10 Affordable Online Master's in Human Resources Programs 2025

Students can earn a master's in human resources (HR) through online and hybrid programs offered by many schools across the country. Depending on the enrollment, students may be able to complete an online master's in human resources in as little as one or two years.

Human resources master's degree programs enable students to develop knowledge and skills that are applicable to managing HR in various settings. Continue reading to explore the best programs for master's in human resources online.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Human Resources?

Online HR master's degree programs are graduate-level programs offered through fully or primarily online coursework. A master's in human resources management program prepares students for roles that involve hiring, managing, and firing personnel within an organization.

Specific classes and competencies can vary, but a master's in HR program usually integrates coursework relating to leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and organizational structure. Many programs consist of around 35 to 40 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Human Resources Cost?

The cost of an online master's in human resources management depends on a few key factors, including per-credit tuition rate and applicable program fees. Fees vary by school, program, and specific class, but students typically have a few thousand dollars in fees during the course of an online degree program.

Tuition is the primary expense and is charged per credit hour by most institutions. A 40-credit program at a rate of $300 per credit would total to $12,000, and at $1,000 per credit, it would equal to $40,000.

These rates are prior to the application of any type of college financial aid, which online HR students can apply for from various sources. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for financial aid awards through both their schools, as well as through the countless independent scholarship vendors.

Cheapest Online Master's in Human Resources Programs

While there are hundreds of graduate programs in human resources offered across the U.S., only some schools offer a master's online at affordable rates. Our team reviewed many human resources master's degrees to find the best online HR programs with affordable tuition.

1. Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers an online Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) degree that consists of 30 credit hours. Students can choose some of their courses to match their interests and take classes in employment law, human resources analytics, and strategic human resource management. Courses are delivered in eight-week terms, allowing students to complete their degree sooner, and five start dates are offered each year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $351 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for several types of awards, including scholarships and assistantships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

2. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in human resource management. Composed of at least 36 credit hours, the program includes coursework in HR legal challenges, organizational development, performance management, and business strategy.

Admissions requirements include a personal statement and knowledge assessment, but students do not need to complete a graduate entrance exam (e.g., the GRE).

• Estimated tuition cost: 620 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can utilize outside financial aid as well as apply for in-house scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. California Coast University

California Coast University offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resource management. The program consists of 39 credit hours that students can complete at their own pace, and offers affordable monthly payment options starting at $150 per month.

Classes include business ethics, research methods, international business management, and management information systems.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can utilize various tuition discounts as well as employer reimbursement programs or payment plans.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers several HR master's degree programs online:

• Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in human resource management
• MPS in human resource information systems
• MBA in human resource management

The MPS programs are 30 credit hours, while the MBA has 33 credit hours. Classes are offered in traditional 16-week length as well as four and eight-week accelerated terms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $349 to $386 per credit
• Financial aid: FHSU offers several institutional scholarships and students can also use outside aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University offers an MS in human resource management that can be completed in as few as 18 months of full-time study. Part-time students can spread the 30 credit hours across up to three years and all course components are delivered asynchronously.

Classes include workplace diversity, data analytics, employment law, and personnel management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit (in-state); $1,125 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal aid as well as other sources of scholarships and awards.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul, offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in human resource management that consists of 30 credit hours. The program aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) standards for HR master's programs. Students take coursework in leadership, HR ethics, employee benefits, and HR legal considerations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for tuition discounts and in-house scholarship awards.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Liberty University

Liberty University offers two master's degree programs in human resources, both of which are delivered online through eight-week course terms:

• MS in human resource management
• MBA in human resource management

The MS is 33 credits while the MBA program consists of 45 credit hours. Students with prior college credits can transfer in up to 50% of their required coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit (full-time); $290 per credit (military rate)
• Financial aid: Liberty University has several in-house scholarships that students can apply for.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online MS in human resource management that is delivered through accelerated, 10-week terms. Students complete 10 classes within their program, including those in business research, leadership, global contexts, and ethics in HR. The shortened semesters enable students to complete their program more quickly, while still developing relevant skills for HR roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can review and apply for awards through SNHU's scholarship list.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

9. Troy University

Troy University offers an online MSHRM that allows students to choose one of several specializations. Public administration, general business, cybersecurity, and leadership are a few of the HR concentration options. Students complete between 30 and 33 credit hours and take coursework in talent development, organizational change, workforce planning, and ethical leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for a variety of awards through Troy, including assistantships and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) offers an online MA in human resource management that can be completed in 16 months of full-time study.

Coursework includes those in talent development, HR analytics, and organizational development. Students can choose a few of their courses to customize their experience, including options in global business, technology management, and global sustainability.

• Estimated tuition cost: $100 per credit (in-state); $475 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can utilize a variety of aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

There are several criteria that our team reviews when searching for master's degree programs, as we want to ensure that HR professionals get the best experience and education for their careers. Below are some of the primary factors considered for online programs in HR.

• Accreditation: Each of the schools featured has been awarded institutional accreditation, which means they meet (or exceed) various academic and outcome standards.
• Affordability: Program costs vary from school to school, and we chose programs that offer more affordable tuition rates than many other schools.
• Program reputation: Each of the schools listed here utilizes experienced faculty members who are well-versed in the HR field and can effectively prepare future HR leaders.

What To Expect From an Online Human Resources Master's Program

Master's in HR online programs can usually be completed in two years or less of full-time study and usually consist of 10 to 12 classes. Master's in HR management programs often include coursework relating to talent acquisition, personnel management, training and development, and other competencies of HR professionals.

In addition to studying labor relations, talent management, and professional development, students may also be able to customize their program with a degree concentration. While not a necessary part of an HR degree, a concentration can allow students to focus a portion of their studies on the areas or initiatives that they are most interested in.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Human Resources Master's Degrees

Prior to choosing an online RN program, you should consider what features will best support your career goals. The FAQs answered below may help you to get a better idea of what you are looking for in your HR program.

Is an Online Master's in Human Resources Worth It?

This degree can be worth it, depending on your career goals, but HR professionals who have a master's degree earn an average of 25% more than those who have a bachelor's degree. An HR master's program gives you a deeper understanding of employee relations, legal considerations, and other concepts that are helpful to human resource professionals.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Human Resources Degree?

A master's in human resources can be applied to various careers. The developed skills are most relevant to roles as human resources specialists and human resources managers, although master's graduates may also choose to work as postsecondary educators of HR subjects.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Human Resources Master's Degree?

Master's programs traditionally take two years of full-time study beyond the completion of a bachelor's undergraduate degree, but many schools allow students to complete their programs in as little as one year. Check with your school choices to find out how long your program takes, and whether you can finish it sooner (or later) based on your scheduling needs.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master's Program in Human Resources?

Admission requirements vary by school, but some are common to many HR graduate degree programs. A high school diploma (or equivalent), a specific GPA, a bachelor's degree, and a personal statement are all common requirements for HR program admissions.

Discover Online Human Resources Degrees

Explore more great human resources and business programs on Learn.org. Request information from the schools with programs you are interested in to learn more about admissions.