If you’re an HR professional aiming for a leadership role with higher pay, or if you work in a related field and want to transition into human resources, this page features the best online accelerated degree programs in human resources to kickstart your research.
These programs are designed to fast-track your career advancement, typically taking 12 to 18 months to complete. Graduates can pursue roles such as training and development manager, with a median salary of $125,040 and a job growth rate faster than average, adding 3,500 new jobs annually. Other options include compensation and benefits manager, with a median salary of $136,380, and human resources manager, with a median salary of $136,350.
We interviewed Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine, who shared valuable insights on applying for an online master’s program and securing funding for your degree.
How to Choose an Online Accelerated Master’s in Human Resources Program
Choose your area of study
To select an area of study for this degree, consider asking yourself questions like:
- What HR functions am I passionate about?
- What are my career goals?
- Do I prefer strategic planning or employee-focused roles?
“Thorough self-reflection is a great investment during this process to ensure you’re selecting a graduate program that is right for you,” says Villagomez. “Begin by reflecting on your strengths, including areas of expertise, skills, and fields of knowledge. Gaining clarity on your strengths and interests can help you find a graduate program and career track that are a good fit.”
Specialization options may include talent acquisition for those interested in recruitment, compensation and benefits for students who enjoy analytical work, training and development for individuals who love teaching and coaching, and HR analytics for data-driven decision-makers.
Research schools and programs
With your specialization in mind, you can use that leverage to narrow your options and perform better research. You may come into this process with some questions of your own, but here are a few more to guide your research further:
- What are the faculty qualifications, and how do they align with my interests?
- What support services are available for online students?
- What are the program’s graduation and employment rates?
You can find most of this information by visiting program websites, speaking to an admissions counselor, or attending a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Once you have a shortlist of schools for this degree, you’ll want to turn your attention to test and application prep. While some specific requirements vary by institution, many programs share the same standard criteria — including:
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Updated resume
- GRE scores, if required
If standardized test scores are required, consider enrolling in a GRE test prep program to boost your scores and improve your application’s competitiveness. High GRE scores can significantly strengthen your application, demonstrating your readiness for graduate-level coursework.
“With all these requirements, students need to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines,” Villagomez says. “I encourage students to decide what systems help them organize the application requirements and track their progress for each school.”
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Fortunately, you can simplify this by revisiting your initial research criteria and focusing on what matters most to you — like specialization options, the faculty you’ll learn from, and available support services. Consider how each program aligns with your career goals and will advance your professional life.
This is also a great time to reassess the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees. Compare this figure alongside any financial aid offers to make an informed decision.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financing your degree may feel like an insurmountable hurdle, but many financial aid resources are available to help. Start by filing the FAFSA to access federal financial aid, grants, and low-interest loans. Additionally, explore scholarships and assistantships offered by your school and external organizations.
“Scholarships are free money, and hundreds of options are available outside of the schools you’re applying to,” Villagomez advises. “Consider using trusted scholarship websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Going Merry, and ScholarshipOwl.”
If you’re currently employed in a related field, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs to help offset costs. Lastly, federal loans should be used sparingly to bridge financial gaps and avoid accumulating excessive debt.
Best 50 Accredited Online Accelerated Master’s in Human Resources Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best online accelerated master’s in human resources programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online accelerated master’s in human resources programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Accelerated Master’s in Human Resources Program?
By pursuing an online accelerated master’s in human resources, you’ll comprehensively understand HR principles, strategic management, and organizational behavior. As a student, you’ll learn about talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, training and development, and HR analytics. Many curriculums include courses on employment law, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. You may also see practical applications, like case studies and projects, integrated into these curriculums to boost real-world skills.
Rather than a standard thesis, these programs are more likely to require the completion of a capstone course or additional coursework to demonstrate the culmination of your knowledge. These programs are designed for busy professionals and take 12 to 18 months to complete. Graduates will be equipped to tackle HR challenges, implement effective policies, and drive organizational success.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online accelerated master’s in human resources program
- Talent Acquisition and Management: A standard core requirement, this course covers strategies for recruiting, selecting, and retaining top talent. Students will learn about employer branding, workforce planning, and effective interviewing techniques to build a solid organizational team.
- Compensation and Benefits: Another common course, this class encourages students to explore the principles of designing competitive compensation packages and benefits programs. These courses typically include job evaluation, salary surveys, and incentive structures to ensure fair and motivating employee remuneration.
- Employment Law: Often considered an upper-level class, this course provides an overview of the legal framework governing employment practices. Students learn regulations related to discrimination, workplace safety, and labor unions, preparing them to navigate and manage legal challenges in HR.
Other ways to earn your degree faster
If an accelerated program isn’t right for you, or you want additional ways to earn your degree faster, you have some options.
- Consider taking a course overload. Most colleges using the semester system consider 12-15 credit hours full-time. However, it is possible to take as many as 18 credits a semester with your academic advisor’s permission.
- Take courses during holidays and in the summer. Most colleges and universities offer a full slate of courses throughout the summer months, sometimes in a condensed format that takes less than the usual 16 weeks. Other institutions offer brief courses that generally take three weeks during the holidays. In this case, you would take one course at a time that meets for an extended period each day of the three-week cycle.
- Earn credits through competency exams, such as those given by College-Level Examination Preparation (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). This may be especially appealing if you already have experience in human resources since it’s likely that you’ve learned material that would otherwise require you to take part in a course. There is usually a fee involved, but it will be much less than the cost of a class. Check with your school first to ensure that they accept the exams you’ll be taking.
- Ask about earned certifications. If you have earned certifications in the past as part of your professional responsibilities, these may be accepted by your institution for credit. Certifications are given by a range of organizations, from Microsoft and Google to the Society for Human Resource Management. Again, check with your school to see what their policy is on this.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Human Resources Degree?
The career outlook for leadership roles in HR is promising, with most sectors expecting higher-than-average growth over the next decade. Many management positions in this field offer a median salary of six figures, reflecting the increasing importance of strategic human resources management in driving organizational success.
Career outlook
- Human Resources Manager — A common route for graduates with this degree, human resources managers oversee the HR department, guaranteeing that all HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, are effectively managed.
- Median annual salary: $136,350
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 15,500
- Training and Development Manager — Individuals in this role design and implement programs to improve employee skills and career growth. They assess organizational needs, develop training curricula, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives to ensure continuous workforce development.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 3,500
- Compensation and Benefits Manager — Graduates in this sector develop and manage employee compensation programs and benefits packages to establish fair and competitive remuneration. They analyze market trends, design salary structures, and oversee benefits administration to attract and retain top talent.
- Median annual salary: $136,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 1,100
Online Accelerated Master’s in Human Resources Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated online master’s in HR programs are designed for working professionals seeking to level up their careers quickly. These programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, offering a flexible and intensive curriculum covering essential HR topics like talent management, compensation, and employment law. Students can balance work and study through online classes, interactive assignments, and virtual collaboration.
However, it’s crucial to approach this decision with plenty of knowledge to ensure it’s the right fit for your career goals and lifestyle. To learn more about the pros and cons of these programs, visit our article, which explores these elements further.
How long does it take to earn an online accelerated master's in human resources degree?
These degrees typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, significantly faster than the two to three years for traditional programs. However, evaluating the total number of required credits is essential, as this can vary by program and impact the actual time you’ll need to graduate. Generally speaking, the more credits required, the longer it’ll take to complete.
How much does an online accelerated master's in human resources degree cost?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the average tuition cost for graduate degrees is $20,513 per year. However, many factors can cause this figure to fluctuate – including the institution’s reputation, program length, and residency status.
You’ll also want to be prepared for costs beyond the tuition price, which frequently include technology fees, textbooks, and course materials. While these expenses can seem relatively minor compared to tuition, they can add up over time and significantly impact your budget.