For Transformative HR Leaders
Nothing matters more to a company’s success than its employees. With a human resources MBA from Ashland University, you can help individuals reach their full potential while driving exceptional results across your organization.
Whether you’re an experienced human resources professional or entering the field for the first time, this specialization will equip you with a solid understanding of HR and management theory as well as the practical tools to apply best practices in the real world.
Explore topics ranging from collective bargaining to compensation while preparing for national HR certification exams that qualify you for managerial or leadership roles in any industry. Whether you hope to move into the private sector, government or nonprofits, an Ashland MBA will prepare you to build and lead healthy, high-performing work cultures.
Build Your HR Toolkit
This specialization includes three advanced courses that expand on core MBA coursework to prepare you to take on the HR challenges of today and tomorrow.
Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (required)
Explore common issues managers and employees face with text readings, case studies, experiential exercises and more. You’ll learn to evaluate and improve human resources practices by integrating the latest theory and research.
Elective Human Resources Courses
Choose from courses on labor relations and collective bargaining, training and development, and compensation and benefits to dive deeper into your areas of interest and develop in-demand skills that will set you apart.
NEW Scholarships for Graduate Students
AU Alumni Scholarship
Ashland University is your destination for lifelong learning. If you have already earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from AU, you'll receive a tuition discount to continue your education in one of our graduate or certificate programs:
- Part-time students receive a 10% discount.
- Full-time students receive a 15% discount.
That makes 2025 a great time to start your next degree!
Dean's Scholarship: NEW GRADUATE STUDENT
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,500 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Dean’s Scholarship: EMERGING GRADUATE LEADER
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,000 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Empower an Eagle Referral Scholarship
Before applying to AU, graduate students referred to AU who apply for admission will receive a $500 scholarship. The referral must be mentioned during the admissions application process. Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible. This scholarship is renewable for four years.
Choose the Timeline That Works for You
To earn an MBA from Ashland, you’ll need to complete ten courses for a total of 30 credit hours — but the pace of your degree is entirely up to you. Ashland’s courses are offered across three terms — fall, spring and summer. Each term is split into two eight-week sessions. Depending on the pathway you choose, you might take one or two courses per session or take certain sessions off to accommodate personal and professional commitments.
Not sure what your life will look like in six months? You can always adjust your course load if your needs change.
Accelerated
12 months
You will take four courses per semester in this one-year program. Your schedule can be customized with your personal MBA Advisor.
The accelerated program is offered online and in person in Columbus.
Flexible
18 months
You will take two courses per semester in this program, making it easier to manage other demands on your time. Your personal MBA Advisor will work with you to create a schedule that fits into your busy life.
Complete your MBA from anywhere with our online courses, or take some or all of your courses in person in Columbus.
MBA Specializations
Have a specific career goal in mind? Choose from 12+ MBA specialization options that pair core MBA coursework with industry-specific classes, or design your own focus area with help from our faculty.
The Ashland Difference
45+
Years Educating Working Adults
70%
Full-Time Faculty with Doctorates
6,500+
Ashland MBA Alumni
Careers for HR MBA Graduates
A human resource management MBA can prepare you for leadership roles in any industry or organization.
Human Resource Manager
HR managers and executives are the connective tissue that ties an organization’s leaders and employees together. They set and implement HR strategy, lead teams and ensure that the company’s workforce has the ability to meet corporate goals.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
A cost-effective but competitive compensation and benefits strategy is essential to attract and retain top talent while protecting an organization’s financial health. Compensation and benefits managers set companies’ pay structures, prepare budgets and work with outside benefits vendors.
Training and Development Manager
As technology and skills evolve, it’s essential to keep employees up-to-date. Training and development managers design and deliver learning programs that keep companies at the forefront of their industries.
“I decided to enroll in the MBA program specifically because of the program’s flexibility and support of a work/life balance. As a mother of two young children and working full time, I intentionally chose to attend one course each semester for four consecutive years. Ashland University solidified my educational foundation and helped project me into a successful and satisfying business career. I would definitely recommend getting an MBA from AU for individuals who want a quality education that offers flexibility while balancing their work/life environment.”
Shari Thomas
Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer, U.S. Small Business Administration