Online MBA programs in Human Resource Management
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Leading organizations demonstrate that their employees are just as important as their customers by investing in competitive total rewards packages, career and personal growth opportunities, positive work cultures, and other intentional retention initiatives that help the organization meet strategic goals.”
Kristie Abston, PhD, Faculty, Middle Tennessee State University
Regardless of their size or type, every successful company needs a solid human resources team. Human resources (HR) managers inform organizational policy to attract and retain the best talent and create a healthy, loyal, and happy workforce. Conversely, company and employee problems like high staff turnover and dissatisfied team members negatively impact morale and drain company resources, time, and money.
According to the Harvard Business Review, “a large and growing body of research on positive organizational psychology demonstrates that not only is a cut-throat environment harmful to productivity over time, but that a positive environment will lead to dramatic benefits for employers, employees, and the bottom line.” A dissatisfied or overworked staff is expensive. Additional costs can range from higher healthcare expenditures to the cost of disengagement and even the price of loyalty, according to HBR, which is why a good HR team is crucial.
An MBA program with an HR specialization allows students to learn about all components of the human resources sector and how to create a successful company through hiring and retaining good talent.
According to Indeed.com, a positive working environment “promotes employee safety, growth, and goal attainment.” Human resources (HR) combines legal policies such as employment law, labor relations, compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements, and holistic company management processes to achieve a positive work environment. This includes recruiting, developing, and nurturing staff to maximize their potential, ensuring grievances are heard, and acknowledging performance achievements.
These MBA programs can prepare graduates for high-profile HR roles at the vice president, C-suite, and executive levels. Graduates can expect to find positions as vice president of HR, chief HR officer, recruiting consultant, corporate social responsibility manager, compliance and performance manager, and benefits and payroll manager, depending on the program and each student’s experience. Students who graduate with an MBA will also benefit from higher salaries. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reports that the median annual wage for HR managers was $140,030.
This article explores universities that offer MBA programs with an HR emphasis.
| Featured Human Resources Management Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MBA In Human Resources | View Full Profile |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Flex MBA - Human Resources Management | View Full Profile |
| Purdue Global | Online MBA - Human Resources | View Full Profile |
| Walden University | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | View Full Profile |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Meet the Expert: Kristie A. Abston, PhD
Dr. Kristie Abston is a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, where she teaches human resource management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. A first-generation college graduate from rural Tennessee, she is passionate about helping students from all backgrounds develop HRM expertise. Her students have earned honors in national competitions, including the Small Business Institute Project of the Year and the SHRM Case Competition.
Dr. Abston began her HR career in 1997 and has held roles in manufacturing, training, and development, as well as consulting across sectors including banking, healthcare, hospitality, and nonprofit organizations. Her research interests include employee patronage and branding, high-impact teaching practices, organizational commitment, and HR management in small businesses. She has published extensively in journals such as the Journal of Business Research, American Business Review, and Compensation & Benefits Review.
A fellow and past president of both the Association for Business Simulation and Experiential Learning (ABSEL) and the Southeast Case Research Association (SECRA), she also serves on several editorial review boards. Dr. Kristie earned her PhD and MS from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her BS from East Tennessee State University.
BSchools.org: What is something you wish the public understood about human resources?
Dr. Abston: Human resources is frequently misunderstood as a function that exists solely to hire and fire people. However, human resources should have a broader impact. Leading organizations demonstrate that their employees are just as important as their customers by investing in competitive total rewards packages, career and personal growth opportunities, positive work cultures, and other intentional retention initiatives that help the organization meet strategic goals. HR plays a key role in these employee experiences, which sustain a high-performing workforce.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to potential MBA candidates considering a concentration in human resources?
Dr. Abston: If you want a career that combines helping people with shaping organizational success, then human resources might be for you. HR professionals play a vital role in navigating dynamic, complex business challenges through strategic people management.
BSchools.org: What does the future of this area look like to you?
Dr. Abston: The future of human resources will remain people-centric with substantial technological transformation through analytics, generative artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The implications of these technologies on employee well-being, ethics, and privacy will continue to be of significant concern for organizational leaders.
Meet the Expert: Jack McCann, PhD
Dr. Jack McCann is a faculty member at Purdue Global, where he teaches graduate courses in the human resource management programs and serves as a course lead. He previously held full-time faculty positions as an associate professor of management, human resource management, and marketing at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
In addition to his academic career, Dr. McCann brings extensive leadership experience in educational administration, manufacturing operations, business ownership, and customer service. He holds a PhD in organization and management, an MS in human resource management, and an MA in organizational management. In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he received the Purdue Global Faculty Scholarship Award in April 2021.
BSchools.org: What is something you wish the public understood about human resources?
Dr. McCann: In recent decades, the role of Human Resources (HR) has undergone a dramatic shift. Traditionally, HR was seen as primarily administrative, with HR staff focusing on tasks such as managing benefits, payroll, and other operational functions. In this traditional model, HR was not typically considered a key part of an organization’s overall strategy.
Today, however, HR has evolved into a strategic function. Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is a process that organizations use to align their human resources with their broader goals. It acts as a bridge connecting human resources to the company’s objectives. With SHRM, businesses can more effectively manage employee performance and development, while also creating programs and policies that support the organization’s strategic vision.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to potential MBA candidates considering a concentration in human resources?
Dr. McCann: A career in human resource management is rewarding and challenging. While an MBA or even a college degree may not be required for some entry-level HR positions, pursuing formal HR education or, more specifically, a concentration in HR with an MBA, is becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market, and can be a competitive advantage for the person who holds these credentials.
The growing demand for knowledgeable HR professionals has led the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to rethink the guidance it offers to those entering the HR field—and the type of formal education required to adequately prepare someone for a career in HR. Attending a college or university accredited by SHRM ensures that students receive an education aligned with SHRM’s recommendations for core HR competencies.
Most entry-level HR positions require a certain level of experience, and gaining real-world HR experience can be challenging. However, completing an HR internship provides the necessary hands-on experience and can be a crucial step toward securing a full-time HR position. SHRM’s HR Jobs site features employer listings for available HR internships.
The internet is flooded with job opportunities, but navigating various job boards can be overwhelming. SHRM’s HR Jobs site helps by offering up-to-date HR job listings and the ability to post a resume visible to employers seeking to fill HR roles.
Educating yourself on job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing skills can increase your chances of landing an interview and job offer. SHRM’s Career Q&A features articles by bestselling author and career coach Martin Yate, designed to help individuals advance their HR careers.
Students can also leverage their college career centers to assist with their job search. Some large companies recruit recent graduates for their internal training and leadership development programs. While some schools with dedicated HR programs bring recruiters to campus, many organizations use other methods to attract college graduates for HR roles. Career counselors can help identify these opportunities.
Creativity and persistence can also make a difference. Some individuals start in positions like HR assistant or line manager, where they gain experience within the company and later transition into a professional HR role. Others may begin in small organizations without a dedicated HR department, taking on HR-related duties under different job titles. As the company grows and eventually establishes an HR department, opportunities for formal HR roles may arise. To better understand the job market in your community, connect with local HR professionals for advice on getting started in the field. Joining a local SHRM chapter can also provide valuable networking opportunities.
BSchools.org: What does the future of this area look like to you?
Dr. McCann: A career in human resource management is both rewarding and challenging. It is consistently ranked in various “best jobs” reports and is expected to experience higher-than-average job growth. HR positions offer opportunities for continuous career advancement while allowing individuals to engage in meaningful work that positively impacts both the organization and its employees.
Featured Online MBA Programs with Human Resource Management Specializations
Middle Tennessee State University offers an online flex MBA in HR management. This program is designed for students to learn about talent acquisition in organizations of all sizes, as well as how to manage any company’s most important resource: its people.
To apply, candidates must submit an online application along with a fee, a current resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all attended post-secondary institutions, and a personal statement of intent.
| Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: Two years |
Purdue Global offers an array of online MBA programs, including a concentration in human resources. To apply for this program, candidates must submit proof of a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA. No GRE or GMAT scores are required for this unique program.
The online MBA in human resources does not require any in-person immersions. The core courses for the MBA include business perspectives; business communications; business analytics; financial accounting principles and analysis; measurement and decision-making; strategic human resource management; marketing management; economics for global decision-makers; financial management; designing, improving, and implementing processes; managing the value chain; strategic management; ethics in business and society; leadership strategies for a changing world; and an MBA capstone.
In addition, HR concentration courses include employment law; training and development; strategic reward systems; and recruitment and selection. Notably, there’s also an accelerated MBA program option for students who have earned a BBA and have completed course prerequisites.
| Location: Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: Two years |
This online MBA in HR management prepares students to lead in HR management across all companies. They will learn how to resolve complex business problems, leverage the new economy, design compensation, and benefits programs, and create organizational change within the workplace.
The program consists of nine core courses and three HR courses. However, additional foundational classes are available to those with non-business backgrounds. The core courses provide a foundation in traditional business administration topics such as accounting, finance, leadership, marketing, economics, operations, internet technology, and HR.
The HR courses focus on recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, HR information systems, and other HR issues, including how they impact both organizations and employees. Specialized courses include strategic HR management, total rewards, and leading change.
| Location: Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges and ACBSP |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: 15 months |
The University of South Carolina, Aiken offers an online MBA in several concentrations, including HR management. To apply, candidates must send an online application along with a fee, a current resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all attended postsecondary institutions, and a statement of intent.
| Location: Aiken, South Carolina |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: Two to three years |
The University of Wisconsin, Parkside offers an online MBA in several concentrations, including human resources. Courses include creative and innovative management; advanced operations management; managerial accounting; project management; information technology for business decision-making; contemporary challenges in managing organizations; corporate financial management; leadership: theory, application, and skill development; marketing management; advanced global management; competitive decision-making; and advanced strategic management.
The HR concentration adds instruction in areas such as strategic compensation; strategic human resource management; performance management; workforce planning and staffing; and employee training and development.
| Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year or more |
Located in Livingston, Alabama, the University of West Alabama offers an online MBA in human resources management. This 33-credit program has three start dates throughout the year, and students can complete their degree in one year. The GMAT/GRE is not required for admission. Coursework includes strategic management, economics, and business policy. Graduates from this program pursue careers in human resource management, financial, and marketing management.
| Location: Livingston, Alabama |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year |
Located in Evansville, Indiana, the University of Southern Indiana offers a fully online MBA program. This 30-credit program offers eight concentrations, including human resources. This online program features highly-interactive instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and creative thinking in the corporate world.
The GMAT can be waived for admission if students meet minimum GPA and work experience requirements. Students can choose from flexible or accelerated timelines and complete this program in as few as 11 months.
| Location: Evansville, Indiana |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: 11 months |
Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Campbellsville University offers an online MBA with 11 concentrations, including human resources management. This 36-credit program emphasizes managing a modern workforce, trends in hiring, onboarding and labor regulations, and online human resource management.
Once admitted, students can choose from six start dates and complete their MBA degree in two years. The GMAT/GRE is not required for admission, nor is prior work experience.
| Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky |
| Accreditation: International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: Two years |
Located in Miami, Florida, St. Thomas University offers a fully online MBA program that students can complete in 12 months. The human resources management path features six unique concentrations of knowledge in development, training, planning, and staffing. The curriculum includes 36 credits of courses in labor-management relations, organizational design and theory, and human resource development.
| Location: Miami, Florida |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year |
St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, offers a 100 percent online MBA program that students can complete in 14 months. Students in this program must complete a concentration in leadership, human resource management, marketing management, and general business.
This human resources management concentration includes instruction in labor-management partnerships; strategic staffing; career management; compensation and benefits management; training and benefits; contemporary employee relationships and dispute resolution; conflict and negotiation; and performance management systems. The GMAT is not required for admission.
| Location: Davenport, Iowa |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: 14 months |
Located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Carlow University offers a 36-credit MBA program with five concentrations, including human resources. Students in this fully online program can choose from three start dates throughout the year. Carlow University was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929 and is a private Catholic institution with a curriculum and partnerships that emphasize social justice, ethical forward-thinking, responsible leadership, and community service.
| Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Accreditation: International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: 15 months |
The John E. Simon School of Business at Maryville University prides itself on taking a different approach to the MBA by creating a program where professors are dedicated to teaching students about the reality of the business world rather than focused on furthering their research.
Students can choose from nine different concentrations, including HR management. They will take eight core courses, four concentration courses (or three for the general MBA track), and one three-credit capstone. Core courses include business ethics, organizational behavior and development, and strategic marketing. In contrast, the HR concentration courses cover HR management, workforce management, employment law and compliance, and compensation and benefits.
The school has partnerships with global companies worldwide across all business sectors, from Boeing to Rawlins to Scottrade. Students are not required to submit test scores or have business experience to apply. Instead, students can complete the 24-credit program entirely online to fit into each student’s schedules and career goals.
| Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and Higher Learning Commission |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year |
Capella University offers an online MBA program in human resource management in GuidedPath and FlexPath. GuidedPath is a more traditional format with set deadlines, peer interactions, and grades. FlexPath, by contrast, is for self-starters and runs on a point system (rather than credits). The former requires applicants to have at least a 2.3 GPA, while the latter requires at least a 3.0.
Capella University’s online MBA programs provide instruction in marketing management; MBA leadership; accounting methods for leaders; applied managerial finance; business strategy; applied business analytics; and operations management for leaders. Additionally, students in the HRM specialization have courses in talent acquisition and workforce planning; developing an effective workplace; and strategic human resource management.
| Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year or more |
Strayer University provides an online MBA program in human resource management. Candidates for admission must provide official transcripts from a bachelor’s degree program with at least a 2.5 GPA. This school has a unique focus on resources for students, providing a student services coach, technical support, and vibrant student and alumni networks.
Strayer’s online MBA in HRM includes foundational courses such as financial accounting for managers; leadership and organizational behavior; strategic management; business communications; managerial economics and globalization; financial management; business statistics; law, ethics, and corporate governance; and marketing management. Furthermore, the concentration courses in the HRM track include human resource management foundations; strategic human resource management; and managing organizational change.
| Location: Washington D.C. |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year or more |
The USM’s online MBA program with a concentration in HR management emphasizes ethics and corporate responsibility. The program is designed for those with initial experience in HR who want to progress into more influential positions in HR. In addition, students will graduate with an in-depth awareness of how to facilitate productivity, collaboration, and conflict resolution within the workplace.
A total of 36 credits is required for this degree, including nine core courses and three concentration courses in conflict management and negotiation, organizational change and development, and training and development. The flexible program allows students to work full-time while enrolled as students can complete the courses anytime online; there is no on-campus requirement.
| Location: Leavenworth, Kansas |
| Accreditation: International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: One year |
The Arthur J. Kania School of Management offers an online MBA program with a specialization in HR, which promises to help students take a leading role in companies and focus on the human element of business. Students will learn about best practices in decision-making and planning through the lens of the HR industry so that they can re-enter the workforce with an understanding of how to improve individual and organizational performance.
The 36-credit flexible curriculum requires that students complete a cornerstone and capstone course (each three credits) and offers them the flexibility to take four to seven core courses and three to six electives depending on their strengths, interests, and preexisting knowledge. The cornerstone course is called responsibility, sustainability, and justice, and the capstone focuses on business policy. In the HR specialization, students will learn about recruitment and staffing, workplace learning and performance, total rewards, and employee and labor relations. Students are not required to submit test scores with their applications.
| Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Format: Online |
| Program length: Two years |
