HR professionals play a vital role in any organization. They are responsible for the entire employee life cycle, from attracting and recruiting talent to ensuring they are satisfied and productive throughout their tenure with the company. An online Master in Human Resource Program is an advanced degree program designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and refined skills for working in HR roles.
This program also opens you to a higher pay prospect and other leadership roles within an organization. If you are interested in advancing your education as an HR manager we have researched and listed the best online Masters in Human Resource Programs below, check out the list and pick the best fit for you.
Popular Courses in Online Masters in Human Resources Programs
Online Masters in Human Resource Management programs offer a selection of courses that will equip you with a well-rounded skill set for leadership roles in HR. Below are some of the popular courses you will find in an online master in Human Resource Program:-
- Strategic Human Resource Management: This course explores how Human resources align with the organization’s overall strategy to achieve its goals. You will learn about workforce planning, talent management, and HR metrics.
- Talent Acquisition and Management: This course teaches you how to attract, recruit, and retain top talent. You will learn about effective recruitment strategies, selection methods, onboarding processes, and talent development programs.
- Compensation and Benefits Administration: This course covers designing and administering competitive compensation and benefits packages. You will explore salary structures, employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans), and legal considerations.
- Employee Relations and Performance Management: This course equips you with the skills to manage employee relations, including performance appraisals, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions. You will also learn about creating a positive work environment and fostering employee engagement.
- HR Law and Employment Practices: This course provides a solid understanding of employment laws and regulations to ensure the organization is compliant. You will learn about topics like discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour laws.
These courses will play a huge role in honing your already existing skills as an HR professional. You can also choose a specialization i.e. a focus area within the HR management program. See some of the specializations you can choose from in the next section.
Human Resources Specializations
Human Resources is a broad field, and HR professionals can choose to specialize in various areas such as:-
1. Talent Acquisition (Recruitment) Specialists
These specialists are the “talent scouts” of the HR world. They focus on attracting qualified candidates for open positions. Their tasks include:-
- Identifying recruitment needs based on business goals.
- Sourcing candidates through various channels (job boards, social media, networking).
- Screening resumes/CVs and conducting interviews.
- Negotiating salary and benefits offers.
- Staying updated on labor market trends and recruitment best practices.
2. Training and Development Specialists
These specialists focus on developing and delivering training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. Their responsibilities include:-
- Identifying skill gaps within the organization.
- Designing and developing training programs (workshops, online modules, etc.).
- Delivering training sessions and facilitating workshops.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and making improvements.
- Staying updated on industry trends and best practices in learning and development.
3. Compensation and Benefits Specialists
These specialists design and administer compensation and benefits packages to attract, retain, and motivate employees. Their duties include:-
- Conducting market research to set competitive salaries and benefits.
- Designing and managing employee benefits programs (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.).
- Administering payroll and benefits.
- Staying up-to-date on legal and regulatory requirements related to compensation and benefits.
4. Employee Relations Specialists
These specialists manage employee relations and foster a positive work environment. Their responsibilities include:-
- Investigating and resolving employee complaints and grievances.
- Handling disciplinary actions.
- Maintaining employee records and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
- Developing and implementing employee relations programs like conflict resolution initiatives.
- Promoting a positive work culture through employee engagement activities.
5. Labor Relations Specialists
These specialists manage the relationship between the company and the labor union representing employees. Their duties include:-
- Negotiating collective bargaining agreements that define wages, benefits, and working conditions.
- Representing the company in grievance procedures.
- Staying up-to-date on labor laws relevant to unionized workplaces.
- Maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with the union.
The best HR specialization for you depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider what aspects of HR you find most appealing. Do you enjoy interacting with candidates and building talent?? Are you passionate about developing and empowering employees? Do you have an analytical mind and enjoy working with data? Once you have a better idea of your preferences, you can research specific HR specializations and explore career paths. After confirming the specialization you would like to concentrate on, go ahead and choose the online college where you would love to pursue your masters in HR, see the list of the best online Masters in Human Programs.
Top Online Masters in Human Resource Programs
1. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University located in Stony Brook offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program designed to meet the standards established by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Full-time students can graduate in as little as 12 months, while part-time students can complete the program in 20 months. Alternatively, there’s a slower-paced option where students take one course at a time, extending the duration to two years and eight months.
The program’s curriculum covers various areas such as employee relations, diversity in the workplace, and strategic organization. Students have the opportunity to participate in an optional one-credit internship to gain practical experience in the field. For in-state students, the tuition fee is $471, while out-of-state students are charged $565 per credit hour.
2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, New Jersey offers an online Master’s in Human Resource Management program designated as STEM by its School of Management and Labor Relations. This program covers topics such as the evolving nature of work, global employment strategies, and strategic HR management, spanning over four semesters.
The coursework covers a range of subjects including HR decision-making, developing human capital, employment law, and managing compensation systems. Additionally, students have the option to specialize in HR analytics, receiving training in data analysis tailored for workplace effectiveness. Tuition costs per semester are $14,196 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
3. Florida International University
Florida International University’s Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. The program spans 12 months program and is in accordance with the standards outlined by the Society for Human Resource Management.
The curriculum encompasses courses such as c, high-involvement human resource management, human resource analytics, and critical thinking in human resource management. To gain admission to study in this program applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher in upper-division coursework, submit GMAT or GRE scores, and have relevant professional experience in HR.
The program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The total cost for the degree is $35,000 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. Clemson University
Clemson University located in South Carolina a fully online Master’s in Human Resource Development program. This program’s curriculum covers subjects such as human resource development program evaluation, instructional systems design, and research concepts and skills.
Students have the option to pursue a general course of study or specialize in either athletic leadership or learning leadership. Admission criteria consist of holding a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, providing two recommendations, and submitting a resume, and a personal statement. Typically, students complete the program within five semesters or fewer. The cost per credit is $800 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
5. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California, offers an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program tailored for distance learners. The program is specifically structured for HR professionals and provides options for both one-year and two-year tracks. The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry experts.
Core courses in the program cover topics such as organizational culture and employee outcomes, human resource strategy, learning and development, and talent management. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, the total tuition cost for the program is $53,856.
Prospective students are mandated to have a degree from an accredited institution. The cost per credit is $2,244, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state students.
6. Purdue University
Purdue University based in West Lafayette, Indiana through its Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business offers a fully online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. The curriculum covers essential areas such as talent management and acquisition, HR strategy, and compensation. Core courses include topics like change management, total rewards, leadership, and negotiations in organizations.
Upon completion, graduates are equipped for leadership positions in workforce management within a timeframe of 20 to 36 months. Prospective students are required to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, two years of relevant professional experience, and submission of two letters of recommendation.
The program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The cost per credit stands at $1,069 for in-state students and $1,119 for out-of-state students.
7. George Washington University
George Washington University located in Washington, D.C., offers an online Master of Human Resource Management degree program. This program can be completed within 18-24 months if taken full-time, part-time students typically finish in 30-48 months.
The curriculum which is in line with the directives of the Society for Human Resource Management, includes courses such as emerging topics in human resource management, leadership and executive development, and organizations and human capital. Additionally, the program covers subjects like human performance management, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development.
Prospective students must possess a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate a strong academic background, submit one letter of recommendation, and provide a resume. The program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The cost per credit is $1,965 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
8. Georgetown University
Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., offers an online Master’s in Human Resource Management program through its School of Continuing Studies. This ethics-driven program focuses on cultivating skills in applied problem-solving, critical thinking, and training and development.
Aligned with recommendations from the Society for Human Resource Management, the curriculum covers the entire HR lifecycle, encompassing talent acquisition, management, and retention. Students have the flexibility to enroll either part-time or full-time and can complete the program within 2-5 years. Key courses include human capital analytics, workplace ethics, and a human resource management capstone. The cost per credit is $1,573 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
9. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota located in Winona offers a two-year online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management program designed to equip students with skills to assist organizations in navigating various changes. The curriculum, focused on management, covers areas such as budgeting, conflict management, company planning, and communication.
Aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management, the program includes courses such as employment law, globalization and diversity, human resource analytics, and a human resource management capstone. Additionally, students have the option to pursue stackable 12- to 15-credit graduate certificates in finance, nonprofit management, and healthcare administration. The cost per credit is $730 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
10. University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut offers an online Master’s in Human Resource Management program, primarily consisting of asynchronous classes. The curriculum covers fundamental HR topics including workplace risk management, diversity and inclusion, and human capital and teams. Students also have the flexibility to select elective courses and complete an HR capstone project.
Structured as a part-time program with a cohort learning approach, students typically complete the program in 20 months. Applicants receive personalized guidance throughout the application process. While a bachelor’s degree is required for admission, prior work experience in human resources is preferred but not mandatory. The cost per credit is $1,050 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Why Human Resources Management?
When thinking of advancing or choosing a course of study, people often wonder what they stand to gain by studying a particular course, People who are thinking of going into human resource management are no different. To answer this question, we have listed some compelling reasons why you should choose human resource management.
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Make a Difference in People’s Lives: HR professionals play a vital role in employee satisfaction and well-being. By fostering a positive work environment, creating fair compensation practices, and promoting development opportunities, you can contribute to a workplace where people feel valued and engaged.
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High Demand and Job Security: The HR field is dynamic, but the demand for skilled HR professionals remains strong. Organizations of all sizes need HR expertise to manage their workforce effectively. This translates to job security and a stable career path.
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Diverse and Stimulating Work: HR is a dynamic field that encompasses many areas. From recruitment and training to employee relations and compliance, HR professionals wear many hats and tackle a wide range of challenges, keeping the work interesting.
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Growth Potential and Specialization: The HR field offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. You can specialize in a particular area like talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, or employee relations. This allows you to tailor your career to your interests and skill set.
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Transferable Skills: The skills you develop in HR, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are valuable assets in any professional setting. This opens doors to career opportunities outside of HR if you ever decide to change paths.
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Competitive Salaries and Benefits: HR professionals typically enjoy competitive salaries and benefits packages. Compensation can vary depending on experience, location, and industry, but HR careers offer the potential for financial security and a comfortable lifestyle.
If you enjoy working with people, have a strong sense of fairness, and are passionate about creating a positive work environment, then HR Management could be a rewarding career choice for you. It offers a blend of challenge, purpose, and the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Best Online Masters in Human Resource Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a master’s in Human Resource Management?
The length of a Master’s in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program can vary depending on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown: Fulltime study typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete. This is the most common option for students who can dedicate themselves fully to their studies. If you are opting for part-time studies, the duration can take from 2 to 5 years. This option offers flexibility for working professionals who need to balance studies with their careers and other commitments.
Is getting a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management Worth It?
This is a very important question to ask yourself when considering a career path. Whether getting a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management is worth it depends on your specific career goals and situation. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of taking on a Master’s in Human Resource Management.
Pros
- Career Advancement: A Master’s degree can qualify you for senior HR positions and leadership roles. It demonstrates your advanced knowledge, skills, and commitment to the field, making you a more competitive candidate.
- Enhanced Skillset: This program will equip you with advanced analytical, strategic, and problem-solving abilities highly valued by employers. You will gain a deeper understanding of complex HR topics like HR analytics, talent management, and workforce planning.
- Earning Potential: Studies suggest that HR professionals with a Master’s degree can potentially earn higher salaries compared to those with a bachelor’s degree.
- Job Security: The HR field is expected to experience continued growth, and a Master’s degree can strengthen your job security in a competitive market.
- Increased Specialization: These programs may offer specializations like Talent Management or HR Information Systems, allowing you to tailor your expertise to a specific area of HR.
Cons:
- Time Commitment: A Master’s degree typically takes 1-3 years to complete, requiring a significant investment of time and effort. You will need to balance studies with work and personal commitments for part-time options.
- Cost: Tuition fees for HR programs can be expensive.
- Experience vs. Degree: While a Master’s is valuable, some employers may prioritize relevant HR experience over a degree, especially for entry-level positions.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Human Resources Cost?
The cost of an online Master’s in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) can vary significantly depending on several factors, here are some of the factors:-
- Institution: Public universities tend to be cheaper than private universities for in-state students. However, out-of-state students at public universities may pay a higher tuition rate closer to private institutions.
- Program Length: Full-time programs are typically completed faster than part-time programs, resulting in lower overall tuition costs.
- Credit Hours: The total number of credit hours required for the program directly impacts the tuition amount.
- Location: The cost of living in the university’s location can influence indirect costs like housing and transportation.
- Average Cost: The national average cost for an online Human Resource Program falls somewhere between $28,300 and $35,000.
- Least Expensive: Some institutions offer online Human Resource programs for as low as $8,956.50.
Consider These Costs Too:-
- Technology Fees: Some programs may have additional fees for technology resources or online learning platforms.
- Books and Materials: Factor in the cost of textbooks and other learning materials.
- Application Fees: There may be non-refundable application fees associated with program applications.
Conclusion
Taking your HR expertise to the next level is rewarding. Earning an online Master of Science in Human Resource Management equips you with the advanced knowledge and refined skills sought after by employers in the job market today.
When choosing an online master’s in HR program, consider factors like accreditation, program curriculum, faculty expertise, and specializations to find the one that fits with your career aspirations. Remember, the cost of these programs can vary, so explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities to ease the financial burden.
We have explored popular courses offered in online masters in HR programs, highlighting the range of knowledge you will gain. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives, enjoy working with a diverse workforce, and are driven to contribute to an organization’s success, then an online master’s in Human resource management program is perfect for you.