Master’s in Human Resources | Online Affordable Programs 2024

Published on January 29, 2023 · Updated on March 23, 2023

Master’s in Human Resources | Online Affordable Programs 2024

Published on January 29, 2023 · Updated on March 23, 2023

Companies depend on their human resources department to handle their most valuable asset – their employees. Professionals with a human resources degree have always been important to organizations for hiring, onboarding, paycheck distribution, and benefits.

Recent events such as COVID-19 and social justice movements have expanded the need for people with an advanced HR degree. Companies need experts on:

Creating and implementing policies on remote work
Workplace safety
Medical leave
Employee mental health
Diversity
Legal compliance

Completing a human resources master’s program develops industry knowledge and critical thinking skills needed in a complex, modern workplace.

What is an Online Master’s Degree in Human Resources?

An online master’s degree in human resources prepares students for leadership and decision-making positions within a business. The best thing about obtaining an HR degree online is that students can continue to work and parent while going to school.

A graduate degree helps you stand out in the job market by showing commitment to the field. Depending on the number of courses taken each term, an online master’s degree in human resources could take less than a year to complete.

10 Best Schools That Offer Online Degrees in Human Resources

Finding the perfect school for you can be hard. To help you narrow down your choices, Universities.com has determined that the following schools that offer graduate degrees in human resources are the best in the nation. Please note the perfect school for each prospective student varies based on personal needs.

If you’re looking for other schools that offer Master’s in Human Resources programs, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the perfect school for you!

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Human Resources?

Earning a master’s degree in human resources can lead to many different careers. HR graduates develop strategies to attract top talent or lead the payroll department. They could focus on employee training or develop corporate initiatives to create safer and more diverse workplaces.

Master’s in Human Resources Salaries

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)¹ shows the median pay for a human resources manager in 2020 was $121220 per year. In addition to educational level, factors such as years of experience and industry can influence pay. Positions in professional, technical, and scientific services tend to rank among the most lucrative.

HR Management Job Projections

While projections do not guarantee job growth, the future appears promising for HR management grads. The BLS projects employment of human resource managers to grow 9% between 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. In 2020, 161,700 people were classified under the occupational title “human resources manager.” By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 176,500.

Potential Master’s in Human Resources Management Careers

With a graduate HR degree in hand, a student is prepared to apply for a range of opportunities. Here is an overview of a few of those career paths:

Human Resources Manager

Median Salary: $121,220
Career Outlook: +9% (2020-2030)
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

HR managers serve as a link between a company and its employees. They plan and implement hiring, onboarding, benefits, and legal compliance. Their knowledge makes them a point of reference within the organization.

Compensation & Benefits Manager

Median Salary: $125,130
Career Outlook: +4% (2020-2030)
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Compensation and benefits managers oversee, plan, and develop programs related to employee payment. Their expertise includes wages, incentives, insurance, and retirement.

Human Resources Specialist

Median Salary: $63,490
Career Outlook: +10% (2020-2030)
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Human resources specialists recruit talent, evaluate candidates, and handle onboarding concerns such as paperwork and training.

Training and Development Specialist

Median Salary: $62,700
Career Outlook: +11% (2020-2030)
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Training and development specialists work with management to determine what skills employees need to develop in order to keep the organization growing and competitive.

Source: BLS

Earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management

Completing a graduate program in human resources and learning HR fundamentals makes students ready for any business. Focusing on a specialty area, such as employee development or labor management, can make an HR graduate even more appealing to a company.

Types of HR Management Degree Programs

The schools listed above show examples of the different master’s degree in human resources options. Common degrees include:

Master of arts in human resources management
Master of science in human resources management
Master of arts in human resources development
Master of professional studies in human resource studies

All of these degrees prepare students for advancement in an HR career. Many of the classes will align with specific careers, and some degrees may require the completion of a thesis or capstone project.

Graduate HR Management Degree Coursework

Programs generally require 32-48 credit hours to graduate, and specific classes can differ by institution. The following is a list of some of the most common courses students encounter when seeking a human resources management master’s degree online:

Human and organizational behavior
Financial management/economics/accounting
Statistics
Training and development
Employment law
Compensation
Labor relations management
Project management
Staffing
Career management
Quantitative and qualitative decision-making
Managing employees, groups, and teams
Strategic business
Diversity in the workforce
Organizational strategy, planning, and responsibility
Ethics
Global talent management

Skills Learned in an HR Management Program

Whether it’s career advancement or continuing education, an online human resources degree program provides students with invaluable skills. Some of those skills include:

Interpersonal skill
Communication
Decision-making
Leadership
Understanding of HR tools and programs
Organizational skills

Choosing the Best Online Master’s Degree in HR Management

As students weigh the decision about pursuing an HR master’s degree, plenty of factors will influence that decision.

Choose a respected program that meets their career goals
Find a degree program flexible enough to meet personal and professional needs and scheduling
Find the best ways to pay for the program

Online vs. On Campus HR Management Degrees

Depending on the institution, HR management degrees can be obtained on-campus, online, or a hybrid of both. The lack of a campus commute and flexible schedule make online learning a desirable choice for students who already juggle personal and professional obligations.

Accreditation

Choosing an institution with regional accreditation from an agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)¹¹ provides peace of mind that the place has met established educational standards.

Prospective students should look for programmatic accreditation as well. Many human resources programs receive accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)¹².

Likewise, a college or university may also boast that it aligns its curricula with standards set by The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)¹³ or the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).¹⁴ Employers recognize these two groups as leaders in the HR industry, which makes a degree with this accreditation more attractive for students looking to improve their career.

Applying to Masters in HR Management Programs

Entrance requirements vary by institution, and prospective students should familiarize themselves with the factors schools take into consideration when admitting students.

Undergraduate degree, including GPA and major (Note that individuals frequently come into a human resources master’s program with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a similar discipline. Candidates from other fields may have more of a challenge getting accepted or may need to take some additional classes to fill in gaps before starting the master’s coursework.)
Work experience
Scores on graduate exams such as the GMAT or the GRE
Industry certifications achieved

Paying for a Master’s in HR Management

Prospective HR graduate students have many options when it comes to financing an HR management degree.

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as any other financial aid paperwork your school may require. Information presented is used to determine what you may qualify for in terms of student loans and grants.
If currently employed, look into corporate reimbursement for higher education. Some employers will contribute money toward seeking a higher degree because the organization benefits from what their employees learn.
Compare costs for obtaining the HR degree online vs. on-campus. Many students find the cost of a graduate education is less if pursued online. Learning at home instead of commuting or moving into campus housing can cut expenses.
With a flexible program, continuing to hold a job while pursuing a master’s in human resources degree can help lessen the financial burden.

Scholarships for Master’s in HR Management Students

Scholarships are a great way to finance graduate studies, because the money does not need to be paid back! Civic, cultural, professional groups, and schools themselves sometimes offer scholarships, so don’t forget to ask!

A few scholarship opportunities for students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in human resources management are listed below:

SHRM Foundation Scholarships

Current SHRM members (professional or student) can be considered for up to $5,000 toward graduate studies. The online application asks for material such as a resume, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and short answers to questions about academic, volunteer, and work experience.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Awarded by Zonta International, women of any age pursuing a degree in human resources management can apply for $2,000 scholarships aimed at helping women progress into leadership positions.

Drew Young Scholarship

Based on factors such as GPA, participation in school programs, and a 100-word essay, this $2,000 award recognizes outstanding student members of the SHRM.

Looking for more scholarships? Search for the perfect scholarship for U!

Career Resources for Human Resources Managers

For more information on human resource degree programs and career options, see the following:

Society for Human Resource Management

National Association of African Americans in Human Resources

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

National Human Resources Association

Professionals in Human Resources Association

Human Resources Degree FAQs

What can you do with a master’s degree in human resources management?
- The degree qualifies the recipient for HR careers involving leadership, management, decision-making, and strategic planning. Individuals may choose to be generalists involved in many aspects of HR or focus on a specialty, such as recruitment or labor relations.
Is it worth getting a master’s in human resources management?
- The choice to pursue a graduate degree is a highly individual decision based on factors such as career aspirations and current life situation. In general, higher education expands roles for which you are qualified – including positions with more responsibility and pay.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in human resources management?
- The length depends on the pace you choose. Some programs can take as little as a year to complete. Others will take two years or more.
What skills does an HR management student gain?
- Besides building an arsenal of general knowledge about HR operations and perhaps specialization in a particular area, students become better at communicating, leading groups, developing connections with employees, organizing, and making decisions.
What are some other things I can do to improve my chances of landing a great job with this degree?
- A good GPA and a true passion for HR impresses any employer. Practical experience turns heads, so build a work history through employment and/or internships. Membership in professional associations can aid in networking, which could help with the job search later on.

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