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Master of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MSIR) Overview

A program with a strong record of moving mountains

Ours is one of the earliest HR programs established in the United States and is among only 35 human resources/industrial relations full-time day programs in the country. Our graduates are excellently positioned for a wide range of management positions, and our program has an exceptional placement record, enhanced significantly by our extensive alumni network.

A curriculum driven by employer needs

Our students graduate able to analyze and solve problems, apply leadership and interpersonal skills, and find efficient and fair ways to balance the needs of employees, employers, and society at large. The curriculum focuses on some of the most important issues in helping today's organizations solve problems: global human resource business partnering, performance management and enhancement, increasing productivity, computerization, worker participation, expanding and declining labor markets, and new methods of decision-making in the human resource field.

Students in our MSIR program enjoy a high level of student/faculty interaction as they prepare for work in a variety of functions, including:

  • human resource management
  • labor relations
  • facilitation and consulting
  • mediation and conflict resolution
  • organizational development
  • change management

Global focus

Many of our graduate students add a global dimension to their professional development by taking advantage of the opportunities we offer to learn about business and cultural practices abroad, including study trips to Italy, China,
Germany, Czech Republic, Mexico and Poland.

A richly diverse student body

Students in our program come from a wide range of backgrounds. They may have undergraduate degrees in psychology, business, sociology, history, political science, communications, engineering, and many other fields.

Active co-curricular activities to enhance learning

MSIR students can participate in a wide variety of co-curricular learning opportunities. Many are co-sponsored by the Industrial Relations Student Association (IRSA) and the department. These include speakers and workshops, the IR newsletter, internships, resumé mailings, social events, and honor banquets. Students have numerous opportunities to forge friendships, build leadership skills, and receive personal guidance from an alumni mentor.