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Will the MHRLR Program fit your busy life? 

The MHRLR program provides flexibility in starting and completing your degree.

Begin in the fall, spring or summer semester and attend full-time or part-time. Students take one to four classes a semester, depending on their desired timeline. A number of courses are offered online, providing even more flexibility. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of different work experiences into the classroom and those perspectives are invaluable.


12 Courses

(36 credits)

7 Core Courses

(required)

Core includes fundamentals of:

  • Staffing
  • Employment law
  • Research methods
  • Employment relations

5 Elective Courses

Elective courses can be customized to fit your interests. Specialize in:

  • Training and development
  • Total rewards
  • Recruiting
  • Dispute resolution

Time Limit

Per the Graduate School policies, students must complete all requirements for the MHRLR degree within seven years. Some students take one course at a time due to work commitments while others proceed on a full-time basis to finish more quickly. The pace you set is up to you within the seven year time limit.

Add On Graduate Certificates

The MHRLR graduate programs prepare students for career advancement in human resources or labor relations or can help launch a career change into the profession.

With a focus on the workers that make up any enterprise, our program differs from an MBA which typically focus on financial decision-making.

While complete the master’s program, students who wish to specialize in working with an international workforce or on labor-management negotiations can do so by adding one of our certificates:


Night Classes

One Class Each Week

Class Time:
2 hrs, 40 mins

Start Time:
5:30 or 6:30 pm


Program Faculty

The program faculty includes leading scholars and outstanding practicing professionals, which provides an environment in which all views can be aired and respected. Our scholars pursue research and focus on solving current challenges for workers and employers. Our professionals bring current issues into the classroom, sharing their practical experience. 


The MHRLR Advantage

Networking:

  • Students from diverse backgrounds in human resources and labor relations
  • Share professional experiences in the classroom, enhancing everyone’s knowledge
  • Opportunity to connect with current and future leaders in the field

Job Postings:

  • Program maintains a job board for current students and alumni
  • Area employers regularly use the board to advertise openings in the field 

Internships:

  • Direct experience in human resources and labor relations connect classroom concepts to the workplace
  • Earn college credits
  • Develop valuable contacts
  • Enhance academic record
  • Attract employers

Professional Associations:

  • MHRLR maintains close relationships with professional organizations in the Milwaukee area
  • Expand professional network

Melvin Lurie Prizes:

Annual award ceremony recognizing:

  • Outstanding student or recent graduate
  • Outstanding representatives of labor-management cooperation in our community 

Graduate Grievance Procedures

Federal law and UWM policy require programs and departments to have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. These pages serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals.


Contact Us

Prospective Graduates

Questions regarding the application or the application process should be directed to the UWM Graduate School at gradschool@uwm.edu or 414-229-6569.

Current Graduates

Questions about the program should be directed to Susan Davies.

Campus Resources

UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.

Photo of UWM Campus from above looking south, with downtown Milwaukee in background.