The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below will provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive about the UConn graduate programs in HRM. Contact us with additional questions at: hrm@business.uconn.edu
General
What degrees are offered?
Students can earn a Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) or a certificate in HRM.
What is the average amount of work experience required for this program?
Students typically come to our program with a minimum of one year of experience in HR or a related field. However, we also consider well qualified candidates who do not meet this guideline.
How many students are in the program?
Each cohort is typically composed of 30-40 students. We have found that this size maximizes peer learning and provides a stimulating classroom experience.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MSHRM program takes a total of 20 months. The certificate in HRM is usually completed in two semesters.
Are students able to work while pursuing a degree or certificate in HRM?
Yes! Our graduate programs in HRM are designed for working professionals and can all be completed on a part-time basis.
What is the average age of students?
The average age of our most recent MSHRM cohort is 28 years of age. However, we have enrolled students that range in age from 21-60+ years old. We invite qualified applicants of any age to apply.
Am I able to attend events on campus?
Yes, students in both our hybrid and online programs are a part of the UConn community an have full access to UConn events.
Are international students eligible for graduate programs in HRM?
Yes, however, the University of Connecticut does not issue a Form I-20 for part-time study. Applicants for graduate programs in HRM, therefore, do not qualify for the F-1 student visa through UConn sponsorship. If you are already in the U.S. on a visa, you are responsible to ensure that taking classes will not violate the terms of your visa status. The University cannot determine this for you.
Do students intern while pursuing their degrees?
The vast majority of our students are full-time working professionals and therefore do not intern. Though we do not have a required internship component in our programs, we do have designated career counselors who can assist students who wish to seek an internship independently.
Academics
How many courses are required to graduate?
The MSHRM degree consist of 11 courses (33 credits) and the certificate in HRM consists of 4 courses (12 credits).
Are there any prerequisite courses for graduate programs in HRM?
Our students come from different professional areas and have studied various undergraduate and graduate degrees, but all have a desire to become a more effective and knowledgeable leader in Human Resources. We require that you have completed your baccalaureate program to be admitted to our programs and to meet all of our admissions criteria. There is no prerequisite coursework for our HRM classes.
What courses do you offer?
For an overview of each program, including a sample sequence of courses, please see the Courses page.
What does the Capstone Course entail?
The final course in the MSHRM program is MENT 5805 - Human Resource Management Capstone. It is the culmination of all previous coursework completed in the program. Students apply their knowledge to a “real-world” HR problem of their choosing. Students often choose to tackle an issue in their current organization, though this is not a requirement. In this hands-on course, you will gain competence at systematically addressing complex human resources challenges commonly faced by organizations. You will come away with a set of tools that you can use in the future to identify, analyze, evaluate, and solve these HR-related challenges. Though this is not a thesis-based course, a final paper outlining your course experience is a component of the course requirements.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No, there is no additional requirement separate from the assignments proscribed within each course.
What are the Saturday Seminars?
The Saturday Seminars are a key component of our hybrid and online MSHRM programs. Students in our MSHRM programs will participate in one Saturday seminar per month during their time in the program. For the hybrid program, seminars are offered in person at our Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford. For the online program, seminars are offered in an online synchronous format. These seminars bring a depth and richness to the Graduate Programs in HRM by incorporating interactive case roundtables, guest speakers, small group breakouts, and cohort discussions. Our faculty are experienced in teaching online and in person and bring a wealth of knowledge to both methods of delivery.
What kind of support is available?
We offer a variety of support services to students in our Graduate Programs in Human Resource Management, including academic, technical, and career services support.
- Academic support: If you have questions directly related to the course content, contact the instructor directly.
- Technical support: Click here to go to technical support.
- Advising: For all advising questions, please contact our HRM team at HRM@business.uconn.edu or 860-728-2400.
- Career services: For career services support, please contact https://grad.business.uconn.edu/career/
Admissions
When should applicants expect an admissions decision?
Applicants will receive a decision by the indicated response date that corresponds with the deadline found on the Business School's website.
How are students notified about their admissions decision?
Decisions are shared via email. The decision will also be available on the application portal.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, we have specific deadlines every year. Please be sure to verify the deadline for the program you are applying for - https://grad.business.uconn.edu/deadlines
Is there a GPA requirement?
We seek at least a 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate studies. If you fall below this GPA, please contact our Admissions team to discuss your options.
Is there a minimum work experience requirement?
A minimum of one year of professional experience in HR or a related field is preferred. However, we also consider well-qualified candidates with less than a full year of work experience.
Application
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Letters from professors, business professionals, employers, etc. are generally acceptable. We encourage you to submit at least one of the letters from a current or previous direct supervisor/manager. The second letter can be your choice of a professor, coworker, employer, professional mentor, etc.
Can I upload copies of my letters of recommendation?
No. While you are completing the application, you will be prompted to enter the information of your recommenders, including email addresses. Once your recommenders are added, they will receive an email with a personalized link to securely upload their recommendation. You should not upload any letters of recommendation yourself.
Is the GMAT/GRE required?
No, the GMAT/GRE is not required for graduate programs in HRM.
What documents are required with my application?
You must complete an online application and upload your unofficial transcript(s), resume, one personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Do I need my official transcript for the application?
No, you only need to upload your unofficial copy of your transcript into the online application. If you are admitted, you will be prompted to furnish your official transcript which must be submitted directly from your previous institution(s). (Please note that UConn undergraduates will not be required to submit their official transcripts upon matriculation but will still be required to send their unofficial transcripts when applying).
Can I save my application and return to finish it later?
Yes, you will be prompted to create login credentials to access the application and complete it at your own pace. Please be sure your completed application is submitted before the deadline.
Cost and Fees
Is there a cost differential between in state and out-of-state students?
No, there is no difference in costs for graduate programs in HRM no matter where you live.
Does tuition need to be paid in full upfront?
Our tuition is set up on a per-credit basis. Therefore, you will pay tuition each semester based on the number of credits you are taking that semester. Payment plans are available for the fall and spring semesters. You can learn more about payment plan options here: https://bursar.uconn.edu/payment-plan/
Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance may be available to matriculated students in a degree-seeking program. If you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid office directly. You can visit their website for more information: Financial Aid website or contact them at financialaid@uconn.edu
Are there military/veteran’s benefits available?
Yes. To find out if you qualify for the Veteran’s Waivers and/or benefits, please contact UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Programs. HRM students may contact Rob Passmore at (robert.passmore@uconn.edu) in the Veterans Affairs and Military Programs office.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $75 non-refundable application fee required when you submit your application.
Are there application fee waivers?
Please see the Graduate School website for a complete list and instructions for applying for a waiver
Are scholarships available?
We do not offer any scholarships for new students. However, once you are a current student in the program, you will be notified of any award opportunities that may become available.