Minnesota Carlson's Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations teaches you to move from handling HR operations to advising on workforce strategy.
The core is cohort-based: 22 credits, one year, the same group moving through together. You'll take 18 elective credits in finance, analytics, and operations—on your own timeline, before or after the core courses. Most people finish in two to three semesters.
The centerpiece is the HR Impact Lab, a signature experiential learning course. You join an engagement team with a faculty mentor and work with a real partner organization on an actual HR challenge. Staffing strategy. Compensation design. Labor relations. Whatever they're facing.
Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations
Get the information you need to confidently advance your career in the dynamic field of Human Resources.
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Explore Carlson's variety of graduate-level offerings to find the right one for you.
Not the program you're looking for?
Choose a program that fits your needs
Full-Time Program
A rigorous and immersive program that gives you an opportunity to complete a summer internship between years one and two.
Duration
16 months
Start Date
September
Format
On-Campus*
GRE/GMAT
Optional
*Day classes during year 1, Evening classes during year 2
Part-Time Program
Take control of your education and time. Complete the HRIR curriculum, which is the same as the full-time option, but at your own pace.
Duration
3-4 years
Start Date
September or January
Format
On-campus, evening
GRE/GMAT
Optional
The Carlson School advantage
Receive one-to-one faculty support
Gain resume-worthy experience working with real client companies
Build a global perspective through international learning opportunities
Join an international network of 55,000+ esteemed alumni
Prepare for your best career with lifetime coaching services
The Carlson School of Management shares a commitment to imagination, engagement, and ambition. Our approach connects students to unique experiential learning opportunities, dynamic international education programs, and a vibrant network of businesses throughout the state and beyond.
Prepare to lead. Apply today.
Apply early to give yourself the best chance to join the Carlson School of Management.
Application Deadlines:
- February 1 - September start, full-time
- June 15 - September start, full-time
- October 15, January start, part-time
"Joining the MHRIR program is an easy investment in yourself. Not only are you able to get a really good understanding of the theory and philosophy behind the decisions that go into HR, but you're also able to see how those ideas tie directly into the workplace."
- Andrew Mcintyre, '19 MHRIR, Human Resources Advisor, ExxonMobile
Designed to advance your career
Gain a multi-disciplinary foundation from world-renowned faculty. Then put your knowledge to practice in our rigorous curriculum built on strategy and leadership to prepare you for an HR career in any organization and industry.
96%
of 2022 graduates received employment offers within 6 months of graduation
$74,000
average starting salary
$10,000
median signing bonus on job offers for the Class of 2022
HR That Shapes Business Strategy
FORMAT
Full-Time
START DATE
Fall
LOCATION
On-Campus
GRE/GMAT
Optional
average signing bonus on job offers for the Class of 2025
$12,438
of 2025 graduates received employment offers within 6 months of graduation
92%
$85,006
average starting base salary for the Class of 2025; $89,750 mean salary with U.S. work authorization
Minnesota Carlson MHRIR graduates move into roles where HR connects directly to business strategy. Compensation leadership. Workforce planning. HR business partnership.
For the Class of 2025:
Career Outcomes
Next Steps
You're considering a move into HR strategy. We can help you explore if this program is the right fit.
Application deadlines:
- Round 1: December 1
- Round 2: February 1
- Round 3: April 1 (final deadline for international applicants)
- Round 4: June 1 (final deadline for international applicants currently in the U.S.)
- Round 5: July 15
HR That Shapes Business Strategy
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.
Graduates work across healthcare, finance, government, and nonprofit organizations—taking positions that require both HR expertise and business acumen.