School and Ranking Information
A handful of schools can be found within 25 miles of St. Louis offering degree programs in human resources management and personnel administration. The following schools make the top-3 list for rankings, location and how many degrees they've awarded in the field:
- Winner: Washington University in St. Louis tops the list for receiving numerous national rankings from U.S. News & World Report and for its high graduation rate.
- Runner Up #1: Webster University, situated within St. Louis, comes next for its cumulative degrees that have been awarded in the area of study and for U.S. News & World Report's regional ranking given to the school in 2022.
- Runner Up #2: Lindenwood University in St. Charles is in third by reason of its tuition rates and the different degree level options it offers in the field.
School Comparison Table
| Category | Washington University in St. Louis | Webster University | Lindenwood University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #29 in U.S. among graduate business schools (2023)* #15 in U.S. among national universities (2022-2023)* | #22 among Midwest regional universities (2022-2023)* | #110 in regional universities in the Midwest (2022-2023)* #176 among online MBA programs (2022)* |
| Location | St. Louis | St. Louis | St. Charles, Missouri (21 miles from St. Louis) |
| School Type | 4-year; private not-for-profit | 4-year; private not-for-profit | 4-year; private not-for-profit |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | $58,866 (undergraduate); $58,288 (graduate)* | $28,700 (undergraduate); $13,500 (graduate)** | $18,640 (undergraduate); $9,784 (graduate)** |
| Human Resources Management Degrees Offered | Bachelor's and master's | Bachelor's and master's | Bachelor's and master's |
| Degrees Awarded (2020-2021) | 9 (BA), 2 (MA), 2 (Postgraduate certificate)** | 283 (Master's in Human Resources Management and Services, Other)** | 24 (BA), 30 (MA)** |
| Graduation Rate (150% of Normal Program Time, 2015) | 93%** | 57%** | 53%** |
| Noteworthy | Business was the most popular major for graduates in 2018* | University has worldwide campus locations, including sites in China, Africa and the Netherlands | Encourages volunteerism among students and participates in Community Work Service - Work & Learn program |
Sources: *U.S. News & World Report, **NCES College Navigator.
Winner: Washington University in St. Louis
- Student-faculty ratio of 7:1 as of 2021, according to the NCES
- 3 + 2 BSBA/MBA accelerated program
- Experiential learning requirements
- International study opportunities
Washington University in St. Louis is a medium-sized private institution housing the Olin Business School. Founded in 1917, the school offers undergraduate business programs that include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in organization and human resources. Undergraduate students may also pursue an MBA through the accelerated 5-year program. International study programs afford students the opportunity to study abroad in cities such as Paris, Hong Kong, Koblenz, Germany or Manchester, England.
Graduate MBA students can select the Consulting and General Management platform with a concentration in human capital consulting. Graduate coursework includes topics such as human resources strategies, organizational economics, compensation and negotiation. Students will also complete an experiential learning course as a practicum requirement. The Center for Experiential Learning provides students with opportunities to engage in other areas of practical study, such as the Taylor Community Consulting Program.
First Runner-Up: Webster University
- 99% of full-time, first-year students received financial aid in 2020-2021, according to the NCES
- Online delivery options or traditional campus programs
- Master of Arts or MBA program concentrations in HRM
Founded in 1915, Webster University is a private institution that has grown to include global online programs and multiple international campuses. Through the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, students can pursue a BA in Management with a concentration in human resources management. Undergraduate courses cover personnel law, compensation management, human resources strategies and labor relations.
Graduate students can pursue an MA in Human Resources Development through a 36-credit program that includes courses on organizational behavior, career management and human resources assessment. The human resources development program can also be included as an area of emphasis in the 51-credit MBA program. Additionally, MBA students can pursue an area of emphasis in human resources management, with program courses covering training, staffing and employment law. Undergraduate and graduate programs are also available through online course delivery.
Second Runner-Up: Lindenwood University
- 100% of full-time, first-year students received financial aid in 2020-2021, according to the NCES
- Online MBA available
- Students can join the Human Resources Club
Lindenwood University in St. Charles was founded in 1827 as a private liberal arts institution with Judeo-Christian-oriented programs. Through the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, students can pursue a BA in Human Resources Management. Program courses cover topics such as labor relations and compensation benefits, as well as other specialized human resources topics.
Graduate students may pursue an MBA with an emphasis in human resources management through a 39-credit program. Graduate coursework covers employee health, organizational behavior and personnel law, as well as coursework covering employee training and development. The MBA program is offered through traditional campus courses or as an online program. Undergraduate and graduate students can also participate in the Human Resources Club, a student organization offering career development and networking resources.
