Is your undergraduate GPA less than stellar? Is it not a true reflection of your academic potential? Don’t be discouraged, having a low undergraduate GPA doesn’t have to eliminate your changes for earning an online master’s in HR. Many graduate schools have lowered (or eliminated!) their requirements for minimum GPA and are giving more weight to work history, recommendations, and personal essays.
We created this ranking of the top online master’s in HR management that accept students with a lower undergraduate GPA based on information we received from the National Center for Education Statistics and each school’s individual website. We looked for schools with regional accreditation, offering an online master’s degree in HR management, and narrowed our list to those that that either have no specifically stated minimum GPA or have a minimum GPA of less than a 3.0 as part of their admission process. It is important to note that in lieu of a 3.0 minimum GPA, some schools require GRE or GMAT scores, letters of reference, or work experience to be fully admitted to the program. Every school is different so consult their admissions department prior to applying. We then created and applied a ranking system using average graduate tuition rate and student to faculty ratio.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 12:1 or less= 5 Points
- 13:1 to 17:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 17:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Student Tuition
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point
#15 – Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire
Master’s in Human Resources Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average graduate student tuition: $18,810/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 4
The top online master’s in HR Management from Southern New Hampshire University equips students with the strategic management skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing, multigenerational workforce. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM guidelines, and includes courses in HR information systems, total rewards, business research, and advocacy in the workplace. Students can earn their degree in just 15 months by taking two courses each 10 week term. To be eligible for this program, applicants should have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
#14 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
MS in HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average graduate student tuition: $14,516/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.3
Points: 4
Capella University features a master’s online in HR management that aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. This ACBSP accredited program helps students sharpen their leadership skills, learn to manage with insight, lead with perspective, and understand the role of data and metrics in HR. The unique learning experiences prepares students for certification exams and develop a professional resume. To be considered for acceptance, applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.3 on a 4.0 scale.
#13 – Colorado Technical University – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online MBA in HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average graduate student tuition: $13,409/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.0
Points: 4
Colorado Technical University features an affordable online MBA in HR Management relating to a variety of industries. This ACBSP accredited online program is considered one of the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Students can complete their degree in just 12 months of full-time study by taking one or two classes each session. Online HR courses cover areas like organizational development and change, operational HR management, and current legal issues in HR management. Applicants should submit an admissions application and an official transcript showing a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
#12 – Purdue University Global – Davenport, Iowa
Online MS Degree in Management and Leadership
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,560/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 4
The online master’s in management and leadership from Purdue University Global features a concentration in human resources. Students study HR management processes from a strategic perspective. To be considered for admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Students with a lower GPA may be considered for admission based on other evidence of future academic performance. Courses are six weeks and cover areas like employment law, training and development, and strategic reward systems. This ACBSP accredited online HR master’s program follows the curriculum guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management.
#11 – Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska
MS in HR Strategic Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 40:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,350/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 4
Aspiring to be a senior HR leader? The top online HR Strategic Management master’s from Bellevue University prepares students with the skills needed to handle the challenges of a dynamic workforce. The online curriculum aligns with the SHRM guidelines, with coursework in metrics and evaluation, organizational behavior, and talent management. To be considered for admission, applicants should demonstrate potential for graduate level coursework by having maintained at least a 2.5 GPA during their last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
#10 – La Salle University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online MS in Human Capital Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average graduate student tuition: $24,450/year
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 6
The top online master’s in Human Capital Development from La Salle University is focused on “aligning people strategies to organizational objectives.” The program is designed for working adults and is offered in a convenient online format. Online courses cover areas such as training a global workforce, leadership assessment and evaluation, and organizational interventions. La Salle University promotes the idea that each student is unique and does not require quantitative minimum requirements for applicants. Each student is evaluated on their background and future potential based on a variety of evidence including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and completion of an essay about their future professional goals.
#9 – Golden Gate University – San Francisco, California
MS in HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $18,900/year
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 6
Golden Gate University features an online master’s in HR management that prepares HR professionals to manage and develop a productive workforce. This 27 unit online program includes courses ethics, learning and development, international HR management, total compensation, and acquitting and retaining human resources. An internship opportunity is available to students who want professional experience in the field. There is no states minimum undergraduate GPA required of applicants. Each potential student is evaluated based on multiple criteria including GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
#8 – Sullivan University – Louisville, Kentucky
MS Degree in HR Leadership
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average graduate student tuition: $15,840/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 6
The online master’s in Human Resource Leadership from Sullivan University is a well-rounded program that aligns with the guidelines set by the SHRM. Online HR courses cover areas like compensation and benefits, corporate training, and employment law. Students are prepared to sit for certification exams including the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP. Each student receives individual career coaching and free employment assistance. The program is ideal for working adults who need to set their own schedules. To be considered for admission, applicants should have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5.
#7 – Ashford University – San Diego, California
Master of HR Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $11,790/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.0
Points: 6
The Forbes School of Business and Technology at Ashford University offers a top online master’s in HR management that sets a standard of excellence in HR. Online courses are offered in short, six-week sessions and students move through the master’s program taking one course at a time. Flexible online HR courses cover areas like change management, globalization, legal and ethical issues, and training and development. The curriculum aligns with SHRM guidelines and students with 500 clock hours of relevant experience are eligible to sit for the SHRM exam in the final year of the program. To be considered for admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
#6 – Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, Indiana
MS in HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,842/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 6
The top online master’s in HR management from Indiana Wesleyan University is ACBSP accredited and utilizes a biblical framework. Online HR courses are available in total rewards management, strategic risk assessment, organizational renewal and development, and accounting and finance for managers. Students take courses sequentially, one at a time, to complete this 36 credit hour online HR program. To be considered for admission, applicants should have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA for the last 30 credit hours of completed coursework.
#5 – University of Maryland University College – Adelphi, Maryland
Online Management Master’s Degree with HR Management Specialization
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $8,244/year in-state and $11,862/year out-of-state
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 6
The online management master’s degree focused on HR management offered by the University of Maryland University College is a dynamic program that aligns with the SHRM guidelines. The online HR program is designed for entry-level and mid-career professionals and features a curriculum designed by industry experts. Online HR courses cover areas like managing virtual and global teams, training and development, recruitment and selection, and employee and labor relations. The streamlined application process does not require a minimum GPA score for admission.
#4 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide – Daytona Beach, Florida
MS in Management – HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,980/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 6
The top online master’s in management focused on HR offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is for students who want to advance their career. The online program earned accredited by the ACBSP and HR coursework aligns with the SHRM guidelines. Online coursework covers areas like HR management, comprehensive reward systems, talent acquisition, and HR development. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for consideration.
#3 – Strayer University – Washington, DC
Online Master of HR Management
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average graduate student tuition: $14,790/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 8
The top online master’s in HR management from Strayer University was designed for students to want to help shape the future of their organization. This 12 course online master’s program support students who need to work at their own pace with flexible online or on-campus program options. Online courses cover areas like ethics and advocacy, HR management foundations, leadership, and contemporary business. Applicants should have at least a 2.5 out of 4.0 undergraduate GPA or satisfactory performance on the GMAT (450 or better) or GRE (1,000 or better) to be considered for admission.
#2 – Webster University – Saint Louis, Missouri
HR Management Master’s Degree Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average graduate student tuition: $13,500/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 8
Webster University features an ACBSP accredited online HR master’s program designed for working professionals. Online HR courses provide both practical and theoretical knowledge that are easily applied to a variety of employment settings. This 36 credit hour master’s degree program includes courses in areas like basic finance for managers, staffing, compensation, and labor-management relations. Applicants need to have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution that also holds a business-related accreditation (AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE) and a minimum undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
#1 – Baker College – Flint, Michigan
HR Management (MBA) Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Average graduate student tuition: $12,510/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 8
Our top choice for an online master’s in HR that considers applicants with a lower GPA is offered by Baker College. This online MBA program is affordable and features a low student to faculty ratio. Online HR coursework covers areas like compensation and benefits, HR management, labor relations and conflict resolution, and employee staffing and development. The program earned accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. To be considered for this top online master’s in HR, applicants should have at least a 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA from an accredited university to apply.
By HRMBA Staff
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