10 Best Online MBA HR Degree Programs

By Jennifer W. Eisenberg

Running a business is about more than crunching numbers. Business leaders must have strong management skills. The needs of employees must be addressed in effective and satisfactory ways, every working day. If you already have a background in business or the management of employees, then you are aware that more education puts you on the path to greater job contentment and higher salaries.

Those with advanced degrees in business administration and human resources management are equipped to find employment in every aspect of leadership. Administrators and Human Resource managers are employed in many types of workplaces, including:

private firms
government agencies
universities
non-profit organizations

Your job duties may involve:

marketing
staffing
training
payroll
communications
benefits

No two work days will likely be the same.

Returning to school for an advanced degree is usually more challenging once you have been in the workforce for a while. Obligations at work and home are already a drain on your time. You may wonder how you would be able to juggle all of that plus attending a college or university. Online master’s programs were developed for students just like yourself. The coursework mirrors programs found at brick-and-mortar schools. While earning an online master’s degree in business administration or human resources management, students may continue to meet any day-to-day work obligations.

This list of the 10 best deals on online master’s in business administration or human resources management will help you in find an accredited and respected college or university that will fit your budget.

What is the difference between a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resources Management?

A master’s degree in business administration is an advanced degree in the management of companies and other corporate/governmental entities. The field of study came about in the early 1900s to apply tested and valid solutions to the problems of management.
While closely allied to an MBA, a master’s degree in human resources (HR) management focuses on the ‘people’ element of business models. In essence, HR is about making the most out of worker productivity.
At times, job descriptions for these two kinds of advanced degrees may overlap.

Why earn an MBA or master’s degree in human resources management?

Intensive, committed study in any field will lead to the development of greater skills. Those who earn an advanced degree in either business administration or human resources management will also gain:

a wider network of contacts
opportunities for increased financial rewards
the knowledge to create or build one’s own company
growth in leadership abilities
greater skills in communication
a better understanding of foundational business principles.

What does a person with a master’s in business administration do?

Business Administrators oversee any and all managerial aspects of a company. Job titles may range from operations manager all the way up to CEO. Their work responsibilities include:

sales and marketing
finance
accounting
other organizational elements of the business.

What does a person with a master’s in human resources management do?

Typically, job titles and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Human Resources
Labor Relations
Employee Relations
HR Information
Systems
Training and Development
Compensation or Benefit Analyst/Manager.

What coursework topics do the degrees cover?

Coursework in business administration covers a wide range of advanced business areas such as:

business law
marketing
ethics of business
managerial economics
business communication
finance
accounting

Elective courses would also be taken, along with more study in a specific area of business. Completion of about 60 credits is typical for MBA programs.
Coursework in advanced human resources management will include the following subjects:

human resource planning
employment relations
employee recruitment and selection
negotiation and conflict resolution
performance management
systems and processes
organizational behavior
occupational health and safety
training and development.

What jobs are available for degree holders, what are some salaries, and what is the job outlook for the profession?

The following figures are for the year 2016 and in the following management fields:

Vice-President HR–$141,227
Financial services–$116,395
Technology–$110,538
Energy–$106,965
Manufacturing–$93,102
Media and Entertainment–$92,828
HR Director–$91,853
HR Manager–$67,908
HR Specialist–$55,494
HR Generalist–$53,891
HR Coordinator–$47,681
The projected employment increase for MBA holders is 17%, much faster than for all occupations. For Human Resource Managers, the growth is 9%, a little faster than average. Opportunities for HR jobs in companies and enterprises should be the best in management (Bureau of Labor Statistics). MBA graduates from a full-time program generally will command higher salaries than those from a part-time program. Other factors may include:

the prestige of the school
the demand for the particular specialty of the degree
prior experience
the personal network system of the applicant.

Why should I study online instead of in a traditional face-to-face college?

If you’re returning to school after being in the workforce for a number of years, online schooling is the obvious choice. Getting an advanced degree online gives you the opportunity to move at your own pace while meeting all your current obligations. In addition, many colleges and universities offer reduced rates of tuition for online classes. Taking classes online also means you will not need to pay for gas or parking fees. And–if you wish–your degree may be completed early via accelerated courses of study. This reduces your time and your costs even more.
Before fully committing to a degree program at any school, you should explore whether the institution requires a period of on-campus attendance.

How do I find the online master’s program that is right for me?

You can assess an online college or university in the same ways that you would assess a traditional brick-and-mortar school. Viable institutions of higher learning will achieve and maintain accreditation. They’ll provide favorable student/faculty ratios along with desired courses and affordable tuition. These are all factors which may be checked electronically.
Students must also be aware of their own particular or special needs, such as whether the school offers the necessary variety and flexibility in its courses. Ideally, quick feedback about student work would facilitate completion of subsequent projects and assignments. Technology and post-graduation support centers enhance an institution’s appeal. Students should be able to contact a school’s tech support centers 24/7. In keeping with continually competitive job markets, colleges and universities should offer help in finding employment after graduation.

Does getting an online degree get me a different diploma than people who go to a brick-and-mortar college?

No. The same diploma that traditional students receive will be awarded to a student who earns a degree online. It is even possible to attend the same graduation exercises if you wish. The diploma contains no “online” descriptor. In many cases, you will have the same instructors in the online program that you would have had in the traditional program.

How will I pay for an online MBA or master’s degree in human resources management?

Some online colleges and universities charge identical course per hour rates to both in state and out of state students. Typically, a master’s degree requires 18 to 24 months of full-time study. Most master’s degrees call for between 36 to 60-semester credits of study (or 60 to 90 quarter-credits) This is the equivalent of 12 to 20 college courses. Public or state colleges and universities award most master’s degrees. Students from both online and traditional institutions of higher learning will apply for federal student aid and scholarships in the very same manner.

What kind of skills does online college require?

Both traditional and online schools call for specific sets of abilities, in both organization and discipline. Most schools provide a short online test you can take to ascertain whether you have those skills. Many of the skills you learned while earning your bachelor’s degree will still serve you in an online school. In addition, online education requires a technical element. Your ability to find and follow this article demonstrates that you likely have the necessary skills to complete a master’s degree in business administration or a master’s degree in human resources management.

How were these rankings arrived at?

Several factors were used to evaluate the 10 best deals on online Master’s in Business Administration and/or online Master’s in Human Resources Management. You will find these factors described here. If a tie occurs in the ranking of schools, the deciding element will be tuition cost. Other factors used are the school’s student to faculty ratio and tuition breaks that may be given for out of state students. If a score is awarded by a prestigious entity, such as US News and World Report magazine, the point scale for that is also shown.

#10 – Florida International University

Miami, Florida

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points:6
Enrollment: 55,003
Tuition: $21,393
Florida International University is the second largest institution of higher learning in the Sunshine State. With a student/faculty ratio of 27:1, the school offers an online master of science in human resource management. It’s a 38 credit hour program that includes coursework in employment law and critical thinking. Florida International University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $921.05 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#9 – University of Texas-Tyler

Tyler, Texas

Master of Science in Human Resource Development Online

Website
Points: 8
Enrollment: 12
Tuition: $23,700
The University of Texas-Tyler was established in 1971. The student/faculty ratio of 18:1. The school offers an online master of science in human resource development that is a 36 credit hour program. It includes coursework in adult learning theory and conflict resolution. The University of Texas-Tyler charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,191 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#8 – Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Online

Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 73,177
Tuition: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University was established in 1932, and the school mascot is Petey Penman. The student/faculty ratio is 30:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in human resources. It’s is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in financial reporting and business law. Southern New Hampshire University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $627 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#7 – Utah State University

Logan, Utah

Master of Human Resources Online

Website
Points: 11
Enrollment:28,118
Tuition: $19,564
Utah State University’s school of business is named for former US ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman. The student/faculty ratio is 21:1. The school offers an online master of human resources program. It’s a 33-43.5 credit hour program that includes coursework in corporate finance and marketing. Utah State University offers an online out of state graduate tuition rate of $415 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#6 – Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 25,986
Tuition: $18,216
Central Michigan University was founded in 1892. It has a student/faculty ratio of 22:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in human resource management. It’s a 36 credit hour program including coursework in data analysis and the global economic environment. Central Michigan University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $600 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#5 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points:12
Enrollment: 3,040
Tuition: $13,000
Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest private institution of higher learning in the Hoosier State. It has a student/faculty ratio of 14:1. The school offers an online master of science in human resource management. It’s a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in total rewards management and strategic risk assessment. Indiana Wesleyan University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $567 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#4 – Tiffin University

Tiffin, Ohio

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 3,350
Tuition: $12,600
Tiffin University was established in 1888, and the school mascot is the Dragon. It has a student/faculty ratio of 14:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in human resource management. It’s a 36 credit hour program including coursework in teamwork and managerial accounting. Tiffin University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $700 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#3 – Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Master of Business Administration in Strategic Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 75,834
Tuition: $9,737
Grand Canyon University is the only for-profit school to participate in NCAA Division I athletics. It has a student/faculty ratio of 19:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in strategic human resource management. It’s a 54 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in decision making and management practices. Grand Canyon University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $560 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#2 – University of St Mary (Kansas)

Leavenworth, Kansas

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 1,409
Tuition: $10,764
The University of St Mary was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. It has a student/faculty ratio of 11:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in human resource management. It’s a 36 credit hour program including coursework in conflict management and training. The University of St Mary charges an online graduate tuition rate of $615 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#1 – Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management Online

Website
Points: 17
Enrollment: 6,763
Tuition: $3,186
Fitchburg State University was established in 1894. It has a student/faculty ratio of 14:1. The school offers an online master of business administration in human resource management. It’s a 30 credit hour program including coursework in corporate finance and strategic management. Fitchburg State University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $417 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

10 Best Deals on Online MBA and Online Master’s in Human Resources Management Degrees
10 Best Deals on Online MBA and Online Master’s in Marketing Degrees
Best Online MBA Programs: Top 20 Deals
Online Accounting Masters Degree: 20 Best Deals

10 Great Deals: Online DBA Programs (Doctor of Business Administration)

Find Your Degree!