The Top 8 Schools for HR Leaders

If HR is your calling, you need to spend some time considering where, and if, you want to get an undergraduate or master’s degree in the field.

To help you make that choice, we’ve broken down the colleges and universities that have great programs for both HR professionals and students looking to break into the field.

Undergraduate Programs

1. University of Michigan at Dearborn

   • Name of program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
   • Why we like it: UMD knows that HR people tend to be social animals, and its Human Resource program reflects that. Students often work in teams and learn new skills through internships. For students who know they want to go into Human Resource management specifically, UMD offers a great program that lets them get down to business right away.

2. University of Nebraska

   • Name of program: Bachelor of Arts in Management, Human Resource Option
   • Why we like it: If you’re looking for a program with experienced, well-published faculty members, you’ve come to the right place. Combined, the management faculty has published a total of 80 books and over 400 articles.

3. Missouri State University

   • Name of program: Bachelor of Science in Management, Human Resources Management Track
   • Why we like it: Students can complete this degree online, making it a great option for working students or those with kids at home. The program also offers an accelerated track with an intense timetable that allows students to graduate earlier.

4. Fort Hays State University

   • Name of program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Concentration in Human Resource Management (online)
   • Why we like it: U.S. News and World Report lists Fort Hays State University’s online program as one of the best in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Remote students can access a plethora of online student services such as tutoring and personal advising.

Graduate Programs

1. DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois

   • Name of program: Master of Science in Human Resources
   • Why we like it: Classes involve both hands-on learning and classroom discussion, and the course list features relevant topics like Executive Coaching and Negotiation Skills, so graduating students are prepared for the modern HR industry.

2. Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania

   • Name of program: Master of Science in Human Resource Development Program
   • Why we like it: Villanova’s Human Resource program is built to help students specialize in the field, a crucial skill in today’s economy. Courses follow an eight-week format that allows students to concentrate on individual areas within HR. Students can also earn graduate certificates in HR Leadership, HR Analytics and Research, HR Business Partner, and Organizational Development in conjunction with their master’s degree.

3. University of Texas at Arlington

   • Name of program: Master of Science in Human Resource Management
   • Why we like it: UT at Arlington does a stupendous job of securing their HR students’ professional futures. Graduates are prepared for certifications like the SHRM-CP and PRH and positions in consulting, people relations, and recruitment. Students have interned at businesses such as Texas Instruments and Bell Helicopter.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

   • Name of program: Master of Science in Human Resource Management (online)
   • Why we like it: If you’re ready to become a strategic leader in HR as soon as possible, Southern New Hampshire University is the (online) place for you. Students can take two courses each 10-week term to complete their degree in 15 months.