Generally, students seeking to enter the five-year program are subject to the same admission requirements as individuals applying to the regular master in labor and employment relations (M.L.E.R.) program. Under certain circumstances, there is an exemption for taking standardized tests for Rutgers labor studies graduates.

Students may apply for fall or spring semester admission, and they may be eligible to take summer courses on a nonmatriculated basis before admission in the fall. The program requires three letters of reference, preferably from faculty members, and a personal statement. Acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree, but the program can make provisional admission decisions as soon as it receives a completed application, test scores, and transcripts. The application deadline for fall admission is May 1, while the deadline for spring admission is November 1.