2007 MS HRER incoming students
Prospective Graduate Student Information

On-line Application | Request Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the specific requirements below before applying

The Master of Science degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER) is a two-year program designed for students anticipating careers in some aspect of labor and human resources or labor management relations. The program has the following objectives: (1) to provide students with an understanding of the roles employers, employees, employee organizations, and public policy makers play in the employment relationship; (2) to familiarize students with the complex personal and organizational issues inherent in the employment relationship; (3) to prepare students to systematically analyze complex issues and evaluate research results in the process of administering labor and human resource systems; and (4) to prepare students for employment as practitioners in the field.

Career Opportunities for MS in HRER Grads
Graduates of the Penn State HRER master's program have great success when they enter the job market. Ninety-five percent of our alums have at least one job offer prior to graduation. Many have multiple offers. Earning a master's degree usually results in salaries that are $15,000-$30,000 above those of undergraduates entering similar fields. Starting salaries generally range from $50,000-$85,000. While most students find jobs with corporations, employment opportunities also are available in unions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Admissions Policies
In addition to the admission standards prescribed by the Graduate School, students requesting admittance for an advanced degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER) must meet the following requirements.

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from former or current professors
  • A 3.0 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Successful completion of a minimum of 12 total credits in Economics, History, Employment Relations, Political Science, Psychology, Statistics, or Sociology
  • Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • A score of 550 on the paper-based, 213 on the computer-based, or a total score of 80 with 20 on the speaking section on the internet-based test Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Complete Graduate Admissions Application, including nonrefundable fee (see http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html for fee amounts)
  • Personal statement explaining your educational and career goals and interests
  • Sample of written work (preferably an essay or research paper that you submitted in a college course. Please note: a resume will not be counted as a writing sample.)
  • Two official copies of transcripts from each undergraduate institution attended

Please mail documentation to the address listed below:

ThePennsylvania State University
Attn: Graduate Staff Assistant
133 Willard Building
University Park, PA 16802-2800

The GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION must be submitted electronically. This reduces your processing time and ensures receipt of your application.

NOTE: Please do not submit information with your application that cannot be used in the admissions decision process, e.g., photographs, Individual Educations Plans (IEPs), medical records, statements from physicians or psychologists, or legal documents.

Related Links: