How to Choose an Online MBA in Human Resources
Choose your area of study
Many online MBA in human resources programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as talent management, training and development, or organizational development. The specialization that you choose will depend on your unique career goals.
“Researching the growth opportunities for a career helps individuals understand the full scope and opportunities for an area they are interested in pursuing,” says Pickett. “However, the predicted growth should not be the only factor when considering a career path — the job market is fluid, and things can shift over time, or new careers may develop. Understanding this information is just one factor individuals can use to make a well-informed decision about their career path.”
For example, students interested in recruitment and talent acquisition may find a talent management specialization suitable. In contrast, those interested in shaping organizational culture and improving employee engagement may opt for organizational development. Training and development may be attractive to those interested in enhancing corporate-level education.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen your specialization within HR, you can research the schools and programs that align best with your professional goals.
“Students should verify that the school has active accreditation,” Pickett says. “Check with accreditation directories like the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.” These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your MBA in human resources program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Some schools may require specific prerequisite courses if your bachelor’s degree was in a different field than business or human resources. You can prepare for standardized tests, like the GRE or GMAT, by utilizing study resources like practice exams and enrolling in a test preparation course. It’s worth noting there are many online MBA programs that don’t require GMAT scores, though.
Undergraduate transcripts are typically required, and you may need to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement as well. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
“The online experience is more individual and personalized,” says Pickett. “It’s essential for individuals pursuing online degree programs to understand their learning styles and to have access to adequate technology resources to take their classes.”
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost. While higher education can be expensive, there are many financial aid resources available to help reduce your debt load. With the proper planning, you may be able to eliminate it entirely.
First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. Additionally, research and apply for scholarships and grants targeted explicitly towards MBA students or those pursuing careers in HR. Many universities and private organizations offer scholarships based on merit, need, or diversity.
If you’re actively employed, check with your employer about tuition reimbursement programs. These programs cover a portion of your tuition if you continue working in the same industry.
What Can You Expect From an Online MBA in Human Resources?
An online MBA in human resources is a wide-ranging degree program that will prepare you for leadership roles in the field. The curriculum typically covers various aspects of HR management, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, training and development, and strategic HR planning.
The duration of an MBA program in this field varies, but it usually takes around two years to complete for full-time students. Part-time and online options may be available for those who need additional flexibility.
While some programs may require occasional on-campus sessions or residencies — especially for networking events, team projects, or specialized workshops — many programs are entirely online. This flexibility can make earning higher education possible for working professionals who must balance their learning with a full-time job or other responsibilities.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in human resources program
- Strategic Human Resources Management: Often a required course for MBA students concentrating in human resources, this class explores the strategic role of HR in achieving organizational goals. Students will learn to align HR practices with business strategies, assess human capital needs, and develop HR plans supporting corporate objectives. They will gain knowledge of strategic workforce planning, talent management, and succession planning.
- Employee Training and Development: As one of the most in-demand specialties within this field, this course teaches the theories, strategies, and practices involved in effectively training and developing employees within organizations. Students explore techniques for conducting needs assessments, designing training programs, delivering engaging training sessions, and evaluating the effectiveness of training initiatives.
- Organizational Behavior: A critical cornerstone of human resources, this class teaches the psychological, social, and managerial aspects that influence individual and group behavior. Students study motivation, leadership, communication, and organizational culture.
- Talent Acquisition and Marketing: Another in-demand specialty, this class focuses on effective recruitment strategies and techniques to attract, select, and retain top talent. Students will learn about sourcing methods, candidate evaluation, interviewing techniques, and talent development strategies. By the end of the course, they will understand how to align talent acquisition with organizational goals and create a positive candidate experience.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in Human Resources?
Career outlook
An online MBA in human resources equips individuals for various management and leadership positions within HR departments. Large companies throughout the economy employ HR professionals, from business and industry to healthcare and transportation. Organizations with large and complex HR functions, such as multinational corporations or government agencies, may need MBA-trained professionals more.
Numerous specializations can be accessed by those earning an MBA in human resources. These lead to a variety of possible positions, including the following career paths:
- Human resources manager — Oversee employee relations, payroll administration, and talent acquisition and development.
- Median annual salary: $136,350
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
- Training and development manager — Design and manage an organization’s employee training programs.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 3,500 annually
- Management analyst — Advise organizations on how to recruit and retain top talent, keep employees motivated, and improve efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $99,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 92,900 annually
Online MBA in Human Resources Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in human resources degree program?
You can begin applying at most institutions through the university’s admissions portal. The specific requirements may vary, but standard requirements include providing official transcripts from previous institutions, submitting a resume or CV, writing a statement of purpose, and obtaining letters of recommendation. Some programs may require GMAT or GRE scores, while others have moved to test-optional policies. In addition, many schools will require prerequisite coursework if your bachelor’s degree is in a field other than business or a closely related industry.
It’s essential to consult with an admissions counselor in the early stages of your application preparation for additional guidance and assistance in preparing a solid application. They can help you gather accurate information about specific program requirements and ensure a smooth application process.
How much does an online MBA in human resources degree cost?
The average annual cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students much higher tuition rates than in-state students.
When budgeting for your MBA, it’s crucial to remember the additional costs associated with earning your degree. These costs can include course materials, technology fees, textbooks, and any required residencies or in-person components for online programs. While these expenses can add up, remember that you can always seek financial aid options to help alleviate a portion of the cost.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in human resources degree?
The timeline for completing your online MBA in human resources can vary depending on program structure, credit requirements, and whether you’re enrolled part-time or full-time. On average, a full-time MBA program can be completed in approximately two years, while part-time enrollment may extend the duration to three or more years.
Since online programs allow for a certain degree of flexibility, they may have different completion times than their in-person counterparts. It’s important to note that the total number of required credits can also impact program duration — most MBA programs require 32-54 credits.
Is an online MBA in human resources worth it?
The value of an MBA in human resources depends on your circumstances, goals, and career aspirations. It allows you to consider employment in various industries and organizations, including higher education, government work, and the nonprofit world. The field is growing slowly but steadily, so you will likely find a good selection of jobs available upon graduation.
Your MBA provides a strong foundation of basic business fundamentals, including finance, marketing, and operations, which makes you more versatile and desirable to employers.
Earning your degree online gives you the flexibility that an on-campus program can’t offer. It shows employers that you have excellent time management skills, self-motivation, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities to pursue your education.
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