The mission of the Cornell ILR School is to advance the world of work and prepare its future leaders. Our Executive Master of Human Resource Management program extends that mission to working professionals who want a flexible program that prepares them for the next level of HR leadership. This innovative program takes only 15 months to complete. See the full program schedule.
Online Coursework
Most coursework is completed online, making it flexible and convenient for busy, working professionals. All courses are authored by Cornell faculty and are taught by a combination of ILR faculty and senior HR practitioners. There are many opportunities for personal and direct interaction with instructors through small, seminar-style discussions and online chats. You work at your own pace and fit your coursework into your schedule.
Three Residential Weeks on Campus
EMHRM’s three, weeklong campus sessions (August, March, July) differentiate it from other programs. During these rigorous educational experiences you will work closely with faculty, fellow students, and senior HR executives from leading companies, building relationships that will become the foundation of your professional network.
Tuition does not include accommodations for your three on-campus sessions. We offer recommendations regarding lodging, transportation, travel agencies and more to facilitate your travel to Ithaca.
Sample Learning Topics
- HR Competencies: Self-Assessment & Action Planning
- Business Strategy
- Strategic Talent Acquisition
- Driving Change
- Labor Relations in a Globalizing World
- Talent Development & Succession
HR Senior Executive Speakers
- Nickle LaMoreaux, CHRO, IBM
- Bianca Tulumello, CHRO, Barilla
- Carlo Frappolli, Talent & Leadership Executive Coach, FRAPPSTRONG,
Head of Talent (Retired), JPM Chase & CO.
Networking Activities
- Dean and Faculty Reception
- Cornell Photo Scavenger Hunt
- Cornell Dairy Bar Ice Cream Trip
Reflecting on Faculty:
“The faculty was well equipped with theory, research and frameworks that were useful during the exercises and can be even more useful moving back to our challenges at work.”
“Being immersed in the ILR school with world-class professors—learning and being personally stretched and challenged to perform—was stimulating. The professors are authentic and very candid in all discussions. Their dedication, passion, and desire to create a unique learning experience was apparent in the way they taught and their interactions with the class.”
Reflecting on CHRO/Senior Executive Speakers:
“The sessions with the Chief HR Officers from IBM and Barilla Group were amazing. The ability to apply what we learned during the week, leverage our collective backgrounds and hold sessions with these down-to-earth world-class leaders, was such an added benefit of this program.”
Reflecting on Fellow Students:
“The greatest gift and value of the week was the opportunity to engage with others with a similar drive toward excellence and improvement in the practice of HR. Hearing the vast amount of experience and insight from the group was awe-inspiring.”
“Meeting this cohort of students/experienced professionals in person with extremely diverse backgrounds and life experience was transformational. It was clear that the group was not competing. We all truly want to see one another be successful. Everyone was willing to share from their professional backgrounds and create a safe space to be vulnerable and learn."
Overall Impact:
“I left feeling energized, excited and smarter! Being challenged by my classmates, hearing different perspectives and professional experiences reignited a new passion for HR.”
"I walked away from last week’s experience greatly impacted – both personally and professionally. This immensely impressive cohort, the incredible faculty and guest speakers, were extremely influential."
Case Project
A critical component of the Executive Master of Human Resource Management program is the case project, through which you will apply the knowledge and skills you learn on campus and online to a challenge facing your organization. The major objectives of the case project component are:
- To bind learning from the program to your real-time challenges
- To ground your learning in practical, on-the-job and business-related experience
- To provide concrete steps for the practical application of program content
During your first on-campus session in August, you will propose a case project focused on a critical business issue with significant human-resource implications for your organization. You will advance your project over the full length of the program, incorporating your course learning. You will receive ongoing guidance from your assigned Cornell faculty advisor and an executive HR advisor. Although you will work on your project independently, scheduled project reviews and ad hoc advisor dialogues will help you refine the scope and objectives of your case, sharpen your analysis and recommendations and learn from the collective expertise and experiences of your peers.
Course Descriptions and Schedule
Find out more about the courses offered each semester as part of the EMHRM program.
Find key dates and download schedules.