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.
Streamlined Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations program now available
Curate your MHRIR experience with a shorter, streamlined program available starting this fall. Following a comprehensive program review, we are providing you with additional choices in the MHRIR program.
- a streamlined degree program of 40 credits (previously 49);
- a shorter timeline for all students, with full-time students able to graduate in as little as three semesters and part-time students in approximately three years, on average; and
- an extended Experiential Learning capstone course in which students collaborate on live cases with area businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations.
For 75 years, the MHRIR program has prepared students for successful careers in HR. We continue to build on that solid foundation and update our program in innovative ways.
The curriculum at a glance
To provide a rigorous education across the entire field of human resources and industrial relations, 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
Foundational Core Courses
- 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
Full-Time sequence
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 sequence
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.