Industrial and Labor Relations
The Industrial and Labor Relations Master of Business Administration program at Cornell University provides an academically rigorous and professionally oriented environment for students seeking to understand the intersection of labor markets, organizational strategy, and workforce management. The curriculum combines business foundations with labor relations, negotiation, human resource strategy, and organizational design, allowing learners to explore how economic, social, and regulatory forces shape the modern workplace. With a strong emphasis on labor strategy, students develop analytical and managerial skills that support effective people management, conflict resolution, and strategic workforce planning. This blend of business insight and labor expertise prepares learners to address complex organizational challenges involving employment systems, employee behavior, and long term talent development.
Across its two and a half year structure, the program integrates leadership development, applied organizational analysis, and cross disciplinary study guided by faculty experts in labor economics, negotiation science, HR strategy, and organizational behavior. Learners gain hands on experience through case based coursework, experiential team projects, and research informed study that deepens their competence in workforce systems, managerial communication, and strategic decision making. By examining labor relations in corporate, nonprofit, and public sector settings, students build a holistic understanding of how organizations function and how to design systems that support productivity, engagement, and organizational resilience. This preparation strengthens their ability to contribute meaningfully to both business leadership and labor oriented roles.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Industrial and Labor Relations
- Degree Type: Master of Business Administration
- Duration: 2,5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 07 April 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• Foundations of Management and Labor Relations
• Organizational Behavior and Workforce Dynamics
• Labor Economics for Managers
• Elective in HR Strategy, Policy, or Organizational Communication
Year 2
• Negotiation and Conflict Management
• Employment Systems and Labor Law
• Quantitative Analysis for Management
• Elective in Analytics, Leadership, or Global Labor Markets
Year 3
• Strategic Workforce Planning
• Advanced Labor Relations and Organizational Strategy
• Applied Labor Relations or Consulting Project
• Elective in Talent Management, Change Leadership, or Economic Strategy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue leadership roles across business, labor, and public sector environments, frequently joining human resource management teams, labor relations departments, organizational strategy groups, and consulting firms specializing in workforce and organizational development. With strong preparation in negotiation, labor analysis, and strategic HR management, they contribute to organizational planning, employee relations, policy design, performance management, and workforce transformation initiatives. Their interdisciplinary training enables them to support leadership teams in navigating labor issues, improving organizational systems, and designing strategies that enhance productivity and employee engagement across diverse industries.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent option for students who want to combine business management with expertise in labor relations, offering opportunities to develop advanced organizational insight and strong strategic capability supported by Cornell’s leadership in industrial and labor studies. Through applied coursework, negotiation training, and interdisciplinary learning, students gain the tools to analyze workforce challenges, design effective labor strategies, and support organizational decision making at a high level. Its year based structure provides depth, breadth, and professional readiness, preparing graduates for impactful roles at the intersection of management, labor systems, and organizational leadership.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
