The Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs 2021 - Human Resources Degrees

An MBA is the gold standard in business education, and it is a great choice for human resource professionals who want a strong business foundation and specialized training in HR. Students who complete HR MBA program are prepared for advanced 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 were challenged to find 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. 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 considered 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.

Return On Investment

Greater than $500,000= 3 Points
Less than $500,000= 1 Point

SUMMARY RANKING OF THE TOP 10 BEST HR MBA PROGRAMS:

Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Brigham Young University
Vanderbilt University
University of North Texas
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: $276,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $19,665/year
Points: 5
Unique Features

Nova Southeastern University features a high-value MBA with a major in HR management. Students will build a strong business foundation while gaining specialized skills in human resources. Day and evening courses are offered, and online options are available. Students can compete their degree in just 21 months. Five start dates throughout year let students begin when it best fits their schedule. Courses include:

Managing Total Rewards
Employee Relations
Talent Management

Students can choose to complete either a course in strategic human resource management or a management internship experience.

#9. Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan

Full-time MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management

For more information
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
ROI: $434,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,858/year in-state and $37,056/year out-of-state
Points: 5
Unique Features

Michigan State University offers an affordable MBA in human resource management that uses a team-based approach to learning. The concentration gives students practice in both hard and soft skills needed to be an effective HR professional. Courses cover areas like:

Managing the Learning Organization
Social Issues in Management
International Management

Elective courses are available from the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations for students interested in labor markets and collective bargaining. Students can participate in professional development opportunities through the MBA Human Resources Association, case study competitions, and social impact projects.

#8. George Washington University – Washington, DC

MBA/Master of Human Resource Management

Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
ROI: $531,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $31,770/year
Points: 7
Unique Features

George Washington University offers a top MBA/MHRM dual degree program to full and part-time students. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the GW School of Business provides students with an insightful view of business and HR from a unique vantage point. Human resource courses include:

Leadership and Executive Development
Critical Thinking Skills for Executive Leadership
Performance Management and Development

Students in this dual MBA/HR program will learn cutting-edge HR practices while becoming innovative leaders and change agents.

#7. Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon

MBA – Human Resource Management

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
ROI: $443,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,933/year in-state and $24,975/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features

The top human resource management MBA program at Oregon State University is a comprehensive and cutting-edge program for the 21st century HR professional. Students will learn how to create a fair and safe workplace, attract, and hire top talent, and help employees navigate and adapt to change. Courses draw from evidence-based, data-driven practices that are proven to make a positive impact on an organization. HRM courses include:

Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage
Compensation Management
Negotiations

All courses are offered in a personalized in-person format at the Corvallis location.

#6. University at Albany-State University of New York – Albany, New York

Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Information Systems

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
ROI: $402,000
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 high-value, full-time MBA with an innovative concentration in human resource information systems. This top HR MBA is the only HR information systems program holding dual accreditation with the AACSB and the SHRM. Students will learn how to use technology in HR to drive efficiency and maximize employee performance. Courses cover areas like:

Enterprise resource planning
Cloud computing
Human resource information systems

Students can complete an internship with a local, national, or international organization to gain professional experience. MBA students can work with the business school’s career center to find job opportunities, write the perfect resume, and participate in mock interviews.

#5. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin

MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management

For more information
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
ROI: $449,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,728/year in-state and $24,054/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features

The University of Wisconsin School of Business offers one of the best MBA in strategic human resource management programs in the country. Students will learn what it takes to become a strategic business partner. Hands-on experience is a key component of the program. Human resources students work with executives at leading companies to solve their HR challenges. Case studies are used to give students experience with the latest predictive software. The focused curriculum includes courses in:

Labor Management Relations
Personnel Staffing and Evaluation
Integrated Company Analysis

The program takes two years to complete for full-time students.

#4. University of North Texas – Denton, Texas

MBA in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management

Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
ROI: $319,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,900/year in-state and $13,496/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Unique Features

The G. Brint Ryan College of Busines at the University of North Texas offers a budget-friendly MBA in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management. Students will study the behaviors, structures, and processes that make up a business while learning about key HR functions like compensation, selection and placement, and organizational change. Courses include:

Managing Organizational Design and Change
Organizational Behavior and Analysis
Leveraging IT for Business

Courses are available online to accommodate working professionals. Graduates are prepared for roles like training and development specialist or compensations and benefits manager.

#3. Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee

MBA-Human and Organizational Performance

Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
ROI: $502,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $48,624/year
Points: 9
Unique Features

Vanderbilt University features a highly customizable MBA program with a career-focused concentration in human and organizational performance. This top MBA HR program was developed by award-winning scholars who are industry experts. Courses cover areas like:

Managerial and Organizational Effectiveness
Leading Change
Strategic Human Resource Management

This full-time program is designed for early career professionals and takes 21 months to complete. The Vanderbilt MBA program seeks students who can step outside their comfort zone to develop the teamwork and analytical skills needed for a successful business career.

#2. Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah

MBA-Strategic Human Resources

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
ROI: $632,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,290/year
Points: 9
Unique Features

The Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business features a high-quality MBA strategic human resources degree rich with hands on learning opportunities. Students will study key HR areas like motivation, organizational design, and change management. Special projects and student research keep students engaged. Courses include:

Operations Management
Strategic HR Management
Business Strategy

Courses are taught by faculty who are well respected in their field. Small class size emphasizes a team-oriented approach as students move through the first year of the program together. Students are encouraged to complete a summer internship between their first and second program year.

#1. Texas A&M University – Central Texas – Killian, Texas

Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management

Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
ROI: $599,000
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,405/year in-state and $12,000/year out-of-state
Points: 11
Unique Features

Texas A&M University – Central Texas offers our top human resources MBA. The program is available online and is a great fit for working professionals. This 36-hour ACBSP accredited HR MBA program includes courses like:

Managing Human Resource Development
Organizational Behavior
Workforce Planning and Employment

Students can participate in professional development opportunities through student organizations like the SHRM, the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the Warrior Society, and the American Marketing Association. While the average time to complete the program is two years, students can finish in as few as 16 months.