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MBA in Human Resources Online HR Graduate Program

Nikki Bennett, who earned her degree at SNHU, sitting behind a desk with a laptop and computer monitor in front of her speaking to another woman.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an MBA in human resources online?

The business world needs well-educated human resource professionals more than ever. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University can help prepare you to step into an increasingly important industry. And because it’s an MBA, its approach to the HR discipline is to enhance your business acumen first and foremost, along with your ability to drive change.

Like all of our online MBA programs, this program explores today’s most relevant business themes, including ethics and corporate social responsibility, leadership, strategy, management, technology and innovation. You'll also have the opportunity to enhance soft skills, like decision making and effective communication, that are essential to success in business.

And with only 30 credits required to graduate for just over $19k, SNHU's MBA program allows you to move through your core coursework faster and for less — even giving you the ability to finish in about a year should you choose to take classes full time.

Skills you'll learn:

  • The complexities of HR management
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Adaptable strategies for an organization
  • The cultivation of culturally aware and responsive teams
  • Plans around culture, ethical and legal standards, and sustainable practices
Ade Osinowo, who earned her degree from SNHU 2020.

Courses & Curriculum Online MBA human resources courses that prep you for success

The comprehensive nature of this program makes it a great option for anyone interested in honing their business skill sets, strengthening marketability and increasing career opportunities – whether you're a recent undergraduate, a well-established professional or somewhere in between.

As with all of our HR programs, the MBA in Human Resources aligns with SHRM’s guiding principle: that human resource professionals must be prepared to play a key role in the success of today's agile companies. SHRM is considered the industry standard in HR credentialing, and notes 8 behavioral competencies that are essential for human resources professionals to do their best work.1 The coursework in this program contributes directly to your development of those competencies — so you can feel prepared for success when you graduate.

Degree Courses

Online MBA human resources courses

This program lays a foundation in standard business administration topics, weaving topics like leadership, marketing, finance and operations throughout your coursework. You won't just learn about leadership —you'll learn, more specifically, how to lead people, organizations and organizational change. Plus, with credentials embedded throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to boost your resume with certifications in tools like Power BI, MS Excel and Tableau, too.

The MBA in HR consists of 7 core MBA courses and 3 human resource courses: Strategic Human Resource Management, Total Rewards and Leading Change. Depending on your academic background, you may also need to supplement the core courses with business foundation coursework.

And if you don't have a business background? No problem. Our MBA is accessible to everyone. Interested students must have a conferred undergraduate degree for acceptance, but it can be in any field.

Courses may include:

Course ID: MBA 530
Impactful leaders have the ability to define direction, understand their uniqueness, communicate effectively, and use emotional intelligence to lead people, teams, and organizations. Students will explore leadership theories, issues, and trends, while also applying evidence-based methodologies and tools to assess and elevate their personal leadership plan. By connecting leadership theories and methodologies to trends, challenges, and opportunities facing leadership, this course will help students to effectively lead and empower others.
Course ID: MBA 699
Impactful leaders move strategic initiatives forward with innovation, collaboration, and informed, data-driven decision-making. In this course, students will assess conditions, processes, and resources that impact how leaders design adaptive strategies, using emotional and business intelligence to manage strategic objectives. Students will solve complex problems, manage opportunities, and build sustainable stakeholder relationships.
Course ID: OL 600
Examine key regulatory procedures and human resource requirements as they relate to applications in organizations. Analyze the strategic role of the human resource manager in performing functions of recruitment, hiring, training, career development and other contemporary processes within the organizational setting. Study concepts aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK).
Course ID: OL 620
This course examines the compensation and benefits functions within the organizational structure and ways they impact the management function. Topics include job analysis, surveys, wage scales, incentives, benefits, HRIS systems and pay delivery administration. Students design a compensation and benefits program as a course outcome.
Course ID: OL 663
This course focuses on transforming organizations by introducing Kotter's eight processes by which leaders effect change. Because organizations, leaders, and employees differ, various techniques and strategies are examined. The course integrates Kotter's processes for leading change, organizational development and transformation theory and practice, and analysis of an organization which has effected systematic change. The use of work teams as a key change factor will have special emphasis.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MBA in Human Resources curriculum.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: Aug. 25, 2025 | Nov. 10, 2025

Next term starts:
June 9, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,274 $2,548 $3,822
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 2 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,836

If 4 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $16,562

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an MBA in human resources?

An MBA is Human Resources one of the most respected and versatile degrees in business, and it can help qualify you for a number of roles at the management level or above. Maybe you'll step into a position as a human resources manager or director. Or, maybe you'll find your niche in areas like compensation and benefits, training and development or operations.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the top skills employers seek in MBA degree holders include leadership, strategy and innovation, decision making, and strategic and systems thinking.2 As a graduate of SNHU's online MBA in Human Resources program, you'll be equipped with every one of these skills — so you're positioned to succeed, wherever your career takes you next.

Industries

HR managers can find roles in a wide array of industries, including:3

Provide a number of services, such as payroll, consulting, training and acquisition, among other roles.

Serve in an HR leadership position that gives you the opportunity to make decisions that can move organizations forward.

Manage HR functions in an industry that you're passionate about, like computers, furniture, textiles, food and more.

Become an HR leader in a fast-growing field, making employee-focused, data-driven decisions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

5%

Increase in human resource manager positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3 In the same timeframe, positions for training and development managers are set to grow 6%.3

$136,350

The median annual salary for human resource manager jobs as of May 2023, according to the BLS.3

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Melanie Rowe '18G.
Melanie Rowe '18G.

The classes at SNHU have taught me a lot about change management, people management, group dynamics, company culture and leadership. I’ve used this knowledge to position myself as an informal leader, which makes it easier for me to recommend and implement change.

Melanie Rowe '18G

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re entering the HR field or looking to step up into a management position, the MBA in Human Resources can take you in a number of directions.

Common roles to consider include:

  • Human resource managers: The link between employees and management, HR managers handle hiring and recruitment, and oversee staffing issues and benefits programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth for this role through 2032 and has a 2023 median annual salary of $136,350. Note: Higher-level positions may require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration (MBA).3
  • Compensation and benefits managers: According to the BLS, compensation and benefits managers set an organization’s pay and benefits structure, monitor wage rates and ensure compliance with government regulations. The BLS projects 2% job growth for this specialized role through 2032 and had a 2023 median salary of $136,380.3
  • Training and development managers: They oversee training programs, staff and budgets, often working with top executives and financial managers to identify and match training priorities with overall business goals. The BLS projects 6% job growth for this occupation through 2032 and had a 2023 median salary of $125,040.3

While you have many options for a master's in human resources, start by ensuring the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the industry's leading accreditation council.

In addition to an MBA in Human Resources, Southern New Hampshire University offers master's in human resource management. Both programs are accredited by ACBSP and align with SHRM’s guiding principle – that human resource professionals must be prepared to play a key role in the success of today's agile companies.

Yes, HR continues to be an excellent career choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for human resource managers through 2032 and had a 2023 median salary of $136,350.3

Related roles, such as compensation and benefits managers, also show steady demand and high income potential, earning a 2023 median salary of $136,380.3

Of course, if you're not ready for a master's degree, you can still get your foot in the door with an undergraduate human resources degree online, or boost your professional credentials with an online HR certification.

Two key workforce trends are fueling demands for HR managers: human resource information systems (HRIS) and financial wellness. SNHU’s MBA in Human Resources addresses both areas.

With the growing use of cloud-based human resources technology, HR professionals need to develop fluency in this area. Deborah Gogliettino, SNHU’s associate dean for human resources, says a business student with IT skills can get into HR systems or analysis within a couple of years – and command a higher salary.

Gogliettino says change in employee wellness has fueled the financial wellness trend. “There’s still a focus on work/life balance, but now there’s a heightened focus in upcoming generations interested in financial literacy.”

Where do you want to take your career? Do you want more flexibility to move around in the workforce, or do you want to move up the ladder in HR? Understanding what you want in future roles should help you determine which path is best for you.

An MBA can give you a more well-rounded business education, where you'll study topics like strategy, accounting and marketing within your coursework. An MBA can be useful across all industries and throughout many types of organizations. At Southern New Hampshire University, you also have the option to add a 3-course concentration – like HR – to your program, helping you build the skill set you need for your current goals.

A master's in human resource management (MHRM), on the other hand, focuses solely on HR. You'd learn how to focus on an organization's mission, vision and goals. And you'd gain skills like negotiation, global and cultural context, legal and ethical principles, communication and strategy.

Deborah Gogliettino, SNHU’s associate dean for human resources, advises anyone with higher aspirations in HR to “go get your master’s in HR. … When you start to move forward, you can start to see how your ideas can take shape.”

You have many options when it comes to pursuing a master’s in HR. The difference comes down to where and how you pursue your degree. Generally, the price tag for online programs runs lower than traditional on campus programs.

At $637 per credit, Southern New Hampshire University's 30-credit MBA in Human Resources costs just $19,110 in tuition. That makes it one of the most affordable MBA programs in the country!

While SNHU's MBA in Human Resources program was designed for anyone with a bachelor's degree, if you don't have a business background, you may be asked to take 1 or 2 foundation courses to help set you up for success. These classes fall outside of the MBA program curriculum.

For total costs, the only additional investments would be your class resources. There's no application fee and no extra costs for required technologies, saving you even more money on the path to your master's.

SNHU's mission is to expand access to education, and keeping tuition rates low is just one of the ways it helps you get you where you want to go.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Society for HR Management (SHRM), on the internet, at:

  • https://www.shrm.org/certification/about/body-of-competency-and-knowledge/Pages/default.aspx (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/documents/shrm%20skills%20gap%202019.pdf (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/documents/20-0993%20next%20chapter%20covid-19.pdf (viewed April 22, 2024)

2Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), on the internet, at:

  • https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/enrolled-students/2021_gmac_enrolledstudentsurvey_report.pdf (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2021_crs-demand-of-gm-talent.pdf (viewed April 22, 2024)

3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/compensation-and-benefits-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.