Online MLER Frequently Asked Questions

The tuition rate is $1,116 per credit or $3,348 per 3-credit course. The tuition rate is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. University off-campus fees apply and depend on the number of credits taken. The Board of Governors sets tuition/free rates each July for the coming year. Click here for a chart of the current tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year.

To apply for the program, you need to apply to Rutgers using the Graduate and Professional Admissions online system.  Be sure to choose the Professional Master of Labor and Employment Relations Online on your application.

To apply, you will need to complete and submit your application online, pay the application fee, submit a resume, and a personal statement.  Please explain why you are interested in labor and employment relations. If you have worked in HR or managed others, or you have participated in union organizing campaigns or social justice activities related to our field, be sure to let us know. 

We evaluate applications primarily based on grades earned in prior college courses, on professional achievement, and on three recommendations from people who know your strengths. Also, you will need to have official transcripts from all colleges or universities that you have attended sent to Rutgers.

Admission is rolling so there is no firm deadline, but realistically it is difficult to become a degree student unless we receive all materials, including recommendations, about 10 days before any semester starts.  Please apply as early as possible in order to secure a place in your preferred online courses because these tend to fill up. 

Twelve (12) 3-credit courses are required to complete the degree and, yes, the program is entirely online.  If you are interested in completing the degree partially online and partially in-person, please apply to the regular MLER degree program.

That depends on how many courses you take per semester – for instance if you take 2 per semester in the Fall and Spring semesters, and 1-2 courses in the Summer term, you will complete the degree in approximately 2 and a half years. 

That is up to you. Most students in the program are working full-time and if that is the case for you, we recommend you take 2 courses per term – or perhaps 1 per term if you have a demanding position or additional non-work responsibilities.

A full-time student may take up to 3 courses per term in the Fall and Spring semesters.  More than 3 courses requires approval from the program director.

Yes. Official admission to Rutgers occurs at the start of the Fall semester or at the start of the Spring semester. However, you can take Rutgers summer courses as a non-degree student before your admission. Courses you take as a non-degree student will count fully toward your degree after admission. 

Yes. The admissions process is the same for international students except that they need to demonstrate English Proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores (unless they earned a degree from the U.S. or another country where English is the primary language). You should be aware that you will not be eligible for a Visa to reside in the United States if you are in a fully online degree program.