The demand for Human Resources Managers is expected to grow by 7% through 2028 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning a master’s degree can prepare HR professionals for career advancement and make them stand out from their peers. For students seeking a master’s program emphasizing both spiritual and academic development, a Catholic university may be a great choice! Earning a degree from a Catholic university doesn’t have to mean taking a break from work or relocating across the country. There are a variety of Catholic universities offering an online master’s in HR management. We reviewed data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Society for Human Resource Management to find the best, most affordable Catholic universities offering an online master’s in human resources management. Our ranking system includes the average graduate tuition rates and student to faculty ratios provided to the National Center for Education Statistics by each school. We understand that the actual cost of tuition is different for each student based on factors like financial need. We recommend you check with the program directly to determine your actual cost of attendance.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 12:1 or less= 3 Points
- 13:1 to 19:1=2 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate
- Less than $13,000 per year= 3 Points
- $13,000 to $20,000 per year=2 Points
- More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point
SHRM Accreditation
- Yes= 3 Points
#10 -Barry University – Miami Shores, Florida
Human Resource Development (MS)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $17,820/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
SHRM Accredited? No
Points: 5
Barry University, rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, features an affordable online master’s in HR development for professionals who want to excel in the areas of L&D, talent development, organization development, and leadership development. Core online master’s courses include:
- Change and Organizational Development
- Communication
- Adult Learning and Motivation
This flexible, low-cost, online master’s degree program is military friendly and can accommodate working professionals. New students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. Online courses are eight weeks long and most students can earn their degree in just 15 months.
#9 -University of Scranton – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Human Resources Management Online
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,580/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
SHRM Accredited? No
Points: 5
The University of Scranton, a Jesuit university, features an affordable online master’s in HR management online. This SHRM-aligned, online master’s degree program boasts rigorous coursework that includes up-to-date research and industry trends. Core online HR courses include:
- Organizational Change
- Recruitment and Staffing
- Control and Budgeting Systems
There are no on-campus residency requirements. Faculty are industry experts and make themselves available to students for mentoring and coaching.
#8 -Saint Francis University – Loretto, Pennsylvania
Masters of Human Resource Management
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $25,000/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 6
The flexible, economical online master’s in HR management from Saint Francis University is an affordable program for students who plan to pursue leadership positions. Online coursework is SHRM-approved and taught by faculty with professional experience in the field. The online learning platform is both flexible and interactive, allowing students to complete the low-priced master’s degree program at their own pace and on their own schedule. Core online HR courses include:
- Benefits
- Performance Management
- Compensation
Both full and part-time program options are available.
#7 -La Salle University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Human Capital Management
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $24,450
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 7
LaSalle University is a top Catholic university offering an inexpensive online master’s in Human Capital Development. The economical online degree program is designed for HR practitioners an alternative to a traditional master’s program in either HR or business. Students will learn how to effectively advise management on how to transform their organization to meet current and future business objectives through their most valuable asset, their employees. This multidisciplinary HR degree program is delivered in a 100% online format with both asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Students complete two courses each semester, each course lasting eight weeks. Online HR courses include:
- Training a Global Workforce
- Strategic Approaches to Human Capital Development
- Organizational Development & the Consulting Process
#6 -Regis University – Denver, Colorado
M.S. in Human Resource Management
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,177/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 7
The College of Business and Economics at Regis University features a top-value online HR Management master’s degree program for individuals who want to make a significant positive impact as a leader within their organization. This best affordable online master’s in HRM is a 30 credit hour program with eight week accelerated courses. New courses begin six times each year. Required online courses include:
- Employment Law and Compliance
- Employee Relations and Workplace Safety
- Talent and Performance Management
All students receive career support from the Center for Career and Professional Development.
#5 -Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Human Resource Development
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $18,905/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 8
Villanova University is a Roman Catholic university founded in 1842, just outside Philadelphia. They offer an inexpensive online master’s in Human Resource Development for students seeking a generalist program. This 36 credit hour online HR master’s degree program is taught by faulty with an I/O psychology background and work as active researchers, practitioners, and consultants in HR. High-value online courses are each eight-weeks and include:
- Foundations of Strategic HR
- Strategic Talent Management
- Organizational Development
Students benefit from an evidence-based education that prepares them for success in the field.
#4 -Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Strategic HR Management
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,992/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 8
Saint Joseph’s University features an affordable master’s in strategic human resource management that provides students with advanced business training they need to stand out from their peers. The top-value online curriculum aligns with the SHRM guidelines so students can feel confident they are learning strategies and skills essential in the workplace. The economical online master’s degree program is offered through the Haub School of Business, which is accredited by the AACSB. The flexible part-time schedule allows students to balance school, work, and life.
#3 -University of the Incarnate Word – San Antonio, Texas
Master of Business Administration-HR Management Online
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,920/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 8
The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. UIW features an inexpensive online MBA with a concentration in HR management. There is no GMAT or GRE required for admission and students can earn their degree in just 10 months. The high-value online curriculum aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. The economical online master’s degree program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their career, change careers, or start their own business. Courses are taught by scholar-practitioners with industry experience. Required online courses for the HRM concentration include:
- Metrics and Measures of HR
- Applied HR Management
- Strategic HRM
#2 -Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona, Minnesota
Master’s in Human Resource (HR) Management Online
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 8
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a Catholic university offering an affordable online master’s in HR management. This cheap, 36 credit hour, HR master’s degree program is delivered entirely online with no on-campus requirements. Students can work on their degree at their own pace and many students can earn their degree in just two years. The low-cost, SHRM-aligned, online curriculum includes up-to-date information within the field of HR. Through coursework and hands-on learning, students prepare for the Professional in Human Resources and Senior Professional in Human Resources certification exams. Online HR courses include:
- Training and Development
- Negotiating and Consulting
- Human Resource Management Strategy
#1 -Saint Leo University – Saint Leo, Florida
Business Administration, Master – Human Resource Management
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,498/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
SHRM Accredited? Yes
Points: 8
Our top choice for a Catholic university offering an affordable online master’s in HR management is Saint Leo University. This best-value online HR master’s program is offered through the College of Business which holds ACBSP accreditation. Students can apply for the MBA Online Academic Achievement Scholarship to save up to $6,000 over the course of the program. Students can expect to learn:
- core business functions
- team leadership and management skills
- business ethics
This cheap, 36 credit hour, online master’s degree program can be completed in just one year by taking two courses each eight-week term. New students are admitted to the program during each of the six terms each year.
Other Rankings of Interest:
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- 20 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Human Resources
- Top 10 PhD Programs in Human Resources
- 20 Best Master’s in Human Resources (Campus-based)
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- 50 Most Affordable Human Resource MBA Degree Programs
