An MBA in human resource management covers core business principles while exploring the complex responsibilities of human resource professionals, including compensation and benefits, labor laws, and training and development.
As organizations become more diverse and global, managing and serving employees' needs can become more difficult. Human resource managers can meet these needs by shaping company culture, developing fair salary structures, and improving hiring and code of conduct practices.
Discover the benefits that come with this degree and the pathways it can deliver. You'll also find a ranking of the best MBA in human resource management programs and tips on choosing the best option for you.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Best MBA Programs for Human Resources
How We Choose Programs
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list has not been updated for 2025. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get a Human Resources MBA Degree?
Professional Options: With an MBA in human resource management, you can pursue careers in many business fields, including human resources, labor relations, and training and development. Your widely applicable skills can also help you pursue general management positions in various organizations and industries.
Salary Potential: The specialized skills acquired in an MBA in human resource management can set you up for several financially rewarding careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management occupations earned a median annual wage of $122,090 as of May 2024. Several HR management-related careers earned considerably more.
General Management Skills: MBAs in human resource management teach ways to develop and oversee a strong staff with a welcoming organizational culture. Graduates can apply these useful abilities in many leadership roles.
Organizational Development: Throughout your MBA program, you may learn to develop policies, practices, and culture within an organization. You'll study how to recruit, interview, and hire employees, as well as support professionals' ongoing improvement. These abilities are critical to building an organization and helping it thrive.
Jobs for MBAs in Human Resources
The leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills you'll acquire in a n MBA in human resource management can help you land one of the many high-paying management job openings that the BLS projects from 2024-2034.
Combining professional experience with your MBA may allow you to pursue some of the highest-earning careers in business, including the options below.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers oversee many administrative functions related to organizations' employees, conduct policies, and organizational culture. Their responsibilities may include recruitment and staffing, conflict resolution, and managing the relations between the organization's staff and management. Some employers only hire candidates with graduate degrees, including MBAs.
Job Outlook (2024-34): +5%
Median Annual Salary: $140,030
Source: BLS
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers plan and oversee an organization's pay and benefits programs. They align the programs with industry standards, organizational goals and policies, and federal and state regulations. They often work closely with HR and financial managers.
Job Outlook (2024-34): +0%
Median Annual Salary: $140,360
Source: BLS
Labor Relations Specialist
Labor relations specialists manage the relationship between management and workers, which may include handling contract disputes, misconduct investigations, and incidents regarding labor laws. They also develop conduct policies, negotiate with labor unions, and consult with employee advocacy groups. They might handle all labor relations cases within an organization or consult management for special events.
Job Outlook (2024-34): +0%
Median Annual Salary: $93,500
Source: BLS
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers plan, create, and lead organizational training programs. They develop training exercises to help upskill staff members, help organizations meet goals, and introduce new policies and practices. Some employers require these managers to hold master's degrees or MBAs.
Job Outlook (2024-34): +6%
Median Annual Salary: $127,090
Source: BLS
Read MoreDiscover careers that fit your MBA
What to Expect From MBA in HR Management Programs
In addition to advanced management concepts and practices, an MBA in human resource management explores methods for creating and managing strong organizational processes and cultures. In this program, you can learn to comply with labor laws and mediate communication between management and their staff.
An MBA in human resource management typically features between 30-60 credits, requiring about two years to complete. According to the NCES, the average graduate program costs $20,513 per year, but MBA programs may cost more than general master's degrees in some schools.
Since many people consider an MBA a terminal degree, you may not need to worry about transfer credits. In any case, you should stick to an accredited MBA school if you plan to pursue a doctorate, such as a DBA.
Degree and Format Options
You may encounter similar degrees under different names, such as an MBA in human resources, which shares many similarities with a management program. Other related degrees include master's in human resources, master's in human relations, and master's in management programs. While these options explore similar topics, they may focus more on HR theory and less on business management applications.
The various delivery methods and formats of an MBA in human resource management can affect your study schedule and educational experience. For example:
Online asynchronous programs offer ultimate flexibility but tend to feature less peer-to-peer engagement and collaboration.
Synchronous online classes may use evening and weekend classes, but the scheduled class times might hinder some busy or working students.
Hybrid programs combine online and in-class experiences but require you to live within commuting distance of your school.
Accelerated one-year MBA programs promise faster completion times, but they may have more rigorous course loads and study schedules.
Admissions Process
The MBA admissions process varies by school and program, but most schools require the following:
Bachelor's degree (possibly in a business-related discipline)
Minimum GPA, such as a 3.0 GPA
Recommendation letters
Application essay
Resume
Relevant professional experience (often two years)
Application fee
Popular Courses
Your degree may look different depending on where you study and your specific choices, but most programs feature courses in business fundamentals, specializations, electives, and a final capstone project.
This section explores common courses for an MBA in human resource management.
Talent Management: This course teaches you to identify, hire, and manage employees. You can explore effective onboarding processes, performance appraisal and reward systems, and training and development practices.
Bargaining and Negotiations: In this course, you study ways to arrive at positive outcomes for everyone involved in negotiations. Coursework typically focuses on developing ethical negotiation skills.
Compensation and Employee Benefits: This course examines the framework for compensation and employee benefit programs in organizations. You can learn to evaluate employees and develop fair compensation programs.
Labor Relations: In this course, you learn how to manage the relationship between employees, unions, and employers. You may research union and labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and effective resolution practices.
Capstone: These culminating courses bring together the theories and practices learned throughout the program, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of the material. You may develop an HR management plan, consult on a real-world project, or analyze a complex case study.
Program Costs
The cost of an MBA in human resource management depends on many factors, including the school type, location, and delivery format. According to the NCES, the average graduate tuition was $11,554 in public schools and $20,015 in nonprofit private schools for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Depending on the school, MBA programs may cost more than standard graduate programs because of the demand or the faculty. You may also incur additional costs during your studies, such as transportation, books and materials, and room and board costs. If you study online, you may save on certain fees and tuition, particularly if you're pursuing an out-of-state degree.
You might also make your MBA in human resource management more affordable by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can qualify you for federal aid through grants and low-interest loans. You can also apply for MBA scholarships or ask your employer if they offer a tuition reimbursement program.
Read MoreCheck out the top affordable MBAs
Should You Get a Human Resources MBA or a General MBA?
You might be unsure about whether to pursue a specialization within your MBA. An MBA in human resource management may only differ from a general MBA in a few courses. Some schools add specializations on top of the general MBA, while others replace elective courses.
Both programs cover core business management principles. The specialization then explores the application of those principles to the human resources field, making it a strong choice if you know that you want to pursue employment in that sector.
| Factor | Human Resources MBA | General MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | About two years of full-time study, plus one semester for the specialization in some cases | About two years of full-time study |
| Course Load | Up to 60 credits | Up to 60 credits |
| Curriculum | Benefits and compensation management, workforce management, labor law, conflict resolution | Managerial accounting, strategic marketing, financial management, supply chain management |
| Program Focus | Learn to apply advanced business management skills and expertise to the human resources sector | Gain advanced business management skills and expertise in several of the core business functions |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor's degree, plus professional experience in many cases | Bachelor's degree, plus professional experience in many cases |
| Student Demographics | Aspiring business leaders and experienced HR specialists looking to advance their careers | Aspiring business leaders and experienced business workers looking to advance professionally |
Read MoreLearn more about MBA concentrations
How Do You Select the Right MBA in Human Resources?
When choosing an MBA program, you should evaluate the factors that mean the most to you. Take a look at the following considerations to get the ball rolling.
Professional Goals: Try to find a school and program that supports your unique career interests. Perhaps it offers classes in your target niche, or the professor has a professional link to that subject.
Location and Delivery Method: If you need to attend classes or visit the campus a couple of times, you should consider the school's location. While it won't matter much for a fully online program, you still need to ensure that the delivery modes and class times work with your schedule.
Learning Style: Online learning can be flexible but less engaging than on-campus programs. Some programs take practice-based approaches, and some emphasize networking and group projects. Consider how you learn best and find a program that aligns with your preferred style.
Program Structure: Would you prefer a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program?When comparing structures, research components like internship, mentorship, and global experience opportunities.
More FAQ About MBAs in Human Resource Management
An MBA in human resource management is an advanced business management degree focused on effectively managing an organization's employees. The program teaches you to apply management principles to the various roles and responsibilities of human resources managers.
