The best HR MBA programs prepare individuals for high profile Human Resources roles, such as Vice President of HR and Chief HR Officer, as well as other executive positions within companies. In addition, many individuals with a Human Resources MBA go to work for consulting firms in the area of organization design and development, strategy, leadership, and coaching.
Featured Top-ranked HR MBA Programs
The best HR MBA programs differ from Master of Science in HR programs in their added focus on core business topics such as finance and accounting, valuation, global business, and entrepreneurship.
Ranking of the Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs
This list of the top 10 Best HR MBA Programs was developed with quality of the curriculum in mind. Since students interested in this type of advanced degree are making a sizable investment of their time, effort and financial resources, attending a school which can provide a good foundation of knowledge is a very important consideration.
#1 Stanford University
Executive Summary
Stanford is highly selective about the applicants it admits to its MBA program. Only seven percent of those interested in attending the University’s graduate school of business receive an acceptance letter.
Tuition
The cost of tuition for a Stanford MBA program is $55,200 per academic year.
Unique Features
The MBA HR curriculum at Stanford is tailored to each student. Learning methods include global study trips, role-playing, simulations, and case studies.
#2 Northwestern University
Executive Summary
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management is one of the top-ranked schools in the nation. Its MBA programs are geared toward applicants with at least two years of work experience before applying.
Tuition
Students enrolled in the two-year MBA program would pay $54,000 per year. The one-year MBA program will cost $72,000 for tuition.
Unique Features
The Human Resources concentration at Northwestern includes courses in economics and behavioral sciences. Students combine both views as they pertain to human resources management issues.
#3 University of Chicago
Executive Summary
University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business has been welcoming students since 1898. The school was ranked at No. 3 on Forbes list of the Best Business Schools for 2011.
Tuition
Each course in the program costs $5,340, which brings tuition costs for a nine-month school year to $53,400.
Unique Features
Students in the MBA HR concentration take three or four courses per quarter and graduate in 21 months.
#4 University of California Berkeley
Executive Summary
UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business offers an MBA program which gives students a firm foundation in general business principles, as well as their area of concentration.
Tuition
CA residents pay $44,266 in tuition per academic year to attend UC Berkeley. Non-residents are charged $51,246.
Unique Features
Elective courses make up over half of the MBA curriculum. Student-initiated courses, which are run under the guidance of a faculty member, are also an option for learners.
#5 Vanderbilt University
Executive Summary
Vanderbilt is one of the top-ranked universities in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. All students are bound by the institution’s Honor Code, which has been in place since 1875.
Tuition
The tuition cost for an academic year is $43,902.
Unique Features
Vanderbilt’s MBA concentration in Human and Organizational Performance was developed by award-winning instructors. This concentration gives students the knowledge required to help individuals give the best performance on the job while keeping the goals of the organization in mind.
#6 University of Southern California
Executive Summary
The Marshall School of Business at USC offers a well-respected MBA program. International travel and study projects are required for all full-time MBA students.
Tuition
Estimated tuition and fees for the full-time MBA program is $55,000 for a nine-month academic year.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the MBA program work with Career Services advisors to make the transition from learner to working professional a smooth one.
#7 Purdue University
Executive Summary
Purdue’s MBA program has been ranked among the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S News & World Report.
Tuition
Resident tuition and fees is $10,733 per semester. Nonresidents pay $20,286 per semester.
Unique Features
The Krannert School of Management offers a world-class curriculum with an emphasis on quantitative analysis. The Student Services Office conducts annual information sessions to help students choose the best area of specialization for their interests and abilities.
#8 Michigan State University
Executive Summary
Michigan State’s Broad College of Business offers a theory-based curriculum to MBA students. Once learners choose a concentration, they have a fair amount of flexibility in the elective courses they choose.
Tuition
The cost of Michigan State’s MBA program for in state students is $24,935 per year. Out-of-state and international students pay $39,535 in tuition per year. These figures do not include the cost of participating in a study abroad program.
Unique Features
The MBA program at Michigan State includes a study abroad component. Approximately 25 percent of full-time MBA students participate each year.
#9 University of Wisconsin
Executive Summary
Wisconsin School of Business has a very impressive 100 percent placement rate for MBA grads. Recruiters approach this school year after year because of the high quality of its graduates.
Tuition
Tuition and fees for Wisconsin residents are $12,830 per academic year. Nonresident students pay $26,756 per academic year.
Unique Features
Core courses in the curriculum gave HR students the opportunity to work with students pursuing other specializations as part of a team to complete group projects. Students complete specialized courses and internships to provide them with a high level of knowledge they can apply in a professional setting.
#10 University of Michigan
Executive Summary
Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business has been ranked as one of the best institution in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition
In-state residents will pay $47,944 in tuition per year. Out-of-state learners are charged $52,944 per year to attend the MBA program.
Unique Features
This program focuses on learning which is action-based. Students are encouraged and expected to ask the types of questions which will lead to identifying the challenges than an organization faces and then providing leadership in finding solutions.
