PhD in Human Resources and Industrial Relations in Urbana United States | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Ph.D. program is a full-time, interdisciplinary degree designed primarily for those pursuing academic careers in teaching and research, particularly within business or industrial relations schools. Graduates may also pursue research-focused roles outside academia. The program duration is six years post-bachelor's degree or five years following a master's. Doctoral candidates must earn 96 graduate credits beyond their undergraduate degree, typically finishing coursework within two years. Requirements include a second-year research paper, a specialization area examination, plus preliminary and final defenses. Specialization options range from technology's impact on HR functions to labor relations, employment markets, and global workforce challenges. Students tailor their curriculum with guidance from their advisor and the Ph.D. Advisory Committee.

The Human Resources and Industrial Relations (HRIR) graduate program adopts a multidisciplinary perspective on workplace issues, offering a customizable curriculum. This interdisciplinary approach is supported through faculty collaborations and cross-listed courses with departments like economics, psychology, law, business, and history.