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Human Resources Online MBA Concentration Within the Master's in Business Administration Program

Chelsea Vega-Mitchell, who earned her online MBA in Human Resources from SNHU in 2023, wearing her graduation cap and gown and holding her diploma.

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Total courses 3 (of 10)

Term length 10 weeks

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Concentration Overview Why focus your MBA in human resources?

Because the business world needs well-educated human resource professionals now more than ever. In the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University, you can prepare to step into this increasingly important industry. As part of your MBA program, this concentration adds focus in human resources to the general business administration topics you'll study and apply to today's ever-evolving workforce.

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. And with only 30 credits required to graduate, you can finish the program in about 1 year as a full-time student. 

Skills you'll learn:

  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Organizational strategy
  • Leadership and people management
  • Ethical, legal and sustainable practices
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Complexities of HR management
Ade Osinowo, who earned her degree from SNHU 2020.

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

As with all of our HR programs, courses in SNHU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources are informed by 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.

Concentration Course Descriptions

Your 3-course human resources concentration explained

Your entire MBA degree consists of 10 courses (30 credits). For 7 of your courses, you’ll take graduate-level MBA classes (21 credits). If you choose this concentration, the remaining 3 courses (9 credits) will focus specifically on human resources.

Don't have a business background? No problem. Our MBA is accessible to everyone. You must have a conferred undergraduate degree for acceptance, but it can be in any field. Depending on your academic background, you may need to supplement the business core with 1 or 2 additional courses.

Courses may include:

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 Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: July 6, 2026 | September 21, 2026

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Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.

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Faculty Profile

Learn from instructors with industry experience

Our faculty members bring a wide range of experience in the business field and exhibit strong leadership both in the classroom and in their professional careers. This experience informs the development of courses and curriculum that can help position graduates for success, wherever they go next.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Ranjit Nair

Dr. Ranjit Nair, an adjunct faculty member in SNHU's online MBA in Human Resources program, wearing a sports coat and button down shirt.Dr. Ranjit Nair is the founder and CEO of Potluck Culture Solutions, a leadership development and HR consultant group. After working as a consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, he served in senior HR roles at a number of companies, including Micron, Global Foundries and Bank of America. 

Position
Adjunct Faculty

Joined SNHU
2017

Education

  • BS in Accounting from California State University
  • MBA in Information Systems from Golden State University
  • PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University
  • Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Management from Harvard University

"At SNHU, you will find a supportive community that is dedicated to student success. From academic advisors to career services, there are numerous resources available to help students navigate their educational journey."

Deborah Gogliettino

Deborah Gogliettino, associate dean at SNHU.With over 2 decades of teaching experience in higher education and 25 years of leadership in human resources at the C-suite level, Deborah Gogliettino brings a wealth of knowledge to the HR faculty at SNHU. Credentialed in executive coaching, Gogliettino enjoys mentoring emerging leaders. She also holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) from Human Resource Certification Institute® and has written about the value of continuous learning for the organization.

Position
Associate Dean

Joined SNHU
2015

Education

  • Master of Arts in Administration from Western Connecticut State University
  • Master of Arts in Leadership from Grand Canyon University

"The faculty’s focus on our mission and support for students and students’ drive to beat the odds and finish their degree is a bit more unique than my experience in other educational environments. Students are serious about moving forward and faculty are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the students’ goals."

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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
$659
$1,977
$23,724
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:

$1,318 $2,636 $3,954
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 2 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $18,452

If 4 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,134

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an 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 online MBA in Human Resources?

An online MBA in Human Resources — like SNHU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources — is one of the most respected and versatile degrees in business, and it can help qualify you for a number of management and leadership roles. 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 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:

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%
An icon of a flow chart arrow pointing upwards

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

$136,350
An icon of a piggy bank with a dollar symbol

The median annual salary nationally for human resource manager jobs as of May 2023, according to the BLS.3 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

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, an MBA in Human Resources can help you move in number of different 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 reported a median annual salary of $136,350 for HR managers in 2023. 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 reported 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 reported a 2023 median salary of $125,040.3

Learn more about what you can do with a human resources degree.

It certainly can be. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for human resource managers through 2032 and reported 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, associate dean at SNHU, says a business student with IT skills can get into HR systems or analysis within a couple of years.

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.”

Learn more about why an HR degree can be worth it.

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.

At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.

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.