The traditional on-campus Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MHRIR) program is geared towards individuals who don’t have extensive work experience, are transitioning into the world of employment relations, or wish to build upon their experience and change organizations/industries.
The online MHRIR program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and incorporates professional experience in the classroom.
Both programs are taught by outstanding faculty members and provide superior student support. See the comparison chart below to assist you in determining which program is right for you.
| TRADITIONAL ON-CAMPUS | ONLINE | |
| Duration of Program | Three-semester program that has two specifically required courses (LER 591 & LER 593), one course from each of the four distribution requirements, and 24 hours of LER electives from a choice of courses. | Six-semester program (two years) that has two specifically required courses (LER 591 & LER 593), one course from each of the four distribution requirements, and 24 hours of LER electives from a choice of courses. Courses run either 6 or 8 weeks each, and students typically take one course at a time. |
| Course Structure | The on-campus program is a three-semester experience designed to give you both structure and flexibility. You’ll take core courses, explore four major HR and labor relations areas, and choose from a wide range of electives. Small class sizes and weekly in-person sessions make it easy to learn, connect, and grow with your cohort. | Hybrid synchronous and asynchronous format. Each course holds a weekly two-hour virtual session on weekday evenings to accommodate the lifestyles of working professionals while also allowing a high-touch educational experience. With each course lasting six or eight weeks, students take one course at a time and finish eight hours each semester. Courses have 35 or fewer students in each section. |
| Course Offerings | There are currently over 30 courses offered to the LER on-campus students. In-person classes, located in Champaign-Urbana. Each course meets one day a week for a three-hour session. Classes meet Monday-Friday within the hours of 8 am-5 pm and usually meet 8-10:50 am, 11 am-1:50 pm or 2-4:50 pm. Four-hour courses meet for the full semester, and two-hour courses meet either during the first or second session (eight weeks). Students will typically enroll for 16 hours each semester. | There are currently 21 courses offered to the LER online students. Although the online program offers fewer niche courses, the courses selected to be offered online were carefully chosen by LER faculty based on the competencies sought after by employers. |
| Career Development | As an on-campus student, you’ll have direct access to employers through career fairs, workshops, and recruiting events held right here at LER. From “Lunch with CHROs” to alumni networking, our career team and alumni network will help you build connections that last well beyond graduation. | A career consultant is provided for online students. This individual is an alum of the program and has extensive experience in HR with an outstanding network. On-campus recruiting and career services are NOT offered to online students. |
| Alumni Involvement | LER alumni are involved in the on-campus recruiting, orientation activities, in-person workshops, lunch with CHRO’s, networking events and a variety of other activities. Both LER on-campus and online programs have an invaluable network. | LER’s Online Advisory Committee is dedicated to strengthening the program and supporting students. Both our on-campus and online programs benefit from an invaluable network. |
| Cost Breakdown | 2025-26 tuition cost is $23,144 in-state and $36,027 out-of-state. Additional campus fees for each semester equate to around $2,700. Total tuition cost over three semesters is approximately $36,240 for residents and $52,469 for non-residents (includes out-of-state and international). | 2025-26 tuition is $780 per credit hour plus the cost of books, with no out-of-state differential costs. Each course is four credit hours, with a total of 48 credit hours needed to graduate, making tuition approximately $37,440. Online students will be charged a $3 per credit hour fee in 2025, which will increase to $4 per credit hour in fall 2026. |
| Scholarships/Financial Aid | LER department financial aid (fellowships and scholarships) is available to top admitted candidates based on academic merit. Student loans are also available through the university financial aid office, with the submission of FASFA. | As the online MHRIR program is a self-supporting program, students are not eligible for LER department financial aid. Student loans are also available through the university financial aid office, with the submission of FASFA. |
| Student Profile | 2023-2024, LER master’s students came from 78 global institutions, 52 majors, 10 states + Puerto Rico, and nine countries. The class is 68% female, and 41.2% identify as minorities. The class is 32% international. Thirty-four percent have at least one year of work experience, and the average age is 24.5. | On average, admitted students have approximately nine years of professional work experience. 28% of admitted students don’t have work experience in HR. |
| Outcomes | Online students gain the same network of alumni contacts as the traditional program students. Networking opportunities through alumni panels and events are available to online students each semester, and the students drive the topics to be covered. | On average, graduates receive a salary that is 26.6% higher than what they received before starting the program. Find a full view of our student outcomes here. |
The traditional and online programs are separate, and if you would like to be considered for both programs, you will need to submit two separate applications. The application fee for domestic and international students is $90. Once you are admitted and accept admission into one program, you need to present an extenuating circumstance to petition to switch to the other program. Please note that traditional on-campus students cannot take online program courses and vice versa. Career development resources are also different for the two programs. You can find out more information on the application process by visiting our Apply Now page.
Online students are not eligible for an F-1 visa.
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