Human Resources and Labor Relations, MHRLR (College of Letters and Science) MHRLR
Related Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Negotiation
- Graduate Certificate in International Human Resources and Labor Relations
Whether you are currently in the field, a recent college graduate or wish to change careers, the Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations (MHRLR) provides the knowledge necessary to thrive. Classes emphasize practical applications, case studies and engagement. Students apply their new knowledge to current workplace challenges.
The MHRLR program provides a thorough understanding of the core functions, contemporary practices and underlying theories of human resources and employment relations.
The MHRLR program values diversity, bringing together students from varying backgrounds and experiences to create a dynamic learning environment in the classroom and beyond.
What you learn in class can be utilized the next morning at work.
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Program Type
Master’s
Program Format
On Campus
Credits and Courses
The Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations degree will be awarded upon completion of 36 credits of prescribed graduate study and appropriate prerequisite coursework. The program offers a balance between liberal arts and business-based education, requiring that at least 15 credits be taken within the College of Letters and Science and at least 15 credits be taken within the Lubar College of Business. The MHRLR Program believes in a common body of knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective Human Resource or Labor Relations professional.
The program has a required core of seven courses (21 credits) and five elective courses (15 credits) for a total of 36 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| IND REL 701 | Industrial and Labor Relations | 3 |
| BUSMGMT 706 | Managing in a Dynamic Environment | 3 |
| BUS ADM 738 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BUS ADM 735 | Staffing Organizations | 3 |
| ECON 448G | Economics of Human Resources 1 | 3 |
| or ECON 753 | Collective Bargaining | |
| IND REL 712 | Employment Law | 3 |
| IND REL 731 | Research Tools for Practitioners in Human Resources and Labor Relations 2 | 3 |
| or BUSMGMT 731 | Research Tools for Practitioners in Human Resources and Labor Relations | |
| Electives (see list of approved electives below) | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
If ECON 448G and ECON 753 are both taken, one of these may be used to help fulfill elective requirements.
- 2
The required course Research Tools for Practitioners in Human Resources and Labor Relations can be taken as either IND REL 731 or BUSMGMT 731 (but not both) to help meet the required 15 credit minimum in each the College of Letters and Science and the Lubar College of Business.
Elective Courses
The choice of electives to complete a MHRLR degree should reflect student interest. Students are not required to choose a specialization and are encouraged to select those electives that best suit their backgrounds and interests. A student may take up to 6 credits from the approved list of alternative electives in other schools such as the School of Nursing, the School of Education, and the School of Social Welfare.
Students without prior experience in the field are encouraged to take advantage of the program’s extensive contacts in the business and labor communities by undertaking one or more internships as either BUS ADM 799 or IND REL 921. Students may also utilize the wide range of faculty expertise available within the program for a major research paper on a human resources or labor relations topic. These papers, under the direction of a faculty advisor, are taken as either IND REL 801 or BUS ADM 799. A student may graduate with honors from the MHRLR program by maintaining a 3.5 grade-point average within the program, and by writing a 3-credit major research paper (under BUS ADM 799 or IND REL 801).
Any new course development, programmatic changes, or program name change must be approved by the appropriate curricular committees and faculty in the respective units.
The program, including admissions and course staffing, is subject to the AACSB accreditation requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Electives | ||
| College of Letters & Science | ||
| IND REL 715 | Workplace Dispute Resolution | 3 |
| IND REL 725 | Total Rewards Compensation | 3 |
| IND REL 800 | Current Issues in Industrial Relations: | 1-3 |
| ECON 415G | Economics of Employment and Labor Relations | 3 |
| ECON 448G | Economics of Human Resources | 3 |
| ECON 753 | Collective Bargaining | 3 |
| ECON 755 | Comparative Labor Markets and Employment Relations | 3 |
| COMMUN 665G | Introduction to Mediation | 3 |
| POL SCI 452G | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PUB ADM 769 | Analyzing and Evaluating Public Policies and Programs | 3 |
| SOCIOL 443G | 3 | |
| Lubar College of Business | ||
| BUS ADM 442G | Industrial Psychology | 3 |
| BUS ADM 445G | Training & Development in Organizations | 3 |
| BUS ADM 731 | Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion | 3 |
| BUS ADM 733 | Organizational Development | 3 |
| BUS ADM 737 | Managerial Decisions and Negotiations | 3 |
| BUSMGMT 715 | Leadership, Team Building, and Effective Management | 3 |
| BUSMGMT 723 | Managing and Negotiating Across Borders | 3 |
| BUSMGMT 728 | Training and Development in Organizations | 3 |
| Administrative Leadership (College of Community Engagement and Professions) | ||
| AD LDSP 710 | Organizational Change and Team Leadership | 3 |
| AD LDSP 757 | Principles and Foundations of Adult Education | 3 |
| AD LDSP 777 | Leadership in Multicultural Organizations | 3 |
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline
Students may begin their studies in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. The program does not have a specific deadline to apply.
Admission
An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following requirements to be considered for admission to the MHRLR program:
- Submission of two letters of recommendation to the MHRLR program.
- Statement of reasons for graduate study.
- Students admitted to the program will be expected to present at least three credits of prior work in both principles of microeconomics and introductory statistics.
- Students who are deficient in the areas of principles of microeconomics or statistics at the time of admission (see above), will be expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. Deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted for the degree.
- Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is recommended, but not required.
- Applicants are reviewed by the MHRLR admissions committee to assess academic achievements and the ability to do intensive graduate-level work.
Admissions Process
Application
Complete the UWM Graduate School Application for the MHRLR program.
Your application will be complete once you have provided the following items:
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.
If you are admitted, the Graduate School will request official copies of your transcripts.
Statement of Reasons for Graduate Study
An essential part of your application, this is used to determine the appropriateness of your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. In the statement:
- explain your reasons for pursing graduate study;
- describe specific interests and your background in the field;
- list any relevant skills or training your have acquired;
- list relevant academic awards or honors you have received; and
- list the names of individuals who will send recommendations on your behalf.
Application Fee
A $75 base application fee is required of all applicants.
Test Scores
The GRE or GMAT is recommended but not required for admission. If you have taken either test in the past five years, we encourage you to provide us with your scores. Your results will be considered as supplemental academic information and may help strengthen your application.
- GRE – Institution Code 1473, Dept. Code 4204
- GMAT – Institution Code 1896
Letters of Recommendation
We require two professional or academic references from people who know your ability to perform graduate level work and/or your commitment to and interest in human resource management and labor relations.
Please use the online system for letters of recommendation through the University’s application.
International Students – Language Requirements
If you did not receive your undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary method of instruction, we require TOEFL scores. The minimum score requirement for admission is a score equivalent to the internet based TOEFL test score of 80 or above with section scores of at least 20 on all four sections (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing).
Prerequisite Courses
The MHRLR Program has two prerequisite courses: Principles of Microeconomics and Introductory Statistics. All students in the program are required to have passed both courses with a grade of B- (B minus) or better, either prior to admission or within three semesters of active enrollment.
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For more information about tuition and fees for Graduate Students, visit the Student Financial Services site.
Questions about the MRHRL program should be directed to mhrlr@uwm.edu. The application process goes through the Graduate School. Questions about the online application form or problems submitting the application should be directed to them at gradschool@uwm.edu.