Best MBA Programs – Human Resource Management for 2025
No business can operate without its people, and key to them is a dedicated human resources team. While many MBA programs have electives for human resources learning, not many have specialized HR programs. Of the schools ranked on Fortune’s flagship list of the best MBA programs, this list showcases the best schools with human resources concentrations.
- Order/Rank
- A - Z
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Athens, GA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- Cincinnati, OH
- Houston, TX
- Kent, OH
- Little Falls, NJ
- Madison, WI
- Nashville, TN
- Provo, UT
- Rochester, NY
- Terre Haute, IN
- Troy, AL
- Worcester, MA
*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.
1. Vanderbilt University (Owen)
Nashville, TN| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $165,550 |
| Median GMAT | 690 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $71,250 |
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin)
Madison, WIAt the Wisconsin School of Business, students are recommended to have at least two years of work experience before applying to the full-time MBA program. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as technology strategy & product management, marketing, corporate finance & investment banking, strategic human resources and more. To apply, one letter of recommendation is needed, and international students need to take an English proficiency exam. GMAT/GRE waivers are available based on eligibility. There are ongoing deadlines throughout the year, the final one is June 3 for U.S./permanent residents, and April 10 for international students. The University of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin) is ranked No. 28 on Fortune's flagship best MBA list and offers a concentration in strategic human resource management.
| Acceptance rate | 26% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $124,500 |
| Median GMAT | 650 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $50,663 |
3. University of Georgia (Terry)
Athens, GA| Acceptance rate | 36% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $120,000 |
| Median GMAT | 680 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $34,236 |
4. Brigham Young University (Marriott)
Provo, UT| Acceptance rate | 57% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $120,000 |
| Median GMAT | 660 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $15,528 |
5. University of Houston (Bauer)
Houston, TX| Acceptance rate | 34% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $95,000 |
| Median GMAT | 660 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $43,402 |
6. Montclair State University (Feliciano)
Little Falls, NJ| Acceptance rate | 90% |
| Median base salary of new grads | DNP |
| Median GMAT | DNP |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $38,300 |
7. University of Cincinnati (Lindner)
Cincinnati, OH| Acceptance rate | 29% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $70,000 |
| Median GMAT | DNP |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $34,060 |
8. Indiana State University (Scott)
Terre Haute, IN| Acceptance rate | 55% |
| Median base salary of new grads | DNP |
| Median GMAT | DNP |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $16,362 |
9. Troy University (Sorrell)
Troy, AL| Acceptance rate | 91% |
| Median base salary of new grads | DNP |
| Median GMAT | 570 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $17,100 |
10. Clark University
Worcester, MA| Acceptance rate | 58% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $75,000 |
| Median GMAT | 620 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $29,850 |
11. Louisiana State University A&M (Ourso)
Baton Rouge, LA| Acceptance rate | 66% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $69,500 |
| Median GMAT | 545 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $35,200 |
12. Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders)
Rochester, NY| Acceptance rate | 62% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $76,500 |
| Median GMAT | DNP |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $59,102 |
13. Kent State University (Crawford)
Kent, OH| Acceptance rate | 67% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $57,403 |
| Median GMAT | 680 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $24,361 |
14. Southeast Missouri State University (Harrison)
Cape Girardeau, MO| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| Median base salary of new grads | DNP |
| Median GMAT | 530 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | DNP |
Methodology
Fortune attempted to contact hundreds of schools for its flagship full-time MBA ranking. Close to 100 chose to participate in our list, but just over a dozen have concentrations in human resources. The institutions were ranked using the same formula as our main best MBA ranking, and were weighted as follows:
- Fortune 1000: 20%
- Previous Fortune MBA ranking: 2%
- Median base salary: 25%
- Employment placement rate: 15%
- Graduation rate, 2020–23: 10%
- Median GMAT score, fall 2023 entrants: 7%
- Total tuition, out-of-state U.S. residents: 5%
- Retention rate, 2022–23: 5%
- Acceptance rate, fall 2023: 5%
- Yield, 2023–24: 3%
- Average undergraduate GPA, 2023–24 enrollees: 3%
Learn more: Read Fortune’s MBA methodology.
MBA Career Paths
What is an MBA in Human Resources?
An MBA in human resources combines business management with the techniques needed to excel as a human resources leader. Students use the degree to enhance their skills, upgrade their careers, or start their own businesses.
General curriculum and skills taught
Regardless of the institution or program format, all MBAs focus on core business leadership skills, with classes focused on areas like strategy, finance, and marketing. The first year of an MBA experience is typically focused on the core curriculum. Year two allows for more elective-based learning, which is when students may choose a concentration. Those with a desire to learn about human resources may take classes on negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and performance management.
Specializations and concentrations
Students seeking an MBA with a focus on HR may search to specialize, concentrate, focus, or obtain a certificate in:
- Human resource management
- Human resources
- Human and organizational performance
- Strategic human resource management
- Talent management and human resources
- Human resource development
Admissions information
Admissions requirements may vary from one business school to another, but generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree: a transcript must be provided from an accredited college or university
- Work experience: shown via a résumé
- Essay responses: answer questions and/or provide a personal statement
- Letters of recommendation: from supervisors, previous professors, or someone who knows you well in a professional capacity
- Interview: some applicants may be asked to interview with an admissions officer
- Test scores: GMAT, GRE, or other scores are not required for some schools, but they are at many top institutions and can overall be used to boost applications
GMAT, GRE, and GPA
Top business schools require students to submit test results from either the GMAT or GRE, but some others may waive the requirement. Schools tend to not prefer one over the other, but more students tend to use the GMAT when applying to business school.
There is no threshold GPA to apply to an MBA program, but those with higher undergraduate performances tend to do well. Neither GPA nor test scores are the end-all-be-all for MBA applications—but they tend to play a significant role in judging one’s academic performance abilities.
Which factors drive acceptance?
MBA programs look at applicants’ entire package to determine whether to accept, waitlist, or deny them entry. Connecting your career plans with human resources MBA coursework can help you stand out as an exceptional candidate in the admissions process.
How to choose the best MBA in HR for you: Factors to consider beyond rankings
When selecting an MBA program, it's important to look beyond rankings and consider multiple factors that align with your career goals and personal circumstances. Key considerations include:
- Program cost
- Institutional prestige
- Alumni network strength
- Concentration options (especially for career transitions)
- Program duration and start dates
Accreditation
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is one of the most prestigious in the business education space. Only 6% of business schools worldwide have the accreditation, but notably, 96% of AACSB-accredited school alumni secure employment, highlighting the value of this certification in the job market.
Start times, schedule, and program length
An MBA is a time-consuming endeavor that students engage in several years after last being in school. As a result, proper planning is needed. Have conversations with your employer and family about the potential impact of taking a break to go back to school.
Coursework, locations, and connections
When evaluating an MBA specialization, it’s essential to review the specific courses each program provides. Important questions to consider include:
- What HR courses are available?
- Who are the faculty members, and do they bring industry experience?
- Are key courses offered each semester?
- Does the curriculum align with your career goals?
Certain business schools may have stronger connections in particular industries due to their location or partnerships. For instance, if your goal is to work at an organization in New York, applying to MBA programs on the east coast could offer a strategic advantage over those on the west coast.
Prestige
For students aiming at particular job markets, a school's local reputation can be especially important, while those with more expansive career aspirations may focus on institutions with national or global prestige. In numerous industries, recruiters often prefer programs known for strong specializations or a track record of successful alumni within specific fields.
Concentrations
The absence of a formal concentration doesn't necessarily mean relevant coursework is unavailable. It's important to note that programs may use different terminology and offer varying levels of specialization within a particular area of study.
Cost
MBA programs range in price but so do what they have to offer. For example, tuition at Vanderibilt University is over $71,000 per year, whereas at Indiana State University, students pay closer to $16,000 annually. While the quality of the program certainly will differ between the two, it is important to weigh how much you are able to pay and what the potential ROI will be.
Network and access to alumni
The value of an MBA goes beyond academic learning; it includes the professional connections cultivated within the program. A robust, active alumni network can be a powerful asset for career advancement. Prospective students should consider both the size of the alumni network and the school's commitment to creating and maintaining meaningful connections among graduates.
Internship support
Gaining practical experience is vital in the business field, and internships allow students to apply their academic knowledge while building their professional networks. Although internship placements aren't guaranteed, the quality and scope of a program's career services can significantly impact a student’s ability to secure attractive positions. Additionally, exploring internship options can be a highly effective way to develop real-world skills.
Careers for MBA graduates
The median pay of a human resources manager is $136,350, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Paired with a job outlook of 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average—becoming an HR leader can be a promising career. Having an MBA on your résumé will only significantly boost your chances of landing a lucrative job with a high-paying salary. Other job titles include:
- Manager of human resources operations
- Human resources consultant
- Employee relations manager
Financing and scholarships
Funding an MBA typically requires a mix of personal savings, employer support, loans, and scholarship opportunities. Many business schools provide both merit- and need-based scholarships for eligible candidates. Certain employers may offer partial or full tuition reimbursement, often in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment. Veterans of the military might qualify for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, potentially covering the full cost of tuition and fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best MBA for human resources?
Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management is the best MBA program for those seeking to concentrate in human resources. About 4% of graduates from its class of 2023 went to land a job in the field.
What is the easiest top MBA program to get into for human resources?
Troy University (Sorrell) is the easiest MBA program to get into for human resources, with an acceptance rate of 91%. Montclair State University (Feliciano) is similar, with nine in 10 applicants being accepted into its program.
Can you study human resources at Harvard Business School?
Yes, Harvard Business School has human resources courses for its MBA students to take, including Managing Human Capital.
Is an MBA in human resources worth it?
If you have an interest in becoming a chief human resources officer (CHRO) or other HR leader, then getting a MBA with a human resources concentration can certainly be worth it.
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