Earning an MBA in human resource management provides students with a strong business foundation and specialized training in HR. It can be a great choice for managers transitioning into HR leadership roles or those seeking more specialized roles in areas like training and development. MBA HR graduates have the advanced skills and training to be successful in professional roles such as Director of Human Resources or Human Resource Manager. Some of the top schools in the country offer this unique combination and we created this list to showcase the best.
Ranking of the Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs
Average Graduate Tuition
- Less than $15,000 per year= 5 Points
- $15,000 to $25,000 per year= 3 Points
- Greater than $25,000 per year= 1 Point
We considered a school’s student to faculty ratio when creating our ranking. We felt this criteria was important since the lower the student to faculty ratio, the more individualized attention a student can usually expect to receive.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- Less than 10:1= 5 Points
- 11:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 15:1= 1 Point
We also looked at a school’s return on investment according to Payscale.com to determine which schools had the best value. We reviewed the 20-year ROI for in-state rate paying students in our figures. Since college is an investment of both time and money, we felt it was important to consider which schools were setting up their graduates for a successful career.
ROI
- Greater than $500,000= 3 Points
- Less than $500,000= 1 Point
Related Resource: Top 25 Online Masters in HR No GRE or GMAT Required
SUMMARY RANKING OF THE TOP 10 BEST HR MBA PROGRAMS:
- Brigham Young University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of North Texas
- Florida State University
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
- University at Albany – SUNY
- Oregon State University
- George Washington University
- Michigan State University
- Nova Southeastern University
#10. Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
MBA With a Major in Human Resource Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
ROI: $261,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,618/year
Points: 5
Unique Features
The H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southern University offers a top value MBA in Human Resource Management. This MBA in HR program helps students develop their business acumen while gaining advanced skills in areas like conflict management and training and development. Courses are offered in a flexible asynchronous format and cover areas like:
- Employee Relations
- Managing Total Rewards
- Talent Management
Students begin this 40-49 credit program when it’s convenient by choosing from five different start times offered throughout the year.
#9. Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan
Full-time MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management
For more information: Michigan State University
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
ROI: $448,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,858/year in-state and $37,056/year out-of-state
Points: 5
Unique Features
The best value MBA in human resources and strategic management from Michigan State University Broad College of Business is a full-time program that emphases HRSM specific strategies and programs across a variety of business areas. Concentration courses cover areas like:
- International Management
- Foundations of Negotiation
- Complex Negotiations
Elective course offerings are available through the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Students can use Dynamic Distributed Decision-Making simulation software in the Team Effectiveness Lab, join the MBA HR Association, and participate in the SHRM student chapter at MSU. Graduates are prepared for exciting opportunities in consulting, management, leadership and recruitment.
#8. George Washington University – Washington, DC
MBA/Master of Human Resource Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
ROI: $551,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $31,770/year
Points: 7
Unique Features
George Washington University offers an innovative dual MBA and HRM master’s degree program. Both full and part-time programs are available. Students must complete requirements for both degrees, but 21 credit hours are shared between the two programs. HRM courses include:
- Leadership and Executive Development
- Critical Thinking Skills for Executive Leadership
- Perspectives on Leadership
Students can tailor the program to meet their professional goals by choosing from a variety of elective course offerings. There is no GRE or GMAT test requirement for admission.
#7. Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon
MBA – Human Resource Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
ROI: $464,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,257/year in-state and $26,109/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features
The affordable Human Resource Management MBA program at Oregon State University is a 60 credit-hour program emphasizing evidence-based, data-driven practices. Students will learn how to properly evaluate human resource data, develop a sound HR strategic plan, and understand the legal obligations facing organizations. The 60 credit-hour program includes courses in:
- negotiations
- HR management
- compensation management
Graduates are able to successfully implement new workforce initiatives and support a fair and positive workplace for all employees.
#6. University at Albany-State University of New York – Albany, New York
Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Information Systems
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
ROI: $414,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,310/year in-state and $23,100/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features
The University at Albany features a budget-friendly MBA in human resource management through the AACSB accredited School of Business. This unique program emphasizes HR information systems and is the only program of its kind to be accredited by both the AACSB and the SHRM. Students will learn how to use technology to increase workforce performance and be a more efficient organization. They will explore HR information systems and software applications that support benefits administration, employee management, and recruitment. Internship opportunities are available to students who want to boost their resume while developing their professional skills.
#5. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management
For more information: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
ROI: $474,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,728/year in-state and $24,054/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features
The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a low-priced MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management taught by industry leaders. The industry-focused curriculum aligns with the guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management. Students can develop their professional skills and gain confidence by participating in HR specific workshops, case studies and industry visits. Class size is intentionally small to promote interaction and firsthand experience. Program graduates meet the two-year work experience requirement needed to sit for the SHRM certification exam.
#4. Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
ROI: $359,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features
The low-cost MBA in human resource management from the College of Business at Florida State University boasts an innovative curriculum and excellent career placement. The curriculum is academically aligned to the SHRM guidelines. Course offerings include:
- Compensation Management
- Training and Development
- Personnel and Human Resource Management
The program is offered as an accelerated, full-time program and takes just one year to complete. Admission to the program is competitive. Students must submit transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation to be considered.
#3. University of North Texas – Denton, Texas
MBA in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
ROI: $331,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,350/year in-state and $13,712/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features
The G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas features a cheap and innovative MBA in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. Students will learn how processes, structures, and behaviors fit together within the business organization. Courses cover areas like:
- selection and placement
- health and safety
- organizational change
Students can participate in seminars that cover primary HR functions and provide the opportunity for in-depth study of leadership and organizational change. Graduates can use their education and experience to pursue top managerial positions or focus their career in a specialized area like training and development.
#2. Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee
MBA-Human and Organizational Performance
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
ROI: $526,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $50,082/year
Points: 9
Unique Features
The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University offers a high-quality HR MBA program taught by award-winning professors and scholars. Students develop advanced skills in areas like strategic human resource management and organizational design. Unique elective course offerings include:
- Women and Leadership
- Employee Engagement and People Analytics
- Leading Change
Graduates are prepared to impellent effective business strategies that improve individual and organizational performance.
#1. Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah
MBA-Strategic Human Resources
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
ROI: $660,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,510/year
Points: 9
Unique Features
Our top MBA in Human Resource Management is offered by Brigham Young University. This high-value program is designed for students who aspire for leadership roles in areas like HR, organizational consulting, and general management. Courses cover areas like:
- Operations Management
- Strategic HR Management
- Corporate Financial Reporting
Students are exposed to key HR principles through coursework and reinforce those principles through field-study projects that help them develop their skills. Students are encouraged to complete an internship during the spring/summer semester, building their resume.
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