Online MHRIR Admissions FAQ

If you don’t find the answer to your question below, contact Eden Haycraft Smothers.

Please note the GRE/GMAT is temporarily not required for either online or on-campus master’s programs.

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What is the deadline for applications?

Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis.

  • To start the program in January, apply by November 1 of the preceding year.
  • To start the program in May, apply by April 1.
  • To start the program in August, apply by July 1.

When will I hear if I have been accepted?

Our rolling admissions process should allow us to respond quickly to complete applications. Applicants can expect a decision within one calendar month if all materials have been received.

What should I include in my personal statement and how long should it be?

There isn’t a set prompt or question for the personal statement, we just want to get to know a little more about you. Typically a well written personal statement is condensed to around 1 to 1.5 pages. Some ideas on what to cover includes your professional background, why you are excited about HR and why you have chosen to apply to our program.

What GPA is needed for admission?

Our admission process is not formula driven. We have students with a wide range of undergraduate GPAs apply and get admitted.

How do you determine GPA?

Your last two years of undergraduate work at the time of application is used to determine your GPA. If you take more than four years to graduate, all coursework beyond the second year is used in the GPA determination.

How should I submit my letters of reference?

The letters of reference should be submitted electronically through the Graduate College online application. The names of references are entered into the system with email addresses, and they will receive further instructions for completion.

Are there any program-specific questions for the application?

There are no program-specific questions. We require a resume and personal statement to be submitted with the application along with all other required materials.

I have applied online. What materials do I send to the department?

All materials should be submitted electronically with the application, including unofficial transcripts. If you have already submitted the application, you may go back and upload transcripts through the “Post-submission Upload Credentials” page.

Once admitted to LER, you will need to submit official transcripts showing the degree and date awarded electronically or in a sealed envelope mailed directly from the institution to the Grad College address at 507 East Green St, Suite 101, Champaign, IL 61820. U.S. and International credentials should be sent electronically from the previous school whenever possible. Credentials should be sent to grad@illinois.edu from a verifiable email address.

Note that “Issued to Student” transcripts can only be accepted if they have remained in a sealed envelope. Electronic transcripts sent to the student are not considered official unless the transcripts are sent directly from the institution to the University of Illinois without the student having access in between. 

If you attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Graduate College will obtain your official transcript for you. You do not need to request official UIUC transcripts to be mailed or emailed to our office.

*International Students need to submit official transcripts through the electronic application system. If instruction at the undergrad university was completed in a language other than English, applicants need to include a copy of the transcripts in English as well as the native language. If degree has already been completed, the applicant must submit the Certificate of Degree, a copy in English and a copy in the native language (if appropriate). Please make sure there is a transcript legend included with all Official transcripts, explaining the grading scale.

TOEFL (for international applicants only) should be sent electronically to institution Code 1836. GMAT scores for master’s applicants should be submitted to code VKR-TK-05. (Note: It is correct that these code numbers are affiliated with the College of Business. They will be routed to LER.).

Is the GRE or GMAT required?

Currently the GMAT/GRE is not required for the on-campus or online master’s programs.

If I completed an undergraduate degree in the U.S., do I still need to submit my TOEFL score?

If an international student has completed at least two years of post-secondary full-time study, two years of professional work experience, or if they have a four-year degree at a U.S. institution, as defined by the home institution, or completed a degree in a country where English is the primary language and this degree is from an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the TOEFL/IELTS may be waived. If it has been longer than five years, new test scores are required.

What is the cost of tuition and fees?

The tuition rate for the 2023-24 academic year is $755 (USD) per credit hour. This translates to $3,020 (USD) for each 4-credit course. These rates include both tuition and fees. The tuition rates are the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Tuition will increase to $770 (USD) per credit hour for the 2024-25 academic year.

Financial aid from the University of Illinois is available through the Office of Student Financial Aid. If you wish to be considered for financial aid from the University of Illinois, please complete The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using the school code 001775. See www.osfa.illinois.edu for more information.

Applicants are encouraged to explore employer tuition assistance in addition to other forms of financial aid.

Do I need work experience?

Prior work experience is highly encouraged for the Online MHRIR.

I have been out of school for a while. Who can I get to write a recommendation letter?

If you have recently been in the workforce, recommendation letters from professionals in your organization are acceptable.

What are the department program codes?

Online MHRIR program code 10KS0364MHRU, Dept. 1568