35 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources [2024 Guide]

By Joy Miller Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on October 1, 2024
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Explore Online Masters in Human Resources for 2024. Compare schools offering HR Masters programs with No GRE required.

Organizations are only as good as the people who work there. To build a satisfied, driven, and talented workforce, companies need strong human resources teams that can recruit, train and retain great employees.

HR departments may also be responsible for managing benefits packages, maintaining company policies and settling employee disputes. A no GRE online masters in human resources program may be a quick path toward career advancement.

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Universities Offering Masters in Human Resources Online No GRE Required Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the schools either do not require the GRE for admission, or they offer GRE waivers to qualified students.

1. Bellevue University

Bellevue is a privately owned non-profit school that has a suburban campus in Bellevue, Nebraska. It was established in 1966 to provide education to working adult learners. On average, there are 10,000 students enrolled, about 7,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Bruins,” and they play in the NAIA.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Brenau University

Brenau is a privately owned school that has an urban campus in Gainesville, Georgia. It was established in 1878 to exclusively provide education for women. There are currently about 3,500 students enrolled split evenly between undergrads and postgrads. Their sports teams are called the “Golden Tigers,” and they play in the NAIA.

Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

3. Capella University

Capella University is a privately owned online school that operates out of Capella Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1993 as The Graduate School of America. The current student census has the enrollment at about 38,000. The majority of their students are taking up their master’s at 47% with 27% taking up a bachelor’s and the remaining 23% studying for doctorates.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public, state-run school that has a suburban campus in Clemson, South Carolina. It was established in 1889 via a land grant to teach agriculture as well as mechanical arts. There are currently about 25,000 students enrolled, approximately 20,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Tigers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is a privately owned school that has both online and urban degree programs. It has urban campuses in Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. It was established in 1965 to primarily provide education for former US military personnel.

The total number of students enrolled in the school for their online and on-campus programs are about 26,000.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Cornell University

Cornell is a privately owned, Ivy League school that has a 4,800-acre campus in Ithaca, New York. It was established in 1865 as a land grand university. The current student enrollment is about 24,000 students, more than 15,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Big Red,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Cornell University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2016.

7. Davenport University

Davenport is a privately owned, non-profit school that has a main 69-acre suburban campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was founded in 1866 with just 16 students during its first term. Today, the current student enrollment is more than 7,000 students, more than 5,500 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Panthers,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Florida International University

Florida International University is a public, state-run research university founded in 1965 that has a 573-acre urban campus in University Park, Florida. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 57,000 students, more than 48,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Panthers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

9. Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University is a privately owned, non-profit university that has an urban campus in San Francisco, California. It was established in 1901 as a YMCA night school. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 5,300 students, about 67% of these are taking up graduate-level programs in business, more than 20% are law students, and more than 12% are undergrads.

Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

10. Houston Baptist University

HBU is a privately owned school that has a 158-acre urban campus in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1960 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Currently, there are more than 3,700 students enrolled, about 2,500 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Huskies,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Houston Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a privately owned university that has a 320-acre suburban campus in Marion, Indiana. It was established in 1920 and managed by the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Currently, there are more than 13,000 students enrolled. Their sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NAIA Division II and NCCAA Division I.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

12. Liberty University

Liberty University is a privately owned university that has a 7,000-acre suburban campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was established in 1971 and has a maintained a strong affiliation with the Baptist Church. Currently, there are more than 100,000 students enrolled. Their sports teams are called the “Liberty Flames” and “Lady Flames,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University is a privately owned university that has campuses in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1870 and has maintained a strong affiliation with the Catholic Church through its founders and administrators, the Jesuits. Currently, there are more than 16,000 students enrolled. Their sports teams are called the “Ramblers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and was first accredited in 1921.

14. National Louis University

National Louis University is a privately owned university that has a campus in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1886 as a normal school for kindergarten teachers. NLU is known for championing and promoting professional training for early education.

The school became a nationwide model for early childhood teacher training. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 students enrolled.

National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

15. National University

National University is a privately owned university founded in 1971 that has 28 urban campuses that are headquartered in La Jolla, California. It was established by a former US Navy officer to provide working adults with degree programs that are in demand. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 24,000 students, more than 12,000 of which are undergrads.

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

16. New York University

New York University is a privately owned research university that has a 230-acre urban campus in New York, New York. It was established in 1831 based on meritocracy. Currently, there are more than 51,000 students enrolled, and this is almost evenly split between undergrads and postgrads. Their sports teams are called the “Violets,” and they play in the NCAA Division III.

New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

17. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a privately owned university that has a 480-acre suburban campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was established in 1964 with only 17 students. Currently, there are more than 20,000 students enrolled, a majority of which are postgrads at about 15,000. Their sports teams are called the “Sharks,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

18. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, is a state-owned university that has a 7,343-acre College Town campus in University Park, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1855 under its original name, the Farmer’s High School of Pennsylvania. Currently, there are 100,000 students enrolled. Their sports teams are called the “Nittany Lions,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

19. Pepperdine University

Opening its doors in 1937, Pepperdine University is a private Christian College That sits in the heart of Malibu, CA. Pepperdine University gives students the opportunity to participate in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 70 academic areas of study.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.

20. Purdue University

Purdue University is a public, state-run research university founded in 1869 that has a 2,602-acre large town campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 43,000 students, more than 32,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Boilermakers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

21. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a privately owned school that has 22 campuses located in Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It was established in 1900 with the goal of producing skilled professionals. In 2002, Rasmussen started offering fully online degree programs. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 15,300 students.

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University is a privately owned university with a 600-acre rural campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1847 and has maintained a strong affiliation with the Catholic Church through its founders and administrators, the Franciscan Friars. Currently, the enrollment is at 2,000. Their sports teams are called the “Red Flash,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Saint Francis University is accredited regionally by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

23. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a privately owned university that has a 300-acre suburban campus in between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. It was established in 1932 to teach business. Currently, there are more than 90,000 students enrolled and the majority at about 87,000 are online.

Their sports teams are called the “Penmen,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

24. Strayer University

Strayer University is a privately owned university that offers online degree programs as well as operates 78 campuses within 15 US States. It was established in 1892 to teach business to those who want to get out of farming. Currently, there are more than 50,000 students enrolled, more than half of which are enrolled in fully online programs.

Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

25. Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University is a public, state-run university founded in 1899 that has a 1,973-acre urban campus in Stephenville, Texas. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 13,000 students, more than 11,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Texans,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is a public, state-run university founded in 1972 that utilizes an online distance learning approach out of its headquarters and main urban campus in Trenton, New Jersey. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 11,000 students. The school offers its degree programs primarily to adult learners.

Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

27. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public, state-run school that has a 412-acre college town campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was established in 1871 via a land grant. There are currently about 28,000 students enrolled; approximately 23,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Razorbacks,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

The University of Arkansas continues to be an accredited institution of higher education.

28. University of Houston – Clear Lake

The University of Houston – Clear Lake is a public, state-run school with a 524-acre suburban campus in Pasadena and Houston, Texas. It was established in 1971 to address demands in graduate studies by NASA.

There are currently about 9,000 students enrolled, approximately 6,000 of which are undergrads. The postgrads comprise the remaining 2,500. They are referred to as the “Hawks.”

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

29. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public, state-run school that has a 6,370-acre urban campus in Urbana and Champaign, Illinois. It was established in 1867 via a land grant.

There are currently about 51,000 students enrolled, approximately 34,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Fighting Illini,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited, most recently in 2010, by the Higher Learning Commission

30. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is a public school that has three urban campuses in Louisville, Kentucky. It was established in 1798 to endow the new town of Louisville an educational institution for higher learning.

There are currently about 21,000 students enrolled; approximately 16,000 are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Cardinals,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

31. University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary is a privately owned liberal arts school with a main 200-acre campus in Leavenworth, Kansas. It was established in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, nurturing a strong affiliation with the Catholic Church. The current enrollment is at about 800 students. Their sports teams are called the “Spires,” and they play in the NAIA.

Mary’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

32. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is a private non-profit school with a 58- acre urban campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1888 by a Catholic Bishop. It maintains a strong affiliation with the Catholic Church. Enrollment is at about 5.400 students. Their sports teams are called the “Royals” and the “Lady Royals,” and they play in the NCAA Division III.

The University of Scranton is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

33. Walden University

Walden University is a privately owned online school that operates out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970 by two teachers from New York to provide postgrad degrees for adult learners that are comprised primarily of educators and school administrators.

The current student census has enrollment at about 50,000.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

34. Webster University

Webster University is a privately owned non-profit school with a 47-acre suburban campus in Webster Grove, Missouri. It was established in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto to provide education to women.

The current student enrollment is at 15,000. Their sports teams are called the “Gorloks,” and they play in the NCAA Division III.

Webster University is on the Open Pathway 10-Year Cycle for Higher Learning Commission accreditation.

35. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a privately owned doctoral research university founded in 1968 that has a suburban main campus in New Castle, Delaware. Today, the current student enrollment is at about 21,000 students, more than 12,000 of which are undergrads. Their sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Concentrations for a Masters in Human Resources Degree

Your concentration is your area of specialization for your degree. When you enroll in a concentration track, you’ll take several classes geared to that particular area of study. You may gain in-depth knowledge that can help prepare you to rise to the top as a leader in that discipline.

These are just a sampling of the HR concentrations available. Your school may offer others or give you opportunities to customize your own program.

Example Coursework

Students in an online human resources degree program will often take classes that are quite similar to the ones offered in campus-based programs.

Of course, the exact curriculum will vary from school to school, but the example classes below may give you an idea of what your program might include.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) sets standards for graduate programs in this field and identifies programs that align with those standards.

Selecting a school with SHRM-aligned curriculum ensures that you may get a solid HR education. The comprehensive coursework offered by an approved program can help prepare you to take certification exams and land a good job in the field.

Masters in Human Resources Jobs

Earning your master’s degree may qualify you for leadership roles in the field of human resources, such as advanced specialist positions or management jobs.

With a master’s in human resources, you might find work with an organization’s HR department, a labor union, or a consulting firm. HR professionals work in pretty much every industry, so you may have plenty of variety from which to pick when hunting for a new job.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

In this management role, you may oversee the compensation system for employees in your organization.

This responsibility often requires careful attention to employment law and an awareness of the salary packages being offered by your competitors. In this way, you may help your company attract and retain top talent.

Human Resources Specialist or Manager

HR professionals oversee an organization’s workforce to ensure that the positions are filled with the best people for each job. You may be responsible for recruitment, hiring, training, employee relations, or compensation.

Specialists work under managers. They may handle many tasks in the department, focus on one main responsibility, or serve as placement specialists who match candidates to open positions.

Moving up the ladder might advance you to a management position. As a manager, you may head up an HR department or one of the teams within that department.

Labor Relations Specialist

In this role, you may serve as the link between union leaders and company management. You may help negotiate contracts, evaluate policies, and settle disputes.

Training and Development Specialist or Manager

Training and development professionals are in charge of enhancing staff knowledge. You may organize seminars, presentations and other programs to help employees get better at their jobs. Team-building activities may also be your responsibility.

As with HR professionals, training and development specialists typically work under the supervision of the management team.

Masters in Human Resources Salary

As you advance your HR education, you may also advance your career. As you move up the ranks, you’ll probably start to earn a higher salary. As a result, managers in this field usually make more than specialists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the human resources field include:

When you first start as a human resources manager, you can expect to be toward the lower end of the pay scale. The bottom 10% of human resources managers make $68,300 or less each year.

There may be higher salaries in your future though. The top 10% of people in this position earn annual salaries of $205,720 or more.

Professional Associations for Masters of Human Resources

No matter if you graduated with an MBA in Human Resources online or a PhD in Human Resources online, you may still end up with a vast knowledge in human resources. However, there might always be more to learn. To keep your knowledge fresh, you may join an organization for human resources professionals.

These organizations may give you opportunities to connect with others in similar positions so that you can learn from their ideas and experiences. Membership may also give you access to journals, online articles, conferences, and continuing education courses.

Grad school is a great time to join a professional organization because groups often offer discounted student memberships.

After a year or two of exploring the benefits of an organization, you’re likely to continue renewing your membership throughout your professional career.

Why Get a Master in Human Resources Online?

Educational requirements for human resources managers can vary greatly. Some companies will hire you with just a bachelor’s degree, but others want their HR managers to have master’s degrees.

Earning your graduate degree may allow you to be seriously considered as a candidate at many more companies.

People who have many job possibilities open to them often have the freedom to be selective about the positions they take. They might exert more control over where they work and what sort of salary they receive.

If that thought appeals to you, it may be time to earn your master’s degree in human resources.

For those who already have a career or other responsibilities, taking classes online may be an ideal approach to graduate studies.

Through online grad programs that don’t require GRE scores, you may complete rigorous, thorough courses that are equivalent to what you’d take on a college campus.

Many online master’s programs allow you to log in on your own schedule and complete your assignments in whatever location is convenient for you. Also, some online HR programs offer accelerated calendars, so you might complete your master’s studies in less time.

Accreditation

In addition to the regional accreditation that you should always look for when enrolling in college, you may also want to seek out a school with programmatic accreditation.

That means that the human resources program has been approved by an organization that specializes in business education. The following accrediting bodies are authorized to grant programmatic accreditation in this field.

Remember that it is also valuable to look for a program with SHRM-aligned curriculum.

Financial Aid

Speaking of benefits, one perk of the American educational system is the plethora of sources for student financial aid.

Look into these options to see what funding you might qualify for:

The best place to start is the federal government student aid options.

Can I Get A Masters in Human Resources?

Many schools offer graduate programs in human resources. Enrolling in one of these programs is a smart step in advancing your HR career.

For acceptance, you may need to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or another business discipline. Without certain HR prerequisites, you may need to take extra classes.

Can I Get a Masters in Human Resources Online No GRE?

You may not need to take the GRE or the GMAT before beginning a human resources program. Many reputable, accredited colleges don’t require GRE test scores for admission to their online HR master’s programs.

For schools that do want to see test scores, you may look into whether you can be granted a waiver.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management?

Master’s programs vary in length; contributing factors include the number of credits you transfer in, your status as a part-time or full-time student, and the number of credit hours required by your school.

In general, you can expect a full-time online program to take you 1-2 years.

What Can You Do with a Masters in Human Resource Development?

A program for human resource development can help prepare you to equip employees and teams to grow their skills and produce their best work.

You might hold a job title like Human Resources Director, Vice President of Human Resources, Training and Development Facilitator, or Chief Learning Officer.

Alternatively, if you are interested in the technical side of business operations, you might consider pursuing a master in computer science online.

Is a Masters Degree in Human Resources Worth It?

Yes, a masters degree in human resources is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include compensation and benefits manager, training and development manager, and labor relations specialist.

Every industry needs HR professionals to manage their workforces, so this is a growing field.

Some positions, such as those for training and development managers, are expected to grow by as much as 7% for the next decade.

A master’s degree program may likely help prepare you to take these in-demand leadership roles.

Additionally, a master’s program can be personally satisfying. During your studies, you may challenge yourself to explore new HR theories, consider solutions to business problems, and accomplish big goals.

You might get to know others in your field and build valuable connections.

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