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Online master’s in human resources

Online master's in human resources programs teach leadership, development, and management skills. Discover top programs, career paths, and admissions requirements.

Explore online master’s in human resources programs

Why earn an online master's in human resources?

Advanced knowledge

Master's students can learn about complex human resource topics, including labor relations, workplace ethics, and conflict management.

Flexibility

Asynchronous programs can allow you to work and study simultaneously.

Career benefits

Master's degree-holders can access higher-than-average salaries and promotion opportunities.


Online master's in human resources (HR) programs can teach you about HR strategies, leadership skills, and development methods. Some programs allow you to specialize in fields like executive coaching and global talent management. Discover in human resources, degree benefits, and popular career paths.

Find the right master’s in human resources for you

What can you do with an online master's in human resources degree?

As a graduate of a master's in human resources program, you can qualify for jobs across a wide array of industries.

Below are possible roles in human resources that you can pursue after earning your master's, with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

HR manager

HR managers oversee HR departments, develop HR strategies, and ensure that organizations comply with labor laws and company policies.

  • Median annual salary (2023): $136,350

  • Projected job growth (2023–33): 6%, faster than the average for all occupations

Compensation and benefits manager

Compensation and benefits managers design and manage compensation and benefits programs at a company or organization. They ensure that benefits packages for employees are competitive and attractive.

  • Median annual salary (2023): $136,380

  • Projected job growth (2023–33): 2%, slightly slower than the average for all occupations

Training and development manager

Training and development managers plan and coordinatate training programs within their organization to enhance employee skills and support career growth.

  • Median annual salary (2023): $125,040

  • Projected job growth (2023–33): 7%, faster than average for all occupations

Labor relations specialist

Labor relations specialists handle negotiations with labor unions, interpret labor contracts, and address labor-related issues.

  • Median annual salary (2023): $89,980

  • Projected job growth (2023–33): 0%, little or no change

What can you learn in an online master's in human resources program?

Online master's in human resources programs prepare students to pursue advanced roles in the field. Programs typically consist of 24-30 credits, depending upon the program's curriculum and your concentration area. Full-time students can complete the program within one to two years.

Master's in human resources programs can teach you about talent retention, HR analytics, and employee relations. Graduates can design comprehensive human resource strategies, align corporate values with HR plans, and use data to analyze strategic goals. Some programs may offer specialization tracks, including leadership, diversity, compensation, and people analytics.

Some MBA programs may also offer HR concentrations, but offer different benefits and curriculums.

Admissions for an online master's in human resources programs

Online master's in human resources programs have various admissions requirements, but most commonly require the following:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Personal essay
  • Résumé
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts

Most programs do not require you to submit standardized test scores, but check specific program requirements for more information.

Explore online master’s in human resources programs

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get an online master's in human resources degree?

Full-time students can earn an online master's in human resources degree within 1-2 years. The exact program length depends on program requirements and your course load. It may take part-time students one and a half to three years to complete the program.

How much does an online master's in human resources cost?

Tuition rates vary widely and depend upon the program's delivery format, institution type, and location. Be sure to check each program's fees and consider costs that aren't included, such as transportation, housing, and textbooks. You can apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to help lower your costs.

Is it worth it to get an online master's in human resources?

While the value of a degree depends on your career goals and financial capacity, some people may find that earning an online . Master's in human resources students can learn advanced human resources skills, including corporate social responsibility and HR technologies.

What can you do with an online master's in human resources?

Graduates from master's in human resources programs can pursue roles like HR manager, compensation manager, or training and development manager. According to the BLS, multiple advanced human resources roles earned an average salary above $100,000 in 2023.