What is an MBA in HR? A Comprehensive Guide
Updated on Mar 28, 2025 | 14 min read | 1.5k views
Share:
For working professionals
For fresh graduates
More
Updated on Mar 28, 2025 | 14 min read | 1.5k views
Share:
Table of Contents
An MBA in Human Resources (HR) prepares you to manage a company's workforce effectively and align HR strategies with business goals. As businesses evolve, the demand for skilled HR professionals has grown significantly, making an MBA in HR a valuable qualification.
So, what is the use of an MBA in HR? An MBA in HR equips professionals with expertise in talent management, employee relations, performance evaluation, and organizational development. It blends business strategy with HR principles to create leaders capable of managing diverse workforces effectively.
In this article, we will explore what an MBA in HR entails, its significance, key career opportunities, salary prospects, and future scope in the field. Read along to discover how an MBA in HR can elevate your career and open doors to leadership roles in human resource management!
Are you looking to step into HR leadership roles and curious to take the next step? Explore upGrad’s MBA in HR Courses to boost your career in HRM!
Human Resource Management (HRM) is the strategic approach to managing people within an organization to maximize their performance and contribute to business success. It involves key functions such as recruitment, training, performance management, employee relations, and compensation.
So, what is the role of HRM in organizations? The following pointers indicate the role of HRM:
Master the essential HR concepts and build a strong foundation for a successful career—explore these key concepts in an MBA in HRM today!
An MBA in HR is a graduate-level program that blends core business principles with advanced HR practices. It prepares you for leadership roles in managing talent, improving organizational culture, and aligning HR with business objectives.
Following are the features of an MBA in HR :
Pursuing an MBA in HR opens doors to numerous benefits and career opportunities. By integrating human resource management with business strategies, this degree provides a solid foundation for a career in the industry.
Read further about why an MBA in HR is your gateway to career growth, exciting opportunities, and unmatched benefits!
You can pursue an MBA in HR in multiple formats. These different types of MBAs cater to the diverse needs of aspiring HR professionals. These formats allow you to balance studies with work, offering flexibility while ensuring you gain essential knowledge and skills.
Below are the common types of MBA in HR programs you may encounter:
MBA Program Type |
Description |
Full-Time MBA in HR |
A traditional, immersive program that requires a full-time commitment. Typically spans two years. |
Part-Time MBA in HR |
Designed for working professionals, this format allows you to pursue your degree while continuing your job. Classes are held in the evenings or weekends. |
Executive MBA (EMBA) in HR |
Aimed at senior professionals with significant work experience, this program is more flexible and emphasizes strategic leadership. |
Online MBA in HR |
Offers flexibility through online coursework, allowing you to study from anywhere. It’s ideal for those who cannot commit to on-campus programs. |
Distance MBA in HR |
Similar to the online MBA but with fewer interactions and more self-paced learning. |
Did you know? There’s a Master’s degree in HR as well! And yes, it is distinct from an MBA in HR. It becomes important to understand these distinctions when you’re looking to pursue either degree.
While both programs focus on human resource management, they vary in scope, career outcomes, and curriculum structure. Let’s take a look at the following table to highlight the differences between an MBA in HR and a Master’s in HR:
Factor |
MBA in HR |
Master's in HR |
Focus |
Business administration with HR specialization |
Specialized HR management focus |
Curriculum |
Covers HR along with finance, marketing, and strategy |
Deep dive into HR theories, labor laws, and policies |
Ideal for |
Aspiring HR leaders with business acumen |
HR professionals aiming for in-depth expertise |
Career Scope |
HR leadership roles in corporate settings |
HR specialist roles in consultancy, labor relations |
Common Job Roles |
HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Head, CHRO |
HR Consultant, Employee Relations Specialist |
Salary Potential |
Generally higher due to business and leadership training |
Varies based on specialization and industry |
Typical Duration |
1-2 years |
1-2 years |
Best for |
Those seeking managerial roles with HR knowledge |
Those focused on HR-specific expertise |
An MBA in HR opens up numerous career opportunities in human resource management, equipping you with skills like talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Graduates are in high demand as organizations prioritize workforce efficiency and productivity.
Career paths in HR are diverse, including roles in recruitment, employee development, and compensation management. Salaries vary based on role, industry, and location. With increasing demand for skilled HR professionals, career growth is expected to be strong.
Explore the scope of an MBA in HR—discover top job roles, in-demand skills, leading companies, and future career trends!
Below is a list of some of the top job roles in HR and their average salary ranges.
Job Role |
Approx Annual Salary |
Talent Acquisition Specialist |
₹4L - ₹8L/yr |
HR Analyst |
₹4L - ₹7L/yr |
Employee Relations Manager |
₹4L - ₹12.3L/yr |
HR Manager |
₹5L - ₹12.0L/yr |
Organizational Development Manager |
₹10.0L - ₹14.0L/yr |
Compensation and Benefits Manager |
₹6L - ₹30.0L/yr |
Training and Development Manager |
₹5L - ₹10.0L/yr |
Learning and Development Manager |
₹9L - ₹19.0L/yr |
Source: Glassdoor
Check here to find out about the Top 10 Highest Paying HR Jobs in India and find out which roles offer the best salaries and career prospects!
After completing your MBA in HR, you can expect to work for some of the top organizations in various sectors. Many large companies and multinational corporations recognize the importance of strategic HR management and are actively looking for skilled HR professionals to help them manage their workforce and align HR practices with business goals.
Here are some of the leading recruiters for MBA in HR graduates:
Company Name |
Industry |
Technology |
|
Amazon |
E-Commerce |
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
IT and Consulting |
Accenture |
Consulting |
Cognizant Technology Solutions |
IT and Consulting |
Infosys |
IT and Consulting |
HDFC Bank |
Banking and Financial Services |
Reliance Industries |
Conglomerate |
Flipkart |
E-Commerce |
Mahindra & Mahindra |
Automotive and Conglomerate |
In order to excel in HR, you need a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities. Here are the key skills every HR professional should master:
1. Communication Skills
Ready to elevate your communication skills? Join upGrad’s free Business Communication Masterclass today and learn to lead with impact. Enroll now!
2. Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
3. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
4. HR Technology & Data Management
5. Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability
6. Leadership & Decision-Making
An MBA in HR covers a broad range of subjects that blend business and HR principles. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education in both managerial and HR-specific skills.
Here are some of the core subject options you can expect:
Core Subjects |
What You Study? |
Organizational Behavior |
Study of how individuals and groups behave within organizations. |
Human Resource Management |
Focus on recruitment, employee relations, and overall HR functions. |
Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis |
Analyzing financial data to inform business decisions. |
Cost Management |
Techniques for controlling and reducing business costs. |
Macroeconomics & Microeconomics |
Study of economic systems and individual economic factors. |
Statistics for Management |
Application of statistical techniques in decision-making. |
Risk Management & Indian Legal System |
Managing organizational risks and understanding Indian law. |
Discover the Top 15 Career Options After an MBA in HR and find the perfect path to elevate your HR career!
Now, let’s have a look at the various specializations offered in an MBA in HR program.
Specializations |
Descriptions |
Talent Management |
Focus on attracting, developing, and retaining skilled employees. |
Training and Development |
Design and implementation of employee training programs. |
Labor & Employee Relations |
Managing relationships between employers and employees. |
Compensation and Benefits |
Focus on employee compensation structures and benefits packages. |
Recruitment and Selection |
Strategies for hiring and selecting the right candidates. |
Payroll and HR Systems |
Managing payroll systems and HR software solutions. |
Performance Management |
Monitoring and improving employee performance. |
Read how Transformational Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion drives meaningful change in the workplace. Read Now
Securing admission to an MBA in HR program involves meeting certain eligibility criteria and completing an admission process. These steps ensure that you have the necessary academic background, professional experience, and skills to succeed in the demanding field of human resource management.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria that typically need to be met to pursue an MBA in HR.
The basic eligibility criteria for an MBA in HR are designed to ensure that you have the necessary academic foundation and professional qualifications to succeed in the program.
The following are the common requirements for most institutions:
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
Minimum Educational Qualification |
A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any discipline. For example, a B.A., B.Com, B.Sc., or BBA is typically accepted. |
Minimum Percentage Requirement |
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in your undergraduate degree is required. (May vary by university). |
Work Experience |
Some business schools require 2 to 5 years of experience, while most do not ask for experience. |
Age Limit |
There is no upper age limit for pursuing an MBA in HR. |
Also Read: What is Strategic Human Resource Management? Types, Functions, and Examples
The admission process for an MBA in HR typically consists of multiple stages, starting from taking entrance exams to final admission confirmation. Each step in the process is critical to ensure you secure a seat in your desired institution.
The typical admission process follows these steps:
Also Read: Workforce Management – Process, Job Responsibilities, Benefits
To gain further clarity, let’s explore the entrance exams that are crucial for securing a spot in an MBA in HR program.
To get admission to an MBA in HR program, you need to appear for one or more of the common entrance exams accepted by most business schools. These exams evaluate your aptitude, reasoning abilities, and overall academic knowledge, which are essential for succeeding in the program.
Below are some of the major entrance exams that you need to consider:
Entrance Exam |
Details |
CAT (Common Admission Test) |
- Widely accepted by IIMs and top B-schools in India. - Focuses on quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. - Considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India. - Offered once a year, typically in November. |
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
- Accepted by over 600 B-schools in India. - Focuses on general knowledge, mathematical skills, and logical reasoning. - Offered multiple times a year (February, May, September, and December). - Relatively easier compared to other exams like CAT. |
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) |
- Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and accepted by over 150 institutes. - Tests decision-making ability, quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and general knowledge. - Includes a unique section on “Decision Making,” not present in other exams. - Held once a year, usually in January. |
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
- Primarily used for admissions to international B-schools, including top US, European, and Canadian institutes. - Focuses on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. - Can be taken year-round and retaken multiple times. - Flexible, computer-adaptive test format. |
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) |
- Conducted by NMIMS University for its management programs. - Focuses on language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. - Can be taken thrice a year with the best score being considered. - Test dates are flexible and offered in multiple slots. |
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) |
- Conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for admissions to MBA/PGDM programs in India. - Tests quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness. - Held once a year, usually in January. - Accepted by more than 1000 B-schools across India. |
An MBA in HR opens doors to diverse career opportunities, allowing graduates to work across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Here’s what life after an MBA in HR looks like:
Want to Build a Career in HR? Learn how to become an HR professional with key steps, essential skills, and top certifications for success!
upGrad is one of India’s leading ed-tech platforms, trusted by over 10 million learners globally. With more than 200 courses across diverse fields, we’re committed to helping you advance your career and explore new opportunities.
If you're looking to specialize in HR, leadership, or other areas, upGrad’s MBA programs are designed to enhance your skills and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Here are some of our top MBA courses:
We also offer free one-on-one career counseling sessions with experts, or you can visit your nearest upGrad offline center to boost your job prospects and chart your career path!
And that is not all, you may enroll in our Introduction to HR Analytics Course and earn a certificate in just 4 hours – 100% Free!
Enhance your expertise with our Popular MBA Courses. Explore the programs below to find your ideal fit.
Expand your knowledge with our Popular Articles Related to MBA. Browse the programs below to discover your ideal match.
Reference Links:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/human-resources-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/talent-acquisition-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/learning-and-development-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/compensation-and-benefits-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,33.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/employee-relations-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/hr-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/organizational-development-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,34.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/learning-and-development-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm
Get Free Consultation
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
From MBA to Dream Job - Explore Our Alumni Success Stories
Top Resources