The demand for human resources managers is expected to grow at an average pace during the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts almost 13,000 new job openings in the field.
One of the fastest growing specialties within human resources is training and development managers. As companies rely more on remote workers and different skills, these managers will help train workers.
Human resources specialists, which is a bachelor’s-level position, earn an average annual salary of $62,290. Comparatively, HR managers with a master’s degree earn an average annual salary of $126,230.
This list features some of the best online MBA in Human Resources programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of business-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online MBA in Human Resources programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The human resources department often acts as a go-between for a company’s bureaucracy and its employees. Interacting with various constituencies within an organization is a key function of HR employees, so communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills are essential to success in human resources.
While most human resources positions are office-based, those focused on recruitment may require extensive travel for job fairs, college campuses, and off-site interviews. Consider if this is something you are willing or able to do, as it may affect your prospects once you enter the job market. Additionally, since more companies are now outsourcing HR tasks to outside firms, you may end up working with multiple companies as an outside consultant, rather than being housed within a specific organization.
There are a number of voluntary professional certifications in HR, and employers are increasingly seeking employees with these certifications. The Society for Human Resource Management offers an accelerated certification pathway for students enrolled in SHRM-aligned master’s programs. Graduates of non-aligned programs can obtain certification, but attending an aligned program can expedite the process. Earning and maintaining certifications is an additional commitment of time, money, and energy, so it’s important to be prepared for this aspect of your HR career.
Here are some questions to ask when researching MBA in Human Resources programs:
Once you narrow down the list of programs that interest you, research their application deadlines and begin gathering your application materials. This information is usually available on the school’s website, or you can contact their admissions department if you have questions.
Financing your graduate education is another important consideration. In addition to applying for scholarships and financial aid, check with your employer to see if they offer any kind of tuition remission or reimbursement for advancing your education.