Best MBA in Human Resource Management
An MBA in Human Resource Management is designed for professionals who want to lead workforce strategy, enhance employee performance, and drive organizational success. This specialization focuses on talent management, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and organizational behavior, preparing graduates for leadership roles in corporate HR, consulting, and talent development.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR managers earn a median salary of $130,000, and employment in human resource management is expected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations ( BLS). Additionally, a report by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) states that over 60% of HR leaders believe an MBA provides a significant advantage in HR leadership roles ( SHRM).
A Human Resource Management MBA specialization is ideal for professionals seeking to advance in HR leadership, talent acquisition, employee relations, and corporate training.
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What is an Online MBA in Human Resource Management?
An Online MBA in Human Resource Management allows working professionals to develop HR leadership skills while balancing career and education. These programs focus on strategic HR planning, employment law, workforce analytics, and employee engagement strategies, helping students prepare for leadership positions in the HR field.
Students gain expertise in recruitment strategies, performance management, and labor law compliance, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle HR challenges. Many online programs integrate real-world HR case studies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and corporate leadership projects, offering a comprehensive learning experience.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Human Resource Management?
Admissions requirements for an MBA in Human Resource Management vary by program, but typically include:
- Bachelor’s Degree – From an accredited institution, often in business, psychology, or a related field.
- Work Experience – 2-5 years of professional experience in HR, management, or organizational leadership is preferred.
- GMAT/GRE Scores – Some programs require standardized test scores, while others offer waivers.
- Personal Statement – Discussing career goals and why the applicant is pursuing an MBA in Human Resource Management.
- Letters of Recommendation – Typically from employers or academic mentors.
- Resume – Highlighting experience in HR, leadership, or workforce planning.
Is an MBA in Human Resource Management the Right Specialization for You?
An MBA in Human Resource Management specialization suits professionals who enjoy people management, organizational development, and strategic workforce planning. If you are passionate about creating strong workplace cultures, managing employee performance, and implementing HR technology, this specialization will provide the tools needed for career success.
Compared to other MBA specializations, such as General Management or Organizational Leadership, an MBA in Human Resource Management focuses on employee relations, labor law, and talent acquisition. If you want to enhance workforce productivity and develop corporate HR strategies, this program may be the best fit for you.
2026 Best MBA in HR Management Programs
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX - Public 4-Year - txst.edu
Master's - MBA with a Specialization in Strategic Human Resources
Online Learning - Visit Website
Texas State University's online MBA with a Strategic Human Resources specialization is a 39-credit, AACSB-accredited program that can be completed in 16 months for $25,311. It emphasizes talent management, organizational behavior, and global HR practices, with no GMAT or GRE required. The curriculum focuses on practical skills in analytics, ethics, and strategic decision-making, preparing graduates to lead teams in complex business environments. A bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA is necessary, and professional experience is preferred for this flexible, eight-week course format program.
- 100% online format
- 39 total credit hours
- 16-month completion time
- Total tuition $25,311
- AACSB-accredited program
- No GMAT/GRE required
- 2.75 GPA minimum
- Eight-week course terms
- Professional experience preferred
- Strategic HR specialization
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Strategic Human Resources - Online Learning - Visit Website
Texas State University offers an online MBA concentrating in Strategic Human Resources, designed for working professionals to advance in talent management, organizational development, and global HR. This 39-credit program takes 16 months to complete, costs $25,311 in total tuition, and does not require a GMAT. AACSB-accredited, it includes courses on international HR management and analytics, with two years of professional experience recommended. The flexible online structure uses eight-week terms to help students balance education with career commitments effectively.
- 100% Online MBA
- 39 Total Credit Hours
- 16-Month Completion
- $25,311 Total Tuition
- No GMAT Required
- AACSB Accredited
- Two Years Professional Experience Recommended
- 8-Week Course Formats
- International HR Management Course
- Strategic HR Specialization
Master's - Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Strategic Human Resources
Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Master of Business Administration with a Strategic Human Resources specialization at Texas State University provides advanced training in talent management, organizational behavior, and global HR practices over 16 months. This 39-credit, AACSB-accredited program costs $25,311 and requires no GMAT, focusing on analytics, leadership, and ethical decision-making. With a per-credit cost of $649 and eight-week course formats, it suits working adults seeking career growth, and recommends two years of professional experience for optimal outcomes in human resources roles.
- 100% Online MBA
- 39 Total Credit Hours
- 16-Month Completion Option
- No GMAT Required
- AACSB Accredited Program
- Total Tuition $25,311
- Per Credit Hour $649
- Two Years Professional Experience Recommended
- 8-Week Course Format
- Strategic HR Specialization
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lindenwood University's MBA in Human Resource Management is a hybrid program designed for professionals seeking HR leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes strategic HR management, employment law, compensation strategies, and organizational development, with flexible on-campus, online, and blended formats to accommodate working schedules. This program prepares graduates for dynamic management positions by blending practical skills with advanced techniques. As a master's level program, it may require an entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the university.
- MBA with Human Resource Management emphasis
- On-campus, online, blended formats
- Strategic HR management focus
- Employment and labor law courses
- Compensation and benefits training
- Professional leadership preparation
- Practical workplace application skills
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Louisiana State University's Online MBA with a Human Resource Management Concentration delivers strategic leadership skills through a flexible 30-credit curriculum focused on talent management, employment law, and organizational strategies. With AACSB accreditation and a total cost of $14,370, this program can be completed in as few as 10 months and offers GMAT/GRE waivers, making it accessible for working professionals. It prepares graduates for critical HR roles across diverse environments, with multiple admission pathways available.
- 30 total credit hours
- Cost per credit: $479
- Total program cost: $14,370
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
- Finish in 10 months
- Online flexible format
- AACSB accredited program
- Professional HR concentration
- Application deadline: Feb 24, 2025
- Spring 2 2025 start date
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Human Resource Management Specialization - Online Learning - Visit Website
LSU's Online MBA with a Human Resource Management Specialization provides cutting-edge HR expertise in talent management, employment law, and organizational development. This 30-credit program costs $14,370 total and can be finished in 10 months, featuring GMAT/GRE waivers and flexible online learning. AACSB-accredited and designed for ambitious professionals, it equips graduates with practical tools to drive organizational success as strategic HR leaders, with multiple admission options available.
- 30 total credit hours
- $479 per credit hour
- Total program cost $14,370
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
- Complete in 10 months
- Online flexible format
- AACSB accredited program
- Three concentration courses
- Multiple admission pathways
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS - Public 4-Year - wichita.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Wichita State University's online MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration prepares professionals to excel in workforce leadership. This program emphasizes talent acquisition, strategic HR practices, and organizational performance enhancement. Students explore behavioral economics, international business competitiveness, and HR analytics to address complex workplace challenges. As a master's-level program, it may require entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the university. The curriculum integrates practical skills for implementing effective human resource strategies in diverse environments.
- MBA with HRM concentration
- Covers workforce selection processes
- Includes international business focus
- Analytics and strategic HRM courses
- Behavioral economics integrated
- Multiple elective HR courses
- Practical workplace skill development
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, FL - Private 4-year - agmu.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Human Resources - Online Learning - Visit Website
Ana G. Mendez University offers an online MBA with a Human Resources concentration designed for professionals seeking advanced HR management skills. This program emphasizes ethical leadership development and interdisciplinary knowledge to handle complex workforce challenges in diverse organizational settings. It focuses on strategic HR roles within local, national, and global business contexts, preparing graduates for high-level positions. As a master's level program, it may require an entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the university. The curriculum builds adaptable skills for navigating modern workplace dynamics and multiple career opportunities in HR.
- Online MBA Human Resources
- VA/Military benefits approved
- Diverse organizational management
- Professional HR career paths
- Global business context focus
- Ethical leadership development
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Adaptable professional skills
- Complex workplace preparation
- Multiple career opportunities
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL - Private 4-year - saintleo.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Leo University's online MBA in Human Resource Management equips professionals with advanced leadership capabilities for dynamic HR environments. This ACBSP-accredited program emphasizes practical skills in business management, ethical decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration, preparing graduates to address complex workforce challenges. With flexible online delivery and an estimated two-year completion time spanning 36 credit hours, the program focuses specifically on HR management concentration without requiring entrance exams. Additional benefits include the Next Level Grad Award and coverage of emerging economy technologies.
- Online, campus, education center options
- 2 years estimated completion time
- 36 total credit hours
- ACBSP accredited program
- Next Level Grad Award available
- Focuses on business management skills
- Emphasizes leadership development
- Covers ethical business decision-making
- Cross-functional collaboration skills
- Addresses new economy technologies
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu
Master's - MBA – Human Resource Management
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regent University's MBA in Human Resource Management is a hybrid program that strategically prepares professionals for advanced HR roles. It emphasizes talent management, employee relations, and organizational development, aligning with SHRM guidelines for industry relevance. The program offers flexibility with online and on-campus options, ideal for working adults, and does not require GRE or GMAT exams. With 42 credit hours at $695 each, total cost is about $29,190, featuring part-time study and military-friendly policies. ACBSP accreditation ensures quality, and the next session starts March 17, 2025, fostering leadership in HR without entrance exams.
- 42 total credit hours
- Online and on-campus formats
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Next session starts March 2025
- ACBSP-accredited program
- SHRM curriculum alignment
- Tuition $695 per credit hour
- Military and transfer friendly
- Part-time study options
- Christ-centered approach
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Master's - M.B.A. with a Concentration in Human Resource Management
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration develops strategic HR leaders through a hybrid format blending campus and online learning. This AACSB-accredited program requires 40-49 credits, with 18 dedicated to HR courses covering conflict management, compensation, and talent development. It emphasizes core business principles and effective organizational communication, preparing graduates to drive growth. Multiple start dates and employer tuition assistance enhance flexibility. While entrance exams like GMAT may be required, check specific admission requirements as policies can vary.
- 40-49 total credits
- Multiple start dates annually
- Campus and online options
- AACSB International accredited
- Start months: August, October, January, March, May
- Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus location
- Asynchronous online classes
- Employer tuition assistance available
- 18 credits in HR major courses
- Core business principles focus
Empire State University
Saratoga Springs, NY - Public 4-Year - sunyempire.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Human Resource Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Empire State University's online MBA in Human Resource Management is a 36-credit program aligned with SHRM standards, focusing on strategic talent management, organizational development, and workforce optimization. It emphasizes flexible, year-round enrollment and requires prerequisites in statistics and economics. As a master's level program, it may require entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE unless explicitly waived. The curriculum includes three specialized HR courses, developing skills in performance management and human capital strategy for professionals seeking leadership roles.
- SHRM-aligned HR curriculum
- Fully online program
- 36-credit graduate degree
- 3 specialized HR concentration courses
- Flexible enrollment year-round
- Prerequisites in statistics/economics
- Strategic HR management focus
- Professional development emphasis
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - Public 4-Year - umassglobal.edu
Master's - MBA in Human Resources
Concentration: Human Resources - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Massachusetts Global's MBA in Human Resources offers a strategic pathway for professionals to enhance leadership capabilities in workforce management. This fully online program combines core business fundamentals with specialized HR coursework, focusing on talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development. Designed for working adults, it features flexible scheduling with no GMAT or GRE required and credits starting at $730. The program allows completion in 1-2 years and emphasizes practical skills through professional faculty, making it ideal for rapid career advancement in human resources.
- 100% Online Coursework
- No GMAT/GRE Required
- $730 per Credit
- 1-2 Years Completion Time
- 2.75 Minimum GPA Required
- Rolling Admission Starts
- Specialized HR Concentration
- 8 Core MBA Courses
- Professional Faculty
- Workforce Planning Focus
MBA in Human Resource Management Curriculum: What Classes Will I Take?
Most MBA in Human Resource Management programs take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time, part-time, or in an accelerated format.
Core Courses in an MBA in Human Resource Management
The curriculum for an HR Management MBA specialization blends strategic leadership with workforce analytics through courses such as:
- Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Employment Law & Labor Relations
- Compensation & Benefits Strategy
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace
- Organizational Behavior & Change Management
- HR Analytics & Workforce Data Management
- Leadership & Performance Management
- Corporate Training & Development
Many programs also incorporate real-world HR projects, including case studies on HR challenges, leadership coaching simulations, and employee engagement initiatives. Some students complete internships with major corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies to gain hands-on HR experience before graduation.
What Career Options Do I Have with an MBA in Human Resource Management?
An HR Management MBA specialization prepares graduates for leadership roles in workforce management. Typical job titles include:
- Human Resources Director – Oversees all HR operations and talent strategies.
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – Leads HR functions at the executive level.
- Talent Acquisition Manager – Develops recruitment and hiring strategies.
- Compensation & Benefits Manager – Designs employee compensation and benefits programs.
- HR Consultant – Advises companies on workforce strategies and compliance.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for MBA in Human Resource Management graduates vary based on experience, industry, and location. According to BLS and SHRM, HR professionals with an MBA typically earn:
- Human Resources Director – $110,000 – $160,000
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – $180,000 – $300,000+
- Talent Acquisition Manager – $95,000 – $140,000
- Compensation & Benefits Manager – $100,000 – $150,000
- HR Consultant – $90,000 – $130,000
Take the Next Step Toward a Leadership Role in HR
An MBA in Human Resource Management provides the expertise needed to enhance workforce strategies, improve employee performance, and lead HR functions. Whether you want to become a CHRO, lead corporate HR departments, or consult on workforce development, this degree will give you the knowledge, skills, and network to achieve your career goals.
Explore top-ranked MBA in Human Resource Management programs today and advance your career.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Human Resource Management. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2023). Future of HR Leadership Report. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/