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Department of Management

M.S. Industrial Relations and Human Resources


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • 30 Hours / Full Time
  • On-campus / Online during Internships
  • Completed in 12 months
  • Start in 2nd Summer Session
Request Information Apply

93%
OF OUR MSIRHR GRADUATES had job offers AT GRADUATION IN 2022

Our Center for Career Development assists students in landing a job offer upon graduation.
MSIRHR graduates are employed by:

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SHAPING TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE

WVU’s Master of Science in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (MSIRHR) program prepares students for a rewarding and successful career in the Human Resource realm. With an average starting salary of $85,868 and a job placement rate of 93.5% by 6 months post-graduation, WVU’s MSIRHR program allows students to grow as they work towards their professional careers regardless of background/previous education. 

The MSIRHR program is one of the oldest and most celebrated HR/IR programs in the country. It is a twelve-month program open to all undergraduate majors that prepares graduates to step into the role of a Human Resource Management professional immediately upon graduation. MSIRHR students participate in a wide variety of co-curricular learning opportunities, including off-site company visits, networking events, and internship opportunities.

Tuition Loyalty

Students who complete an undergraduate degree at any West Virginia college or university are eligible for current, in-state (resident) tuition rates while enrolled in the MSIRHR program.

aaron

Meet our recruiter, Aaron

304-293-4364 |  aaron.rose1@mail.wvu.edu

aaron Schedule Appointment Request Information


Military
Friendly

Whether you are a veteran, a reservist, a National Guardsman, or still serving on active duty, West Virginia University is a great place to further your education. The Military Times ranked WVU as the 14th Best College for Vets in 2023. At WVU you will find faculty, staff, and students who want to support you and help you succeed.

WVU offers several resources for current and former military personnel and incentives for online programs as well.

Affordability.

West Virginia University has worked hard to make its programs affordable for military personnel and veterans. WVU is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, meaning that the university agrees to waive a portion of tuition not covered by the GI Bill. Unlike most universities, WVU participates in the program for all graduate and professional programs. Additionally, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers a $100 discount per credit hour to all current and former service personnel pursuing the MS Industrial Relations and Human Resources program.

* If the Department of Defense is covering all tuition and online learning fees, you are not eligible for the $100 per credit hour discount.

Program Highlights

30

Hours / Full Time
Completed in 12 Months

Built Around Learning

Classes on campus for summer, fall and spring; final summer classes delivered virtually to accommodate internships.

INTERNSHIPS

All students  secure an internship as a program requirement

TOP INDUSTRIES

  • Consumer Packaged Goods
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Healthcare

More Info

  • Application
  • Application fee: $60
  • Official Transcripts  
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose +

    Your statement of purpose should be approximately 1 page, single-spaced. You should begin by telling us a bit about yourself and your academic and/or professional background. Try to keep this part of your statement brief (i.e., no more than a few sentences), keeping in mind we can also see your application form, academic transcript, and resume/CV for additional information.

    Focus on why you want to be part of the WVU MBA program and why we should be excited to have you here. An effective statement will help us see how you would answer questions like the following: What is your vision for your future? Why do you think our program is a good fit to help you reach your goals? What valuable skills, experiences, or qualities would you bring to our program? How does your life up to this point illustrate or support your claims?

  • Letter of Recommendation
  • International Admissions
  • Priority/funding fall application deadline: March 1st

Summer - Semester 1 (6 credit hours)
HRMG 534 Work Group Dynamics / Leadership (3 credit hours)
HRMG 509 Talent Acquisition (3 credit hours) 

Fall - Semester 2 (9 credit hours)
HRMG 562 Labor Relations (3 credit hours)
HRMG 506 Performance Management (3 credit hours)
HRMG 525 HR Analytics (3 credit hours)

Spring - Semester 3 (9 credit hours)
HRMG 508 Organization Change (3 credit hours)
HRMG 530 Compensation & Benefits (3 credit hours)
HRMG 548 Strategic HRM (3 credit hours)

Summer - Semester 4 (6 hours)
HRMG 505 Labor & Employment Law (online - 3 credit hours)
HRMG 585 Internship (3 credit hours)

*As of Summer 2025

Students who complete an undergraduate degree at any West Virginia college or university are eligible for current, in-state (resident) tuition rates while enrolled in the MSIRHR program.

READY TO APPLY?

Take the next step in your journey.