Letters of Recommendation Requirements and Tips

MASTER'S DEGREE IN HR & LABOR RELATIONS
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2025

Please note: The GRE and GMAT requirement is currently optional. If you choose not to take the GRE or GMAT, you will need submit an Academic Statement instead. Learn more

Contact Melanie Zaremba at mzaremba@msu.edu with questions or to schedule an advising appointment.

If you are applying to MSU as a future undergraduate student, please visit MSU Admissions at https://admissions.msu.edu/. You will be prompted to send your transcripts through the MSU Admissions application packet.

  • You must provide three letters of recommendation. Two letters must be from faculty members or instructors whose classes you have attended, and the third letter can be a professional recommendation from an employer or academic advisor.

  • If you have been out of school for several years and are unable to obtain letters from three former instructors, letters from knowledgeable employers can be used.

  • The purpose of these letters is to provide evidence of your academic potential and promise as a graduate student.

  • You must add the nameorganizationposition/titlerelationshiptelephone, and email for three recommenders prior to submitting the application. When you add a recommender and click "Send to Recommender", the application sends an email to the individual with a link where they can upload their letter.

  • Any recommendation letters provided in hard copy must be written on department or business letterhead and be attached to reference reports provided by the school.

    Download reference report form
    Microsoft Word PDF
  • Request your instructor/faculty letters of recommendation as early as possible, as some instructors/faculty members may be busy and take time completing the letters.