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.
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