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Human Resources Management Schools and Programs in The United States

34 schools in The United States teach Human Resources Management.

Human Resources Management Studies in The United States

Human resources management (HR) covers hiring, training, pay and benefits, employee relations and employment law inside an organisation. In the United States it is usually studied as a major or specialisation within a business degree, although some universities have separate HR or human capital departments and programmes.

How the degree is organised

The usual entry route is a bachelor's degree, which EducationUSA states is usually completed in four years of full-time study. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that human resources specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, communications or a related field, and that an internship during college helps. For managers, the BLS says that candidates typically need a combination of education and several years of related work experience, and that some jobs may require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration (MBA). EducationUSA says MBA programmes typically last one to two years, and master's degrees are two-year degrees.

Content varies by university. University of Phoenix, for example, describes human resources as recruiting, hiring, training and retaining personnel, with topics such as employee development, employment law, regulatory compliance, talent management and total compensation. Ferris State University lists Human Resource Management among the online programmes of its College of Business, DeSales University lists a Human Resource Management - Accelerated programme among its programmes, and New York University's School of Professional Studies has a Department of Human Capital Management.

Professional certification

Certification is not required for most jobs. The BLS says it is usually voluntary, that some employers prefer or require it, and that it usually requires passing an exam. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications, and its site says that eligibility criteria decide the exam level. Check the education and experience requirements of the credential you want, and whether your programme prepares for it.

Admission, English and visa

EducationUSA states that US universities require an English language proficiency test before admission, and that there are over 1,000 universities in the United States that offer graduate degrees. International students on a degree programme normally hold an F student visa, which requires admission to an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students who start at a community college can follow the "2+2" route: two years at a community college followed by two years at a university to complete the bachelor's degree. EducationUSA also reminds applicants that no official ranking system exists for US colleges and universities, so choose by your own academic, financial and personal requirements.

Where to study human resources management in the United States

The 36 schools listed here include large public universities, private universities, community colleges and online institutions. Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami each have two of them. Examples are:

  • Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, with an online Human Resource Management programme
  • DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, with an accelerated Human Resource Management programme
  • New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies in New York, home to a Department of Human Capital Management
  • University of Phoenix, an online university with a human resources area in its business degrees
  • Community colleges such as Delaware Technical & Community College in Dover and Broward College in Fort Lauderdale

Each school's profile on this site gives its website for the current list of majors and certificates.

Careers

According to the BLS, human resources specialists recruit, screen and interview job applicants and may handle compensation and benefits, training and employee relations. The median annual wage was $75,940 in May 2025, and employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. For human resources managers, who plan, coordinate and direct the administrative functions of an organisation, the median annual wage was $149,280 in May 2025, with the same projected growth of 6 percent. Managers must also understand federal, state and local employment laws.

Frequently asked questions

Which degree do I need to work in human resources in the United States?

According to the BLS, human resources specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, communications or a related field. Managers need a bachelor's degree plus several years of related experience, and some jobs ask for a master's degree or an MBA.

Is HR certification necessary?

Not usually. The BLS says certification is usually voluntary, although some employers prefer or require it.

Can I study human resources online?

Some schools in the list offer online programmes, for example Ferris State University and University of Phoenix. International students who need a student visa should check with the school which programmes can be taken under an F visa.

How long does an MBA with a human resources focus take?

EducationUSA states that MBA programmes typically last one to two years. Check the length of each specific programme.