Human Resources & Industrial Relations Curriculum

The Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations curriculum is built from a foundation of economics and social psychology and provides students with a thorough understanding of contemporary practices, and underlying theories, in the major areas of human resources and industrial relations. By the end of the program, students will develop a conceptual basis and analytical framework for successful careers with corporations and public sector organizations.

Students in the full-time program have the option to curate their degree to finish in either 16- or 21-months. Students can choose to follow an accelerated program path and graduate in 16 months. Or students can choose to extend their time in the program to take advantage of study abroad opportunities, add on a graduate minor or certificate, or pursue CPT and finish the program in 21 months. 

What you'll learn

To provide a rigorous education across the entire human resources and industrial relations field, the curriculum is structured around 3 core areas and rooted in 3 key concepts from social science, behavioral science, and business. Students take core courses in all 6 of these areas of HRIR.

Core Areas

  • Staffing, training, and development
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Labor relations and collective bargaining

Key Concepts

  • Organizational behavior and theory
  • Managerial economics and labor market analysis
  • Data analysis
  • HRIR 6001 - Business Principles
  • HRIR 6111 - Statistics
  • HRIR 6301 - Staffing, Training, Development
  • HRIR 6305 - Staffing, Training, Development Leadership Practicum
  • HRIR 6501 - Compensation and Benefits
  • HRIR 6505 - Compensation and Benefits Leadership Practicum
  • HRIR 6701 - Labor Relations
  • HRIR 6401 - Organizational Theory
  • HRIR 6441 - Organizational Behavior


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Core Areas

  • Staffing, training, and development
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Labor relations and collective bargaining

Key Concepts

  • Organizational behavior and theory
  • Managerial economics and labor market analysis
  • Data analysis
  • HRIR 6001 - Business Principles
  • HRIR 6111 - Statistics
  • HRIR 6301 - Staffing, Training, Development
  • HRIR 6305 - Staffing, Training, Development Leadership Practicum
  • HRIR 6501 - Compensation and Benefits
  • HRIR 6505 - Compensation and Benefits Leadership Practicum
  • HRIR 6701 - Labor Relations
  • HRIR 6401 - Organizational Theory
  • HRIR 6441 - Organizational Behavior


View all courses

Program Format

Full-Time

The Full-Time program is a rigorous and immersive program that can be completed in 16 months, three semesters, with the option to curate your program with options that include pursuing a graduate minor in topic areas such as business or law or taking part in our unique study abroad opportunities.

Part-Time

The curriculum is the same for the part-time option as for the full-time option. Part-time students go at their own pace and typically take 4-8 credits per semester and complete the program in 3-4 years. Taking the required core courses as early as possible in the program is recommended.

Program Highlights

"SHRM academically aligned" badge

SHRM Aligned

The Carlson School's Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations program is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). 

Take the next step

Contact Master's in Human Resources