The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of human resources (HR) managers to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, growing faster than the average job growth rate (4%) for all occupations. This growth comes as current HR managers are retiring or changing careers.
The fact is, most businesses and organizations need human resources leaders to grow and succeed. An online MBA in human resources degree can help you land a management role, as it can enhance your expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and organizational development without you needing to leave your career.
In this guide, we'll break down how an online MBA in human resources degree can help you become an HR leader and how to find the right program for you.
MBA in Human Resources Highlights
In BestColleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 94% of the online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Human resources specialists and managers are set to grow at a faster rate (8% and 6%, respectively) than the average (4%) for other occupations from 2023 to 2033.
Online MBA programs are often geared toward working professionals, allowing you to pursue the degree without leaving your current job.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online MBAs in Human Resources
Why You Should Get an MBA in Human Resources Degree
Learn High-Demand Skills: An MBA in human resources program will teach you human skills, like strategic thinking and leadership, that are valuable to employers — even amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
Build Business Acumen: Besides focusing on core HR knowledge, MBAs in human resources programs also provide instruction on fundamental business topics, like accounting and finance.
Prepare for Leadership Roles: The management and leadership skills discussed in MBA programs can help prepare you to take on leadership positions in the HR field.
Benefits of Getting an MBA in Human Resources Degree Online
In BestColleges' 2024 report, 97% of online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
Of those same online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed, 78% said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Additionally, of those surveyed in that same group, 59% said their degree included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
The main factors to consider when choosing the best MBA program for you include tuition cost, financial aid options, program length, application requirements, and accreditation.
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says it's also important to consider a program's curriculum. She explains that most programs offer core courses that teach fundamental business knowledge; however, their electives vary, and these can help students develop specialized skills.
During your search, keep in mind that you'll see schools using the terms "concentration" and "specialization" interchangeably when describing their programs. However, both terms generally mean the same thing: that the program offers a set of classes focused on human resources management.
How Much Does an MBA in Human Resources Program Cost?
Master's in Business/Management, 2019-2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,995
Avg. Net Price
$8,534
In-Person
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$21,974
Avg. Net Price
$$15,428
Source: NCES PowerStats
Online master's programs in business cost an average of $10,995 per year, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This data includes the average price for all online MBA programs, however, not just ones with an HR focus.
The nearly $11,000 price tag for an online MBA is less than half of an in-person program though, and you can save even more with scholarships and other financial aid options. It's important to note, however, that the cost of MBA programs is highly variable, depending on where you go.
For instance, the highly renowned University of Michigan Ross School of Business charges roughly $128,000 in tuition for non-Michigan residents for its entire program. Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), which is a regional university, offers an MBA program with an HR management concentration with a total program tuition cost of $14,370.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA in Human Resources Degree?
Typical # of Credits
30-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
An MBA program usually takes at least 30 credits and two years to complete, but this timeline can change depending on the program's format and your schedule.
The online MBA in human resources from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, for instance, can be finished in as little as 12 months if students take a full-time courseload throughout the program.
By contrast, Purdue University Global's online MBA in human resources program has an average completion time of two years.
Application Requirements
Common application requirements for an MBA in human resources program include:
Letters of recommendation
GMAT or GREscores (if required)
Undergraduate transcripts
Resume
Accreditation for MBAs in Human Resources
Attending an accredited program is a good way to ensure you're learning relevant skills from qualified faculty.
Programmatic accreditation is granted to MBA programs that meet certain standards, like high student employment rates after graduation and excellent faculty qualifications.
Here are some major programmatic accreditors to look for when comparing programs:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation?
"Accreditation is important because it signals that the program meets academic standards. Some employers will recognize only degrees and certifications that are accredited."
What Can You Do With an MBA in Human Resources Degree?
An MBA in human resources degree and years of experience can help you qualify for managerial roles, such as compensation and benefits manager and training and development manager.
These jobs are on the rise, with the BLS projecting faster-than-average employment growth for HR managers and HR specialists from 2023 to 2033.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers | $140,030 | Lead an organization's efforts in recruitment, training, and other administrative functions |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $140,360 | Manage payroll, insurance, and other employee benefits for an organization |
| Training and Development Managers | $127,090 | Coordinate training programs to teach an organization's employees new skills |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $93,500 | Work in both the public and private sector to mediate between employees and management |
Is an MBA in Human Resources Degree Worth It?
An online MBA in human resources degree can be worth it for professionals with managerial ambitions, as it can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs, such as human resources manager.
HR manager has a median annual salary of $140,030 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. Additionally, employment for this role is projected to grow faster than the average rate for all professions from 2023 to 2033, per the BLS.
Moreover, some MBA graduates even report receiving promotions and raises before graduating, which means you may see a return on your investment while still enrolled.
However, it's also worth considering whether this degree or a master's in human resources degree is the better fit for your goals. Gutierrez explains that while both are respected by employers, they focus on different things.
"An MBA in HR provides a broader foundation in business with core courses in finance, accounting, and management, and HR courses are taken as a specialization or concentration," she said. "A master's in HR is much more specialized and intended for professionals who want to pursue a career in HR so the coursework will be primarily in this field."
Education Beyond an MBA
There are a number of online certificates anc certifications available for HR professionals to boost their career prospects and skills. For instance, the HR Certification Institute (HCRI), offers several certifications for professionals at various stages of their careers, from those just starting out to senior-level individuals.
However, if you want to teach human resources at the collegiate level, or conduct research in the field, a doctorate of human resources is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBAs in Human Resources
An MBA in human resources degree offers a broader foundation in business leadership, while a master's in HR management degree dives deepers into HR-specific skills and practices. Both degrees can help you advance in the HR field — the best one for you depends on your background and goals.