10 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Programs 2027

Every organization depends on its people, and the professionals who recruit, develop, and keep those people have become some of the most important strategic players in business. An online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resources (HR) pairs a full business education with specialized training in talent management, employment law, and workforce strategy. It's built for professionals who want to lead HR departments rather than just staff them, and because it's online, you can earn it without stepping away from your current job.

The best online MBAs in human resources combine respected accreditation, flexible formats, and HR coursework that reflects how the field works today, from people analytics to organizational change. Below, you'll find 10 top programs, along with what you'll study, how long the degree takes, what it costs, and what kinds of careers it can lead to. Keep reading to find the program that fits your goals.

What Is an Online MBA in Human Resources?

An online MBA in human resources is a graduate business degree that covers the same core subjects as a general MBA, such as finance, accounting, marketing, operations, and strategy, while adding a specialized track in HR. Most programs require between 30 and 54 credits. The HR portion usually makes up three to five courses, offered as a concentration, specialization, or add-on graduate certificate.

Schools name these tracks in different ways, so look beyond the label when you compare programs. You might see human resource management, human resource development, strategic human resources, or a combined track like leadership and human resource management. The focus varies a bit with the name. Development tracks lean toward training and employee growth, while strategic HR tracks emphasize aligning the workforce with company goals. If you want a deeper dive into HR alone, a Master of Science (MS) in human resource management is another option. The MBA route is a better fit if you want broad business fluency alongside your HR expertise.

HR coursework typically covers talent acquisition and staffing, compensation and benefits, employment law, training and development, labor relations, and HR analytics. Some programs also align their curriculum with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK). That alignment can help you prepare for professional certifications like the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Best Online MBAs in Human Resources

These 10 schools combine strong accreditation, fully online formats, and HR coursework built for future people leaders. They're listed alphabetically, so you can compare what each one offers. 

1. Kent State University

Kent State University's Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school is based in Kent, Ohio, and its accelerated online MBA can be finished in 12 to 16 months. The core MBA courses are certified by Quality Matters, a national standard for online course design.

The Human Resource Management concentration covers advanced topics like employee selection and appraisal, organizational analysis, staffing, training and development, and global HR management. The concentration also has a useful bonus: by taking one additional course, you can add a graduate certificate in human resource management to your MBA, which gives you a second credential to show employers.

2. Oklahoma State University

Stillwater-based Oklahoma State University is regionally accredited by the HLC, and its Spears School of Business has held AACSB accreditation since 1958. The online MBA is taught by the same full-time faculty who teach on campus, so online students get the same instruction as students in the classroom.

HR-focused students can pair the MBA with Oklahoma State's online graduate certificate in human resource management. This 12-credit certificate includes courses in total rewards, talent development, talent acquisition, and employment law, and it can be completed in less than a year. The curriculum is designed to complement the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), so it can also help you prepare for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam.

3. Oregon State University

Oregon State University, based in Corvallis, Oregon, offers its MBA through the College of Business in partnership with Oregon State Ecampus, the university's online learning division. The university is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. You can complete the 60-quarter-credit program fully online, or you can choose a hybrid format that adds in-person meetings in Portland.

The Human Resources Management track emphasizes evidence-based, analytics-driven HR practices. Its coursework covers the core functions of an HR office, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, compensation, and benefits. Required courses in compensation management, human resources management, and strategic human resources management prepare you to analyze workforce data and build HR plans that support an organization's goals.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

From its home in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has built one of the most widely recognized online learning platforms in the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and its MBA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Courses run in 10-week terms, and you don't need GMAT or GRE scores to apply.

The MBA with a concentration in Human Resources pairs seven core MBA courses with three HR courses, covering topics like strategic HR management and HR technology. The HR coursework aligns with the SHRM BoCK, so it lines up with the industry's leading credentialing framework. If you want an extra credential, you can also add SNHU's graduate certificate in human resource management with only a few additional courses.

5. Spring Arbor University

If you want an MBA grounded in faith, Spring Arbor University is worth a look. This Christian university in Spring Arbor, Michigan, is regionally accredited by the HLC. Its Gainey School of Business earned full accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) in December 2025. The online MBA is 32 credits and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Spring Arbor's Human Resource Development concentration focuses on the people side of organizations, with courses in workplace learning and professional development and in human resource management. That emphasis on training and employee growth makes the concentration a strong fit if you're drawn to talent development roles. Throughout the program, coursework weaves in Christian ethics and a service-minded approach to leadership.

6. Temple University

Temple University's Fox School of Business has held AACSB accreditation since 1934, one of the longest records in the country. The Philadelphia-based university is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Fox offers a 100% online MBA with evening classes designed for working professionals, and the GMAT and GRE are optional for admission.

Students can choose from 10 optional concentrations, and all the courses for the Human Resource Management concentration are available online. Along with HR-focused coursework, the program includes expert-led skills labs where you apply what you're learning in real time. Fox's long-standing reputation and large Philadelphia-area alumni network add value for HR professionals looking to move into leadership roles.

7. Texas State University

At Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, the McCoy College of Business offers a 100% online MBA with a Concentration in Strategic Human Resources. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and McCoy holds AACSB accreditation. The HR coursework is taught by faculty with real-world human resources experience.

The concentration treats HR as a strategic partner rather than a support function, with a focus on aligning workforce goals with an organization's mission. You'll build expertise in talent management, organizational behavior, and strategic HR practices. The program also covers specialty areas like human resource development, organizational staffing, employee retention, and ethical decision-making, which prepares you to lead organizations through change.

8. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia's Terry College of Business is the state's flagship business school, and its online MBA delivers that reputation in a 100% online, asynchronous format. UGA, located in Athens, Georgia, is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, and Terry holds AACSB accreditation. The 48-credit program typically takes 17 to 23 months to complete part-time, with about 20 hours of work per week.

Students can choose one of four optional concentrations, including Leadership/Human Resource Management. This combined track is a strong fit if you see HR and people leadership as closely linked, whether you plan to run an HR department or lead teams more broadly. Online students also get one-on-one career coaching and can join an optional in-person residency focused on regional and international business.

9. University of Illinois Chicago

If speed matters to you, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a 100% online MBA that you can finish in as little as 14 months, with no campus visits required. The Chicago-based university is regionally accredited by the HLC, and its business college holds AACSB accreditation. The 42-credit program runs in eight-week courses.

The Human Resource Management concentration is aligned with SHRM standards, which helps prepare you for professional certification. Required courses include human resource management and talent management, and the track builds the strategic and analytical skills you need to lead HR functions. It's designed for HR professionals moving into leadership, managers who want stronger people-management skills, and career changers entering the field.

10. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's MBA@Nebraska is a Big Ten online program taught by the same research-focused faculty who teach on campus. The Lincoln-based university is regionally accredited by the HLC, and its College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. The 48-credit program includes 10 core courses and six electives, all offered 100% online in eight-week sessions.

You can earn a graduate certificate in human resource management alongside your MBA by using your elective credits. The 12-credit certificate covers recruitment, selection, performance evaluation, compensation, and the legal aspects of employment. Every MBA student also takes a core course in human resource management, so HR is part of the program before you specialize.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For this list, we looked for programs that offer a formal HR concentration, specialization, or graduate certificate within the online MBA. We gave extra weight to programs whose HR coursework aligns with SHRM's competency frameworks, since that alignment can make it easier to pursue professional certification after you graduate. We also limited the list to one school per state so you can see strong options across different regions. Each program was evaluated on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited universities whose business schools hold programmatic accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. This ensures the degree carries recognized value with employers and other institutions.
• Online availability: Both the MBA and the HR concentration must be available online, with flexible or asynchronous coursework that lets working professionals finish the degree without relocating or pausing their careers.
• Career alignment: We look at how well each program's HR coursework covers the skills employers expect from HR leaders, such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employment law, and workforce strategy, and whether it prepares students for credentials like the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.
• Student outcomes: We consider indicators like graduation rates, reported salary outcomes, and program reputation to identify schools that deliver strong long-term value for the cost of the degree.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

What Will You Learn in an MBA in Human Resources Program?

An MBA in human resources starts with the same core business curriculum as any MBA, then adds specialized coursework on managing an organization's workforce. This mix gives you the financial and strategic fluency to work with executives, along with the HR expertise to lead people-focused initiatives. Common areas of study include:

• Talent acquisition and staffing: Learning how to plan for workforce needs, recruit qualified candidates, and design selection processes that are fair, effective, and legally sound.
• Compensation and benefits: Studying how organizations structure pay, incentives, and benefits packages, often called total rewards, to attract and keep strong employees while managing costs.
• Employment law: Examining the federal and state regulations that govern hiring, workplace safety, discrimination, and termination, so you can reduce legal risk for your organization.
• Training and development: Exploring how to build learning programs, career paths, and leadership pipelines that help employees grow and keep the organization competitive.
• HR analytics: Using workforce data on turnover, engagement, and performance to inform decisions and measure the impact of HR programs.
• Strategic human resource management: Connecting HR decisions to broader business goals and positioning HR as a partner in leading organizational change.

Most programs also include a capstone project, case studies, or applied coursework that lets you tackle a real HR or business challenge before you graduate.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an MBA in Human Resources Online?

Most online MBAs in human resources take between one and three years to complete. Your timeline depends on the number of required credits, whether you study full-time or part-time, and whether you already have a business background. Accelerated programs can be finished in about 12 to 16 months. Part-time students balancing full-time jobs often take closer to two years or more.

Credit requirements vary quite a bit. Some programs on this list require as few as 32 credits, while others require 48 semester credits, and schools on a quarter system may list 60 quarter credits. The HR concentration itself usually adds three or four courses, often fitting into the elective slots you'd take anyway. Programs with eight-week courses and multiple start dates each year tend to offer the most flexibility, since you can take more courses when your schedule allows and fewer when it doesn't.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Human Resources Cost?

The cost of an online MBA in human resources varies widely by school. Public universities generally offer lower per-credit rates, while private and highly ranked programs tend to charge more. Because tuition is usually charged per credit hour, your total cost depends heavily on how many credits the program requires. It's also worth checking whether a public university charges online students the same rate regardless of where they live, since some do and some don't.

Beyond tuition, plan for technology fees, application fees, and the cost of any optional residencies or travel experiences. If you plan to earn a professional credential like the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP after graduating, budget for exam fees and study materials as well. Some programs also offer tuition discounts for military members and veterans, which can lower the total cost.

Financial Aid for Online MBAs in Human Resources

Most students pay for an online MBA by combining several funding sources. Here are the most common options:

• Federal student aid: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see which federal loans you qualify for. Graduate students generally aren't eligible for need-based grants like the Pell Grant, but federal loans can still cover a large share of costs.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer partial or full tuition reimbursement for graduate degrees, especially when the degree relates to your current role. If you already work in HR, you may even know firsthand how your company's program works.
• Professional association scholarships: HR-specific organizations offer funding for graduate students. The SHRM Foundation, for example, offers scholarships for students enrolled in HR or HR-related graduate programs. Many of these awards are tied to SHRM membership.
• Institutional scholarships: Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for MBA students. Some are awarded automatically based on your application, so it's worth asking each program what's available.
• Military and veteran benefits: Programs that accept military benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program funding, or military Tuition Assistance can significantly reduce costs for service members, veterans, and their families. Some schools also offer tuition discounts for military students.
• Payment plans: Many schools let you spread tuition payments across a term instead of paying all at once. This doesn't lower the total cost, but it can make budgeting easier.

How To Choose the Right MBA in Human Resources

With HR concentrations available at many accredited schools, choosing the right program comes down to a few key factors. Here's what to look for as you compare your options.

Accreditation

Make sure the university holds regional accreditation and that its business school holds programmatic accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Regional accreditation confirms that the school meets baseline academic standards. Business accreditation confirms that the MBA program meets a higher bar for curriculum and faculty quality. Both affect how employers and other graduate programs view your degree.

HR Curriculum and SHRM Alignment

Not all HR concentrations cover the same ground, so look at the specific courses each program requires. Some programs focus on strategic HR and analytics, while others focus on talent development or employment law. If you plan to earn a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification, programs that align their coursework with SHRM's competency frameworks can give you a head start on exam preparation.

Concentration vs. Certificate

Schools build HR training into the MBA in different ways. Some offer a formal concentration that appears on your transcript. Others let you earn a separate graduate certificate alongside the degree, which gives you a standalone credential you can list on your resume. Neither approach is better, but it's worth knowing which one you're signing up for and how many courses it adds.

Format and Flexibility

Online MBAs range from fully asynchronous programs you can complete on your own schedule to programs with live evening classes or optional in-person residencies. Think about how much structure you need to stay on track. Also consider whether eight-week courses, multiple start dates, or an accelerated timeline would fit around your job and family commitments.

Cost and Return on Investment

Total cost varies widely from school to school, so compare tuition against the salary increase you can reasonably expect in your target role. A less expensive program with strong accreditation and solid HR coursework can deliver a better return than a higher-priced option, especially if your employer is covering part of the bill.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA in Human Resources

An MBA in human resources can prepare you for management roles that carry strong earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers earned a median annual wage of $149,280 in May 2025. Employment in the field is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 16,800 openings projected each year. The BLS also notes that while most HR manager positions require a bachelor's degree, some require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration.

An HR-focused MBA can also lead to specialized leadership roles. Compensation and benefits managers earned a median of $149,230 in May 2025, and training and development managers earned a median of $133,000. If you're interested in employee-management relations, labor relations specialists earned a median of $95,420.

Pay and job prospects vary by industry, location, and experience. HR managers in professional, scientific, and technical services, for example, earned more than those in healthcare or government. Most HR leadership roles also require several years of related work experience, so an MBA tends to deliver the most value when it's paired with hands-on experience in the field.

FAQs About the Best Online MBAs in Human Resources

Still weighing your options? Here are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about earning an MBA in human resources online. 

Is an Online MBA in Human Resources Worth It?

For many professionals who want to move into HR leadership, yes. An online MBA in human resources pairs strategic business skills with specialized HR training. That combination is increasingly valuable as organizations look to HR leaders to shape company culture, retention, and workforce planning rather than just handle administrative tasks. HR managers also earn well above the median wage for all occupations, and some positions call for a master's degree. Whether the degree is worth it for you depends on factors like program cost, your current role, and how much your salary is likely to grow. For professionals aiming at management-level HR roles, though, the return often justifies the investment.

Is an Online MBA in Human Resources Respected by Employers?

Yes, as long as the program holds proper accreditation. Employers generally care about whether a school is regionally accredited and whether its business program holds accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE, not whether you earned the degree online or on campus. At many schools, online MBA students take courses from the same faculty and earn the same degree as on-campus students. A program whose HR curriculum aligns with SHRM standards can also signal to employers that your training reflects current industry expectations.

Who Should Consider an MBA in Human Resources Program?

An MBA in human resources is a strong fit for HR specialists and generalists who want to move into management or director-level roles. It's also a good option for managers in other departments who want stronger people-management skills, and for professionals planning a career change into HR leadership. Because the degree combines core business training with HR coursework, it's especially useful if you want a seat at the table for strategic decisions, not just HR operations. Most programs value professional experience in admissions, so the degree tends to deliver the most value once you've spent a few years in the workforce.

What's the Difference Between an MBA in HR and a Master's in Human Resource Management?

An MBA in human resources is a business degree first. It covers finance, accounting, marketing, operations, and strategy, with a smaller set of HR courses layered on top. A Master of Science in human resource management (MSHRM) goes deeper into HR topics like employee relations, compensation, and organizational development, but includes less general business coursework. If you want to lead an HR department and work closely with executives on business strategy, the MBA's broader foundation can be an advantage. If you want deep technical expertise in HR, a specialized master's may be the better fit.

Do You Need an HR Certification If You Have an MBA in Human Resources?

Certification isn't required for most HR roles, but it can strengthen your resume alongside an MBA. Credentials like the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP show employers that you've mastered current HR competencies, and some employers prefer or require them for certain positions. An MBA program with SHRM-aligned coursework can help you prepare for these exams. Eligibility rules and exam formats can change, so check the certifying organization's current requirements before you plan your timeline.

Can You Earn an MBA in Human Resources Without HR Experience?

Yes. Most MBA programs don't require experience in HR specifically, and many accept students from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Some programs do expect a few years of full-time work experience in any field, while others have no minimum at all. That said, most HR leadership roles require several years of related experience, so the degree tends to work best when combined with hands-on HR work. If you're switching careers, look for programs with strong career services, internships, or applied projects that help you build that experience as you go.

Discover Online MBAs in Human Resources

The right online MBA in human resources can prepare you to lead the people side of an organization, from recruiting and retention to workforce strategy and culture. Browse business school profiles on Learn.org, and reach out to the programs that interest you to learn more about admissions, concentrations, and what an MBA in human resources could mean for your career.