Human Resources & Industrial Relations FAQ

All applicants to the MHRIR program must complete the online University application. We require the following information: resume, transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores or an Academic Readiness Statement, English language proficiency exam (if required for international applicants), and letters of recommendation. Detailed admissions information is available at Admissions Process.

We do not require any specific undergraduate major. Admitted students have degrees in fields ranging from engineering to the fine arts. Common majors include psychology, business, economics, human resources, and speech communications. Before enrolling, all students must complete an undergraduate course in microeconomics with a grade of C or better. We also recommend but do not require introductory courses in macroeconomics, general psychology, and statistics.

The full-time program only admits students for fall entry. The priority application deadline and the deadline for consideration for financial aid is February 1st. After that date, we consider and admit applicants on a rolling basis until the program is full. For the part-time program, students can start in either the fall or spring. The application deadline for fall entry is June 15th. For spring entry, students should apply by October 15th.

The GRE or GMAT is a helpful part of the application, but it is optional. Master's applicants can choose to submit either Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. Both tests are computer-adaptive tests that are available year-round at test centers throughout the world. Applicants most likely to be admitted are those with strong GRE scores (40th percentile or better on the verbal and quantitative sections).  Learn more about the GRE or GMAT.

If an applicant decides that a test score is not the best way to measure their readiness for graduate level study, they can submit an Academic Readiness score in place of the GRE or GMAT score.  Key elements to highlight include coursework in a relevant field (e.g., performance in microeconomics, business administration, law, public policy, sociology, or industrial/organizational psychology courses); a summary of experience with industry research; structured professional development activities; and/or quantitative work relevant for the field of HRIR.

 

 

Applicants for admission to the full-time HRIR master's program do not need to have previous work experience, although it is encouraged. Nearly all part-time students have full-time careers.

Application review starts soon after the application deadline.  Applicants are generally notified of the decision 1-4 weeks from the deadline.

Full-time master's students take 16 months (3 semesters) with the option of 4 semesters if pursuing a graduate minor in topic areas such as business or law or taking part in our unique study abroad opportunities.

Part-time students complete the program at their own pace, the majority take 3-5 years.

Fellowships are awarded to highly-qualified students. There is no separate application, but interested students must submit a complete admissions application by February 1.  We have limited funds available for fellowships and try to give as many students as possible some funding.  There are no full-ride scholarships.

Assistantships are announced in August before classes start and students may apply for them then.  Assistantships usually require 10 hours of work per week during the school year. Participants help with recruiting, faculty research projects and with The Herman Library.

Loans and work-study opportunities are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

There are some fellowships available for full-time HRIR graduate students. There is no separate application, everyone is considered after admissions decisions are made. Full-time students also find summer internships with companies in the Twin Cities and across the nation. 

Further information on financial aid is available at Financial Aid – One Stop.

During the first year of study, students attend classes during the day. Typically all- day on Monday, Wednesday and half a day on Thursday.  During the second year, they attend evening courses.  Many of the classes are held in person at Carlson, and some are held remotely.

Evening classes are generally held from 5:45 to 9:05pm.  Most classes meet one night per week. Some classes also have condensed schedules, like 3 full Saturdays in a row. Depending on their individual schedule, each part-time student will create a schedule of classes to meet their degree requirements.

The first year of the full time program runs all day on Monday and Wednesdays and half of the day on Thursdays.  When student are not in class, they often have group projects, homework and other events to fit in.  In order to fully concentrate on the program, it is recommended that full-time students do not hold outside employment, other than any HR-related internships or assistantships they may hold.  

The second year, classes are held in the evening, and it is easier for students to work, mostly part time.

To start your housing search, check this website: housing.umn.edu.  Many students decide to live in apartments off campus.  The HRIR program office also helps students connect with each other to find roommates. Rent for off-campus housing varies. In general, rooming houses and shared housing are most affordable. Apartments, duplexes, and houses charge higher rents depending on location and other factors. Most students live in the Stadium Village, Dinkytown, Como Corridor, or Uptown areas. Stadium Village and Dinkytown are adjacent to the University's East Bank campus. The Como Corridor is northeast of the East Bank and has excellent bus service to campus. The Uptown neighborhood is centered at Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, 4 miles southwest of campus, and features a wide range of apartments, restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and nightlife.

Although the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies does not schedule regular tours, we're happy to arrange individual visits and encourage you to see everything we offer. Many prospective students have found it valuable to tour our facilities and speak with faculty, current students, and alumni. If you're interested, please contact our admissions coordinator at hrirgrad@umn.edu.

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