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format. While this format is less interactive than the popular live format many other online master’s degrees in human resources programs offer, asynchronous courses allow students to access course materials at their convenience.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
#4 – Colorado State University—Global Campus
Online Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Website
Points: 7
The online master’s of human resources degree program offered by Colorado State University–Global Campus is designed to prepare students for a wide range of leadership positions in human resources. Because of this, the main curriculum is very broad.
However, students interested in specialization still have an impressive amount of options. More than ten specializations are available, including Information Technology, Finance, Healthcare Administration, and Criminal Justice Leadership.
This online master’s human resources program is great for students who want a program that is flexible not only in regard to scheduling but also in regard to academics.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
#3 – University of Wisconsin—Platteville
Online Master of Science in Project Management
Platteville, Wisconsin
Website
Points: 8
The online master’s in human resources offered by the University of Wisconsin–Platteville is one of the few programs worldwide that is Globally Accredited by the Project Management Institute. Most students complete the program in three to four years.
However, it can be completed in as little as two years, and students have up to seven years to earn their degree. The main curriculum of this master’s human resources online is very broad, but students can customize their education to meet their needs through the wide range of electives available in areas such as business ethics, human resource management, and employee recruitment and selection.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,640
#2 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Online Master of Science in Management
Daytona Beach, Florida
Website
Points: 8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide’s online master’s in human resources is actually an online MS in Management with a specialization in Human Resources Management. Unlike many other programs, this program does not require its students to have managerial experience.
This makes it a great stepping stone for individuals interested in promotion to a management position. However, this accessibility doesn’t mean that the curriculum is too watered-down for students with previous experience as supervisors.
Courses comprising this online master’s degree in human resources are rigorous and taught by high-level professionals in the field.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,960
#1 – University of Houston—Clear Lake
Online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Houston, Texas
Points: 8
The University of Houston–Clear Lake’s online master’s in human resource management is one of the nation’s first competency-based HR management programs. The program focuses on five competency areas, including strategic decision-making, general business management, and core human resources processes.
The program also prepares students for the increasingly global aspect of the field by educating them in labor markets abroad. All courses comprising this online master’s degree in human resources are taught by certified professionals, many of which are still active consultants in the field.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,372
This concludes our ranking of the top values for an Online Master’s in Human Resources.
By CVO Staff
Related Articles: