Human resources is an essential part of every company. These professionals are integral to employee hiring and development, benefits, and programs.
By earning an online master's in human resources, you'll gain skills to discern talent for your company, handle the proper training and onboarding process for new employees, and ensure employee benefits are up and running. You'll also learn the necessary soft skills to handle interpersonal conflict and any questions employees may have about company culture and policies.
A master's degree can also increase your salary potential and career growth. Check out some of the best online human resources degrees.
Start Your Master's in HR Journey Today
Best Online Master's in Human Resources Programs
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren't part of our ranking methodology.
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like reputation, specialization options, and affordability. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master's Degree in Human Resources
Develop Specialized Expertise: A master's degree in human resources can teach you skills for specialized HR areas, such as recruitment or compensation and benefits.
Increased Earning Potential: A master's degree can lead to higher-paying positions.
Qualify for Senior Positions: An advanced degree in human resources can open the door to leadership roles, such as human resources director or chief human resources officer (CHRO).
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Human Resources Online
According to our 2025 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 79% of online business students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Nearly all (98%) online business students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
More than 90% of online business students say their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Best Human Resources Master's Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online human resources master's program, including cost, program length, application requirements, and career outlook.
How Much Does a Master's in Human Resources Cost?
Master's in Business, Management, and Marketing, 2019-2020
Online Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,995
In-Person Avg. Tuition & Fees
$21,974
Source: NCES PowerStats
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that an online master's degree in business, management, and marketing (which includes HR programs) cost about $11,000 in tuition and fees for the 2019–20 school year. In contrast, the cost for an in-person program was double that – nearly $22,000.
There are several financial aid options that could help lower the cost of your master's degree, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Human resources graduate students can also take advantage of special scholarships, such as the PSHRA Graduate Study Fellowship. Additionally, if you currently work in HR, check if your company offers any financial support or reimbursements for graduate studies.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master's Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Human Resources?
Typical # of Credits
30 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
An online master's in human resources typically requires around 30 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that let you earn a master's degree in as little as a year, saving you time and money.
Application Requirements
There are the usual admission requirements for an online master's program in human resources:
Prior work experience
Transcripts with a minimum GPA
What Can You Do With a Master's in Human Resources?
Earning a master's degree in human resources can open doors to various career opportunities within the field, including compensation and benefits manager, training and development manager, and human resources manager.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for these occupations was above $100,000 as of May 2024. Additionally, these positions are projected to have a better-than-average job outlook over the next decade. For example, the projected job growth for training and development managers is 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is higher than the 4% average for all occupations.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | $140,360 | Manage employee benefits and compensation programs |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | Direct the administrative functions of an organization, including recruiting and hiring, employee relations, and payroll. |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 | Oversee training and development programs for staff. |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | Work in all aspects of human resources, including hiring, payroll and benefits, staff training, and employee relations. |
Is a Master's in Human Resources Worth It?
A master's in human resources is a worthwhile investment for human resources professionals who want to increase their salaries and career growth potential. An advanced HR degree can also help you hone your expertise in areas such as recruiting, labor and employee relations, and compensation and benefits, helping you qualify for higher-level positions.
According to BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 98% of online business students and graduates said they would recommend online education to others, with 94% saying their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Education Beyond a Master's Degree
If you want to advance your career even further, you can also pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.
Doctoral degrees in HR vary by institution and program. You can earn a Ph.D. in HR management or organizational management or a doctor of business administration (DBA) with an HR specialization.
These programs prepare students for senior HR roles, academia, or consulting positions. They typically take at least four years to complete and have a curriculum focused on research methods or specialized areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
An MBA provides broader business knowledge applicable to various careers, with only a few HR-specific classes. On the other hand, a master's in human resources focuses on the skills and knowledge required in the HR field.