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Table of Contents

Objective

The Executive Master of Human Resource Management (EMHRM) program is designed for high-potential human resource professionals with 8+ years of work experience who wish to gain the advanced knowledge and skills needed to move into senior HR roles and develop and execute human capital strategy on a global scale. Students who complete all degree requirements are awarded a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) degree.

Administration of the program

The graduate field faculty of Industrial and Labor Relations administers the general requirements for the EMHRM degree through the ILR graduate committee. This committee reviews applications, administers the program of study, and recommends the degree for those who satisfactorily meet the requirements.

Admission

Requirements for admission to the EMHRM program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing or an equivalent international degree
  • Established record of work experience in human resources
  • Statement of purpose
  • Statement of project
  • Resume
  • Transcripts from each previously attended college or university
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Online video interview
  • International applicants who do not qualify for an exemption must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores. Scores must meet Cornell’s official minimum scores and be dated within 2 years of the application deadline
  • Completed Cornell Graduate School application (and application fee)

Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT) are not required.

Cornell Employee Degree Program

Cornell employees are eligible to apply to the Executive Master of Human Resource Management program. If accepted as an Employee Degree Program student, you must be complete the EMHRM program in the standard 15 consecutive months timeframe. The EMHRM cannot be completed over time (e.g., 1 or 2 courses per semester).

eCORNELL Executive Certificate in HR Leadership

Participants who successfully complete all of the courses in the eCornell Executive Certificate in HR Leadership receive an Executive Certificate in HR Leadership from the ILR School at Cornell University, as well as 9 extension/professional development credit hours from Cornell University. Completion of the Executive Certificate in HR Leadership is a great start into the Executive Master of Human Resource Management Program (online), however, this program does not accept extension/professional development credit hours, as it is a Master Degree Program. In addition, eCornell/Cornell University does not guarantee the acceptance of extension/professional development credit hours in other degree programs. Completing the eCornell Executive Certificate in HR Leadership does qualify for up to 96 recertification credits or strategic management recertification credits from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Breakdown for the Class of 2022 (total $58,586):
Summer 2021 - $5,858
Fall 2021 - $17,576
Spring 2022 - $17,576
Summer 2022 - $17,576

--Summer tuition is billed in April, due May 7th
--Fall tuition is billed in July, due August 7th
--Spring tuition is billed in December, due January 7th

There is a yearly student activity fee of $86.00.

Advisors

Each student’s course of study, including the case project, is supervised by one member of the ILR graduate faculty, and an executive advisor, selected by program administration, who acts in support of the assigned practitioner advisor.

Credits

The 30 credits required for the degree are completed in 15 months: 10.5 in online coursework, 10.5 during 3 weeklong residential sessions on the Cornell Ithaca campus, and 9 for the case project.

Course Requirements

All students take a standardized curriculum of 21 online courses (0.5 credits/course), 7 on-campus courses (10.5 credits), and a 9-credit case project.

EMHRM Curriculum: Total 30 Credits

Summer 1 Semester (May - July of First Year) – 2.5 credits
ILRHR8101: Competitive Advantage and Profitability
ILRHR8102: Strategic Positioning in Markets
ILRHR8106: Understanding Financial Statements
ILRHR8105: Aligning HR Strategy with Organizational Strategy
ILRHR8107: Stategic Talent Analytics

Fall Semester (August of First Year - December of First Year) – 9 credits
ILRHR8201: Strategic Human Resource Management
ILRHR8202: Labor Relations Strategy and High Performance Work Systems
ILRHR8307: Leading Strategic Change Initiatives
ILRHR8309: Navigating Power Relationships
ILRHR8402: Getting Results Through Talent Management
ILRHR8403: Strategic Engagement
ILRHR8405: Total Rewards Compesation
ILRHR8401: Diversity and Inclusion in Practice
ILRHR8901: Case Project: Identifying the Business Case and HR Challenges

Winter Semester (January) – .5 credits
ILRHR8406: Designing Effective Teams

Spring Semester (January – May of Second Year) – 8.5 credits
ILRHR8407: Diversity and Cross Cultural Teams
ILRHR8601: Human Resources Leadership
ILRHR8408: Coaching Skills for Leaders
ILRHR8501: Managing and Developing Talent
ILRHR8502: Organizational Behavior: Managing Change
ILRHR8604: Strategic Decision Making
ILRHR8603: Negotiation Skills
ILRHR8902: Case Project: Developing an HR Intervention and Change Plan

Summer 2 Semester (May - July of Second Year) – 9.5 credits
ILRHR8702: Using Design Thinking in Human Resources
ILRHR8703: Agile Project Management
ILRHR8801: HR Leadership
ILRHR8802: Global and Comparative Employment Relations
ILRHR8803: Negotiations
ILRHR8903: Case Project: Final Report and Presentation

Grading

A minimum course grade of C (2.0) is required for credit toward the degree, and students must maintain a grade average of not less than B- (2.7). Failure to maintain these standards may be grounds for dismissal from the program. At the end of each term, the student’s advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies will review the grade records and issue warning notices or recommendations for dismissal, as appropriate.

Students who receive a grade below a C (2.0) in a course must retake the course to meet the degree requirements for the program. The course must be retaken before the 15 months of the program is complete. The original course grade and grade of the retaken course will both appear on the student’s transcript.

Attendance Policy

By matriculating into the EMHRM program, students affirm their commitment to complete the 15-month program in its entirety. This includes all online and on-campus courses, the case project, and all other activities associated with the program curriculum.

The full program calendar is publicly available so that admitted applicants are aware of when all courses and on-campus sessions are scheduled ahead of matriculation. All program requirements must be completed to earn the degree. In cases where an unanticipated illness or major business or personal event may prevent a student from attending and/or completing a course or other required program activity as scheduled, the student should notify the program director as soon as possible. Options for making up missed coursework will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Program staff will make every effort to allow students to fulfill missed requirements ahead of their original expected graduation date. In some cases, requirements may have to be fulfilled the following year, and graduation may be delayed.

Tuition Adjustment Schedule

If a student requests a leave of absence or withdrawal, tuition amounts paid for by the student may be refunded on a prorated schedule, as outlined at http://www.dfa.cornell.edu/treasurer/bursar/studentsparents/leaving.cfm.

Recommendations for the Degree

Recommendations for the EMHRM degree are made by the ILR graduate committee to the faculty of the field of Industrial and Labor Relations on the basis of satisfactory completion of all course requirements. The Cornell University graduate faculty approves the awarding of degrees. Students who complete all degree requirements are awarded a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) degree.

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal

In rare circumstances, ILR graduate students may find it necessary to postpone their studies for a while. Reasons to take a leave of absence may include: personal or family health circumstances, financial difficulties, or professional changes. A Leave of Absence (LOA) is requested if/when you must leave the University and plan to return at a later time to resume your program of study. A leave is typically granted for people who are in good academic standing, for one semester. A request for extension of the leave for an additional semester should be provided before the end of the first semester of leave.

Leaves of absence typically last for at least six months and are not generally granted for more than two years. A leave of absence granted during the semester goes into effect based on the last day a student attends classes.

A Leave of Absence requested before the beginning of the 8th week in the semester carries two implications:

  • that the student on Leave may request return in the next semester
  • that there will be no record of classes and grades for the semester

After the beginning of the 8th week, the notation "W" will be entered for the courses in which a student is registered, and the student may not expect to return to classes until an entire semester has elapsed.

Personal (Voluntary) Leave
May be taken if a student is in good academic standing and takes the leave for the up-coming semester or within the first 7 weeks of the current semester. Personal (voluntary) leave must be requested in writing to the ILR Graduate Office for a specified period of time. Individual circumstances will determine what kind of leave a student may take (personal or health related). Students will receive written confirmation of their leave from the ILR Registrar.

Students may return from a personal leave whenever they wish (typically within two years). Exceptions may be granted given individual circumstances. This must be requested in writing by the student.

Health Leave
A health leave may be taken if a student consults with Cornell Health about this option; the ILR School will grant and readmit a student from a medical leave only upon the recommendation of Cornell Health. Please contact Cornell Health if you are seeking a Health Leave of Absence.

If a student is taking a leave for emotional or psychological reasons, it will usually be for at least six months. Cornell Health will devise a plan with the student to be undertaken while on health leave. Therapy, work, and academic endeavors may be part of the plan. The ILR School will determine what academic endeavors a student may be required to meet while on health leave.

If a student taking a health leave is on Academic Warning, the ILR School may stipulate additional conditions for the leave.

Withdrawal
If, in mid-semester, a student decides to withdraw from Cornell University, with no intention of returning, they must submit a letter to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), stating their intention to withdraw. This letter should be on file prior to their departure.

If a student requests a Leave of Absence or withdraws, it is their responsibility to contact the following offices prior to leaving to find out about possible implications of doing so:

Support and Additional Resources
The Graduate Office is here to support your personal and academic success. However, there are many types of assistance available to students. Here are some links to university resources that help students manage academic, financial, emotional, and social issues.