The PhD program is structured around the 5 areas of the Minnesota Model of Human Resources and Industrial Relations. In addition to taking at least 1 course in each area, students specialize in 2 areas and take a doctoral research seminar in each of these. Students must also pass preliminary exams.

To help develop quantitative research skills, students take a sequence of quantitative methods courses and pass a research methods exam. This involves coursework in statistics, psychometrics and econometrics.

The MN Model of HRIR:

Staffing, Training, and Development
Organizational Behavior and Theory
Compensation and Benefits
Labor Market Analysis
Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Under the direction of HRIR faculty, each PhD student designs an individual program of study.

1st Year

For those with little previous coursework in HRIR, the first year usually consists of a course sequence in quantitative and research methods and coursework in the 2 areas of specialization.

2nd Year

The second year typically involves additional research methods coursework, seminars in the specialization areas, and coursework in other areas of the Minnesota Model. At the end of the second year, students take their preliminary exams.

3rd Year

Much of the third year is devoted to planning and beginning research for the doctoral dissertation. Many students have the opportunity to teach or be a teaching assistant in their third year.

4th Year

The fourth year should lead to completion and defense of the doctoral dissertation, although some students without prior graduate coursework take an extra year.