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Which HR Master’s Degree at the University of Minnesota Is Right for You?

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Last updated November 17, 2025
 

If you’re interested in pursuing a human resources degree at the University of Minnesota, you might’ve come across two programs:

What’s the difference between them and which program is best for you?

In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between the two human resources master’s programs and how to make an informed decision about your academic and career path.

 

What’s the Difference Between the MHRIR and MEd HRD Programs?

Choosing the right program depends on whether you want to manage comprehensive HR functions or specialize in employee learning. Here is a breakdown of how the curriculum and career outcomes differ.
 

What Is a Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MHRIR)?

The Minnesota Carlson's MHRIR program prepares you for high-level decision-making roles within an organization’s HR department. It’s designed for professionals who want to influence strategy, navigate complex workplace issues, and lead critical HR functions across industries.

MHRIR vs. MEd HRD — Key Takeaways

  1. Select the MHRIR for strategic leadership or the MEd HRD for specialization in training and development.
  2. The MHRIR builds broad expertise in staffing, compensation, and labor relations.
  3. Carlson's MHRIR offers customizable paths and career support aligned with SHRM standards.

 

What Skills Do You Gain in the MHRIR Program?

This program offers a comprehensive foundation across key HR and labor relations topics, including:

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

You’ll also develop the leadership and strategic thinking skills needed to create, improve, and assess the impact of plans and visions of those core functions. Through the program, you’ll learn how to conduct human resource affairs like building a strategic staffing plan or compensation philosophy and negotiating contracts to retain talent.
 

What Careers Can You Pursue with a MHRIR Degree?

Graduates from the MHRIR program are prepared for strategic and managerial roles across various sectors. Common job titles include:

  • Human resources generalist
  • Human resources specialist
  • Human resources manager
  • Human resources business partner

 

Master of Education in Human Resources Development

The College of Education and Human Development’s HRD program prepares you to lead, design, and implement talent development programs. You’ll learn to evaluate talent development strategies and create solutions for organizational change.
 

What Skills Do You Gain in the HRD Program?

Through this program, you’ll learn to:

  • Communicate effectively with both small and large groups
  • Build, deliver, and assess curricular and training programs
  • Create people-based solutions to address organizational challenges
     

What Careers Can You Pursue with an MEd in HRD?

Graduates of the HRD program often pursue roles focused on training, learning, and development. Common job titles include:

  • Manager of training programs
  • Learning coach
  • Talent development consultant
  • Trainer or program facilitator

How Do You Choose the Right HR Program for Your Career Goals?

It’s critical to evaluate your long-term career goals when considering which program to pursue. Some questions to consider:

 

1. Where Do You See Your Skills and Your Career Goals Align?

Take time to define your career goals.

If you’re interested in high-level strategy and leadership roles within human resources, the MHRIR program may be a better fit. If you’re more interested in creating and leading trainings and seminars to solve organizational problems, the MEd HRD program may be a better fit.

 

2. What Do You Want Your Day-to-Day Job to Look Like?

Set up informational interviews with people working in the roles you’re interested in. Ask about their day-to-day tasks for a sense of what would best align with your interests and skills.

 

3. What Experience Are You Interested in During the Degree Program and After?

Consider the student resources available during and after your program. For example, the Carlson MHRIR program gives you access to an abundance of resources in our HR library, and you’ll have dedicated career support through the Carlson Business Career Center.

Minnesota Carlson’s Master's in Human Resources & Industrial Relations program

Renowned for over 75 years, the MHRIR program offers flexible formats designed to align with your career ambitions. The full-time program features two distinct tracks:

  • 20-month: An extended path to pursue a study abroad opportunity, add a graduate minor or certificate, or engage in Curricular Practical Training.

  • 16-month: An accelerated path to fast-track your return to the workforce.

Whichever track you choose, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards. You’ll have the flexibility to complete your 8 elective credits within Carlson or cross-pollinate at a different school or college at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. For example, if you’re interested in the intersection of human resources and public policies, you can take courses at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

 

More about the MHRIR Curriculum

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