The School of Management and Labor Relations requires all applicants to its graduate programs to provide evidence of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution of higher education. Normally, an average of B or better in previous academic work is expected. In addition, students should demonstrate their potential for graduate study through their scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test or the Graduate Management Admission Test. Finally, all SMLR programs require letters of recommendation that indicate a potential for graduate study.

Admission is recommended by the faculty of the graduate program to which the individual applies and is approved by the dean of the School of Management and Labor Relations, or a representative. The school's administrators make admission decisions by judgment rather than through an arbitrary formula. The M.H.R.M. and M.L.E.R. programs, however, do have a rolling admission policy.