Today, HR leaders do more than manage policies. They shape company culture, guide strategy, and help organizations thrive. An MBA in Human Resources blends people-first leadership with core business skills, preparing you for senior roles in talent management, organizational development, and beyond. With online programs designed for working professionals, you can expand your skills without stepping away from your current role. Let OMD show you top programs, the value of the degree, and what to expect from the online learning experience.
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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Inside Popular Online MBA in HR Programs
Below, we feature three accredited U.S.-based universities offering online or hybrid MBA programs with a Human Resources concentration. Each program delivers a unique blend of flexibility, curriculum focus, and support for students. Key details like duration, format, cost, and admissions requirements are summarized for easy comparisons.
Southern New Hampshire University — MBA Human Resources Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University offers a 30-credit online MBA with HR specialization that can be completed in one year of full-time study. The curriculum combines core business courses with three specialized HR courses focusing on strategic alignment, information systems, and organizational development. With five annual start dates and 24/7 course access, the program offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program accepts up to six transfer credits and requires no GMAT for admission. As a nonprofit university, SNHU maintains affordable tuition rates and offers military discounts and financial aid options.
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $637/credit, $19,110 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Transcripts
Louisiana State University Shreveport — MBA with Human Resource Management Concentration
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), LSU Shreveport offers an online MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration that can be completed in 10 months through accelerated 7-week courses. The 30-credit curriculum combines 21 credits of MBA core with 9 credits of HR coursework covering workforce planning, employee relations, and HR development. Emphasizing affordability while providing success and career services, the program features practical case studies and projects focused on employee management challenges. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants with sufficient work experience or GPAs.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $479/credit, $14,370 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Graduate degree or bachelor’s with GPA or experience requirements
- Transcripts
University of Scranton — MBA with Human Resources Management Concentration
The University of Scranton offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA with a specialization in human resources management through the Kania School of Management. The 39-credit curriculum combines MBA core courses with HR electives focusing on strategic HR management, staffing, and reward systems. Designed for working professionals, the program typically takes 24 months part-time, with flexible asynchronous online delivery. Emphasizing leadership, ethics, and practical HR decision-making skills, the program offers students personalized support through assigned coordinators and mentors.
Duration: Two years (PT)
Mode: Online
Cost: $965/credit, $37,635 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years of supervisory/professional experience
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Statement of intent
- Three letters of reference
- Resume
- Transcripts
Common Questions from MBA in HR Students
Q: How does an HR MBA differ from traditional HR certifications or degrees?
An MBA in HR develops strategic leadership capabilities beyond traditional HR certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR. While these certifications focus on operational HR knowledge, the MBA pathway prepares you to drive organizational strategy and lead transformation initiatives. You’ll learn to align human capital strategies with business objectives, leverage HR analytics for decision-making, and lead change management at an executive level. The program emphasizes HR’s role in business strategy rather than just policy implementation and compliance.
Q: What emerging trends and technologies are covered in modern HR MBA programs?
Programs focus heavily on digital transformation in HR, including AI-driven recruitment, predictive workforce analytics, and digital employee experience platforms. You’ll learn to implement and manage HR technology, use data analytics for workforce planning, and develop digital learning strategies. Coursework typically covers remote work management, digital performance management systems, and AI-powered HR tools. Many programs include projects involving HR automation, employee experience design, and digital transformation of HR processes.
Q: How does this degree prepare me for the evolving future of work?
The curriculum emphasizes emerging workplace trends like hybrid work models, multi-generational workforce management, and global team leadership. You’ll learn to develop strategies for workforce upskilling, design inclusive organizational cultures, and manage the human aspects of digital transformation. Programs typically cover topics like organizational design for agility, employee wellbeing programs, and sustainable workforce planning. You’ll develop skills in change management, digital leadership, and creating adaptive organizational structures.
Q: What kind of practical experience is incorporated into these programs?
Most HR MBA programs include consulting projects with real organizations, often focusing on solving complex workforce challenges. You’ll typically work on change management initiatives, organizational development projects, and HR transformation strategies. Many programs partner with corporations for capstone projects or internships. Case competitions, HR analytics projects, and simulation exercises are common. Some programs include certification preparation for SHRM-SCP or SPHR as part of the curriculum.
Q: What unique leadership skills will I develop compared to other MBA specializations?
The program develops distinctive capabilities in people leadership, organizational development, and change management. You’ll learn to lead diversity and inclusion initiatives, develop talent management strategies, and create high-performance organizational cultures. Emphasis is placed on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management. The curriculum typically includes extensive training in organizational behavior, leadership coaching, and building influence across organizations. You’ll develop expertise in managing complex organizational dynamics and leading cultural transformation.
Paying for an Online Human Resources MBA
Online MBA programs in Human Resources typically require 30-39 credits, with tuition varying significantly between institutions. Public universities often charge a few hundred dollars per credit, while private institutions may charge over $1,000 per credit. Many online programs offer cost advantages through eliminated campus fees and flexible payment options.
Below is a comparison of three programs to illustrate the range of tuition costs:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNHU – MBA in Human Resources | 30 | $637 | $19,110 |
| LSU Shreveport – MBA, HR Management | 30 | $479 | $14,370 |
| Univ. of Scranton – MBA, HR Management | 39 | $965 | $37,635 |
Note: Tuition figures are subject to change; totals above exclude incidental fees and are based on the current published rates.
Concerned about educational costs? Let OMD be your financial planning companion. Our financial aid guide will walk you through everything from application basics to funding possibilities. For those seeking specific financial opportunities, dive into our guide to top grad school grants and discover 68 scholarships for master’s students. Master your money management skills with our College Budgeting 101 guide.
What’s Next? Exploring Careers for MBAs in HR
Graduates with an MBA in HR often find themselves stepping into senior HR roles or even broader business leadership positions. Whether you’re managing recruitment, employee relations, or workforce strategy, this degree equips you to be a strategic partner in any organization. It’s also a stepping stone to C-suite roles like Chief HR Officer or consulting positions where you can shape human capital strategies. Below are three standout career paths for MBA in HR graduates.
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, you’ll oversee critical functions like hiring, training, and employee relations while aligning HR policies with business goals. This role is ideal for those who enjoy both people-focused work and strategic planning. With an MBA, you’ll bring a business-oriented perspective to HR, consulting with executives on talent strategies and process improvements. In larger organizations, this role can lead to director or VP positions, where your influence and earning potential grow significantly.
Training and Development Manager
If you’re passionate about fostering employee growth, a career as a Training and Development Manager might be your calling. These professionals design and implement programs that enhance workforce skills and align with business objectives. With an MBA in HR, you’ll have the tools to measure the ROI of training initiatives and tie them to company performance. This career combines creativity with strategy, making it perfect for those who enjoy designing impactful learning experiences.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
For those who enjoy working with data and strategy, becoming a Compensation and Benefits Manager is a rewarding path. In this role, you’ll design pay structures and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent while staying cost-effective. The role is critical in medium to large organizations and can lead to senior HR executive positions. Your MBA-level expertise in finance and analytics will be invaluable in this role, where you’ll directly impact employee satisfaction and organizational success.