Human Resources & Industrial Relations Curriculum
HR curriculum for the Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations program combines economics and social psychology to provide a comprehensive, strategic understanding of HR and industrial relations. SHRM-aligned and practice-driven, our human resources master’s program seamlessly integrates theory with real-world application through hands-on learning, including a transformative leadership practicum. You will emerge with strong analytical skills and practical expertise, ready to excel in corporate and public sector careers.
MHRIR Program Format
In the MHRIR program, you can customize your courses to align with your career goals.
- The accelerated 16-month track delivers an intensive, 3-semester experience, ideal for those eager to fast-track their careers.
- The 20-month option offers additional flexibility, allowing time for study abroad, a graduate minor or certificate, or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
No matter your HR curriculum path, you gain access to a professional network of classmates, faculty, alumni, and advisors, as well as Minnesota’s world-class business hub—home to Fortune 500 companies, a thriving entrepreneurial community, and rich cross-industry collaboration.
Full-Time Human Resources & IR Courses
This rigorous option can be completed in 16 months (3 semesters) or extended to 20 months to accommodate additional academic pursuits, such as a graduate minor in business or law, or unique study abroad experiences.
What You’ll Learn in Human Resources and IR Classes
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
Below is an example of a typical full-time schedule to provide an idea of how courses may be structured for the program.
Year 1
Year 1 of the Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations full-time program covers core courses such as Business Principles, Statistics, Staffing, Training, Development, Compensation, and Benefits, along with practical leadership practicums.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIR 6001 | Business Principles | Required | Fall | 4 |
| HRIR 6111 | Statistics | Required | Fall | 4 |
| HRIR 6301 | Staffing, Training, Development | Required | Fall | 3 |
| HRIR 6305 | Staffing, Training, Development Leadership Practicum | Required | Fall | 1 |
| HRIR 6701 | Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining | Required | Spring | 3 |
| HRIR 6501 | Compensation and Benefits | Required | Spring | 3 |
| HRIR 6505 | Compensation and Benefits Leadership Practicum | Required | Spring | 1 |
Year 2
Year 2 focuses on organizational theory, behavior, and an experiential learning capstone, complemented by elective courses tailored to individual interests, which often include MBA classes from related fields.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIR 6401 | Organizational Theory | Required | Fall | 2 |
| HRIR 6441 | Organizational Behavior | Required | Fall | 2 |
| HRIR 6801 | Experiential Learning Capstone | Required | Fall | 3 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Fall | 4 |
| N/A | Elective of Related Field (often MBA classes) | Elective | Fall | 3 |
Customize Your Academic Journey
Explore Interdisciplinary Minors – Expand your expertise by adding a minor in a complementary field to your human resources master’s degree:
- Graduate Business (8 credits)
- Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices (8 credits)
- Law (6 credits)
- Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender & Sexuality (6 credits)
Flexible Capstone Experience – Deepen your experiential learning by extending your human resources master’s capstone across an additional semester for a more immersive, hands-on opportunity.
Global Perspective – Fulfill your related field course requirements with a semester abroad in diverse locations such as Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, or Switzerland.
Short-Term International Immersion – Gain global insights with a 4-credit, 2-week study abroad experience during January or May terms in destinations like Australia, Ghana, Morocco, Poland, or Sweden.
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
Below is an example of a typical full-time schedule to provide an idea of how courses may be structured for the program.
Year 1
Year 1 of the Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations full-time program covers core courses such as Business Principles, Statistics, Staffing, Training, Development, Compensation, and Benefits, along with practical leadership practicums.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIR 6001 | Business Principles | Required | Fall | 4 |
| HRIR 6111 | Statistics | Required | Fall | 4 |
| HRIR 6301 | Staffing, Training, Development | Required | Fall | 3 |
| HRIR 6305 | Staffing, Training, Development Leadership Practicum | Required | Fall | 1 |
| HRIR 6701 | Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining | Required | Spring | 3 |
| HRIR 6501 | Compensation and Benefits | Required | Spring | 3 |
| HRIR 6505 | Compensation and Benefits Leadership Practicum | Required | Spring | 1 |
Year 2
Year 2 focuses on organizational theory, behavior, and an experiential learning capstone, complemented by elective courses tailored to individual interests, which often include MBA classes from related fields.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIR 6401 | Organizational Theory | Required | Fall | 2 |
| HRIR 6441 | Organizational Behavior | Required | Fall | 2 |
| HRIR 6801 | Experiential Learning Capstone | Required | Fall | 3 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Fall | 4 |
| N/A | Elective of Related Field (often MBA classes) | Elective | Fall | 3 |
Customize Your Academic Journey
Explore Interdisciplinary Minors – Expand your expertise by adding a minor in a complementary field to your human resources master’s degree:
- Graduate Business (8 credits)
- Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices (8 credits)
- Law (6 credits)
- Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender & Sexuality (6 credits)
Flexible Capstone Experience – Deepen your experiential learning by extending your human resources master’s capstone across an additional semester for a more immersive, hands-on opportunity.
Global Perspective – Fulfill your related field course requirements with a semester abroad in diverse locations such as Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, or Switzerland.
Short-Term International Immersion – Gain global insights with a 4-credit, 2-week study abroad experience during January or May terms in destinations like Australia, Ghana, Morocco, Poland, or Sweden.
Human Resources & IR Program Highlights
Explore HR & IR Courses
SHRM Aligned
The Carlson School’s Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations program is proudly recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
Take your next step
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