Carlson School of Management

PhD–HRIR – Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the deadlines for admissions application material?
The deadline for PhD application materials is January 1. PhD students are admitted for the Fall semester only; there is no Spring entry into the program. All students are strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure that all materials are received in time.
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?

Yes. Applicants to the PhD program must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. Learn more about the GRE or GMAT.

Are there any course prerequisites?
An undergraduate course in microeconomics must be completed with a grade of C or better before enrolling. Introductory courses in macroeconomics, general psychology, and statistics are recommended, but not required. The department does not require any specific undergraduate major, and a Master's degree is not required for admission.
What criteria are used in admission decisions?
An admissions committee will review your GRE or GMAT scores, your undergraduate or graduate grade point averages, your letters of reference, your statement of objectives, and previous research experience. It is important that the applicant fit our program. We excel in training individuals for academic positions. Individuals solely interested in a consulting career do not fit as well into our program. English proficiency is also key. While admission is competitive, we strongly encourage you to submit an application for review.
How many students are selected each year?
We typically select between 2 and 3 students each year into the PhD program.
How long is the program?
The program is designed to be completed in five years. We do not accept part-time students and do not have an evening PhD program. Regular interaction with faculty and other PhD students is essential to success in a PhD program.
Are there assistantships available?
Students accepted into our program are generally awarded a paid assistantship (requiring 20 hours of work a week), a fellowship, and a summer research award. The assistantship includes a 100% tuition waiver during the academic year and qualifies the student for enrollment in the Graduate Assistant Health Insurance Plan, with our department paying most of the healthcare premium. Offers, however, do vary depending on budgetary issues.
What type of job would I be preparing for?
Our PhD program in HRIR is designed and intended to prepare students for academic careers, a career involving teaching and research. Individuals solely interested in a consulting career do not fit as well into our program.
I am an international applicant. Are there any special things I should know?

The TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English, except those who will have completed 24 quarter credits/16 semester credits (within 24 months of the applicant's proposed term of entry) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota. This requirement will not be waived.

The operational standard for admission to the graduate school is a score of at least 79 with section scores of 21 on writing and 19 on reading (or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL)—we (the Department of Human Resources and Industrial Relations) require 90 (or 570) or higher. We will accept 80 or above on the MELAB, or 6.5 on the IELTS.

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