Prospective Students
Master's Program
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions that we frequently get from students interested in applying to the master's degree program.
If you don't find the answer to your question below, please pick up the phone and call Becky Barker at 217-333-2381 or send her an email at ILIR-admissions@illinois.edu.
Q. What GPA is needed for admission into this program?
A. Entering students at LER have an average GPA of 3.5, but our admission process is not formula driven. We have students with a wide range of undergraduate GPAs.
Q. How do you determine the GPA?
A. Your last 60 hours of undergraduate work at the time of application is used to determine your GPA.
Q. What GRE score is needed for admission?
A. Entering students at LER receive on average between 55-65% on the three different sections of the GRE. This equates out to a 490-530 on the verbal section, a 590-630 on the quantitative sections and a 590-630 on the analytical section.
Q. Do I need a subject test for the GRE?
A. No, we only require the general test.
Q. What GMAT score is needed for admission?
A. Entering students at LER that take the GMAT receive on average a composite score between a 580-650.
Q. I am graduating in December. Must I wait until fall to begin graduate school?
A. No, we accept students for both the spring and fall semesters.
Q. What is the deadline for applications?
A. The deadline for fall is February 1 and for spring it is November 1 for the master's program. The deadline for doctoral applications is January 7 for fall admission.
Q. Which is bigger, the fall or the spring class?
A. Typically, our spring class is about 1/3 the size of the fall class (20 vs. 60 students).
Q. How long is your program?
A. The LER program is 48 hours, which is 12 courses. Typically the program is completed in three semesters.
Q. Will entering in the spring delay my completion of the program?
A. Entering in the spring will not impede normal progress of the master's degree. It will just affect the timing of the required classes.
Q. Is an internship required?
A. The internship is not a required part of the program, but it is highly encouraged.
Q. Is it possible for international students to find an internship?
A. It is possible for international students to obtain an internship. However, not all of the companies that recruit at the Institute hire international students. Additionally, international students that enroll in spring need to have a J-1 visa to be eligible for employment. Those students with an F-1 visa will not be eligible for the practicum.
Q. How do I get financial aid?
A. Almost all of the financial aid is based on academic merit and most is awarded in the fall semester. It is highly competitive and typically the top 1/3 of applicants receive financial aid offers. There is one fellowship that is based on financial need and all students that are accepted into the program are encouraged to apply for it.
Q. What type of aid is available?
A. We have fellowships, research assistantships and tuition and fee waivers.
Q. I want to enroll this spring. What type of aid will be available to me?
A. Almost all of our financial aid is awarded in the fall, however, we do have a mid-year fellowship. This fellowship is awarded on academic merit.
Q. Do I need work experience?
A. Prior work experience is helpful and valued, but not required. We encourage students to seek out an internship in the summer prior to enrolling.
Q. I have been out of school for awhile. Who can I get to write a recommendation letter?
A. If you have recently been in the work force, recommendation letters from professionals in your organization are acceptable. If you are coming straight from your undergraduate career, it is best to have at least two faculty references that attest to your ability to do graduate level work.
Q. What are the department program codes?
A. MHRIR program code 10KS0364MHRI, Dept. 1568
PHD program code 10KS0364PHD, Dept. 1568
Joint Law degree JD/MHRIR program code 10KS8104NONE, Dept. 1568
Joint MBA degree MBA/MHRIR program code 10KS3922NONE, Dept. 1568
Q. I have applied online. What materials are sent to the department?
A. Letters of reference may be submitted electronicaly or the forms may be downloaded from the on-line application. If letters of reference are submitted on paper, send forms with letters to the department address (see below). All original transcripts of completed coursework (including UIUC should be sent to the same address. GRE (and TOEFL for international applicants only) should be sent electronically to Institution Code 1836. GMAT scores for master's applicants should be submitted to code VKR-TK-05; doctoral applicants submit to code VKR-TK-83. International applicants should also submit the completed Declaration & Certification of Finance form with supporting financial documents. These forms may be downloaded from the application website: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uiuc-grad.
Q. What is the cost of tuition and fees?
A. For the academic year 2008-09, resident tuition is $14,110 and non-resident tuition $22,350 plus fees. Additional information about tuition and fees can be found at http://www.registrar.illinois.edu/financial/grad_HRIR.html.
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