Explore Carlson's variety of graduate-level offerings to find the right one for you.
Not the program you're looking for?
Lead the future of work
By submitting this form, I am agreeing that Minnesota Carlson may contact me by phone and SMS text at the telephone number provided. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend Minnesota Carlson. University of Minnesota privacy policy | Minnesota Carlson privacy notice
Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations
Build the HR expertise employers need and shape your degree around your career goals. Minnesota Carlson's Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations combines a structured HR curriculum with flexible business coursework across analytics, finance, strategy, and people systems.
Ready to lead the future of work?
Build the HR expertise, business knowledge, and practical experience to move your career forward.
Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: December 1
- Round 2: February 1
- Round 3: April 1 - final application deadline for international applicants
- Round 4: June 1 - final application deadline for international applicants who are currently living in the United States
- Round 5: July 15
Limited Time Opportunity: Domestic applicants who submit a complete application by July 15, 2026 and are admitted will receive a guaranteed scholarship. Start your application today.
A structured HR core, with room to make it yours
The HR Pillar
Spend your first year building a strong foundation in the core areas of HR and industrial relations.
You'll take 10 courses with your cohort, sequenced from foundational concepts to applied practice. Courses cover:
- HR strategy
- People analytics
- Talent acquisition and development
- Compensation and rewards
- Labor relations
- Organizational behavior
Business Foundations
Choose 18 credits from Carlson graduate courses that align with your goals. You'll take at least:
- 2 credits in Financial Systems
Build your understanding of accounting and financial management. - 2 credits in Business Systems
Develop skills in operations, marketing, economics, and strategy. - 2 credits in Analytical Systems
Strengthen your ability to work with data and make evidence-based decisions. - 8 credits in People Systems
Explore leadership, coaching, employee engagement, negotiation, employment law, change, and other people-focused topics.
Minnesota Carlson Excels Where It Matters Most
"The Carlson experience gave me access to opportunities I likely wouldn’t have had otherwise. Through Carlson, I’ve developed meaningful relationships with Fortune 500 leaders and learned about the many amazing companies in the Minneapolis area."
Shenae Johnson, ’24 MHRIR
Career Outcomes
The MHRIR curriculum connects HR expertise with business skills, so you're prepared to contribute beyond traditional HR functions.
- 92% of 2025 graduates received employment offers within six months of graduation.
- $85,006 mean starting base salary for 2025 graduates.
- $89,750 mean starting base salary for graduates with U.S. work authorization.
- $12,438 mean signing bonus for the Class of 2025.
Program At A Glance
16 or 20 months
Complete the program in three or four semesters, with flexibility for internships, work, study abroad, or additional coursework.
START DATE
September
DURATION
12 months
FORMAT
Full-Time, On-campus
The MHRIR is a full-time, 40-credit program designed to give you a strong foundation in human resources while letting you customize your business education.
You'll complete a 22-credit HR Pillar with your cohort, then choose 18 credits from Carlson graduate courses across four areas:
- Financial Systems
- Business Systems
- Analytical Systems
- People Systems
The result is an HR degree that gives you the core expertise you need and the flexibility to build skills around your career goals.
Curriculum applies to students entering Fall 2027.
