Industrial and Labor Relations
The Industrial and Labor Relations Master of Science program at Cornell University provides a research oriented, analytically grounded academic environment for students who want to examine how labor markets, employment systems, workplace dynamics, and economic structures influence organizational outcomes. The curriculum integrates labor economics, quantitative methods, organizational behavior, employment relations, and policy analysis, offering learners the opportunity to explore how wages, productivity, collective bargaining, and workforce trends evolve in response to social and economic forces. With a strong emphasis on labor economics, the program equips students with tools to analyze labor market conditions, evaluate institutional frameworks, and understand how organizations navigate employment challenges in competitive global environments. This foundation supports a deep understanding of how economic reasoning and labor relations interact.
Throughout its two year duration, the program encourages students to work closely with faculty engaged in research across employment systems, workplace regulation, labor market policy, and workforce development. Through seminars, data driven analysis, field research, and interdisciplinary study, learners strengthen their capabilities in workforce evaluation, empirical research, and policy interpretation. The academic environment promotes rigorous investigation supported by both qualitative and quantitative methods, helping students connect labor issues with economic indicators and organizational strategies. This blend of conceptual study and applied research prepares graduates to engage with complex labor challenges and contribute to evidence based solutions in labor relations and employment policy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Industrial and Labor Relations
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Economics
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Industrial and Labor Relations
• Labor Market Economics
• Research Methods for Social and Economic Analysis
• Elective in Workforce Policy, Organizational Behavior, or Management
Semester 2
• Collective Bargaining and Employment Systems
• Quantitative Analysis for Labor Studies
• Institutions of Work and Labor Regulation
• Elective in Compensation, Inequality, or Social Policy
Semester 3
• Advanced Topics in Labor Economics
• Workforce Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Research Seminar in Industrial and Labor Relations
• Elective in Global Labor Markets, Migration, or Economic Policy
Semester 4
• Master’s Research Thesis
• Applied Analysis in Employment and Labor Policy
• Professional Development in Labor Relations
• Elective in Advanced Economics, HR Strategy, or Labor Law
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue influential roles across labor analysis, workforce policy, research, and organizational management, frequently joining labor research institutes, government labor agencies, economic consulting groups, and human resource analytics teams. With strong preparation in empirical inquiry, economic interpretation, and labor systems evaluation, they contribute to policy assessment, labor market forecasting, compensation analysis, workplace research, and organizational workforce planning. Their interdisciplinary training enables them to support data driven decision making, interpret employment trends, and offer insights that shape labor strategies across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent option for students who want to combine economic reasoning with the study of employment systems, offering opportunities to develop advanced analytical insight and strong research capability supported by Cornell’s distinguished faculty in labor and economic studies. Through rigorous coursework, applied research, and interdisciplinary engagement, learners gain the expertise to analyze labor markets, evaluate organizational outcomes, and contribute to informed labor policy and workforce strategy. Its structured two year format provides depth, research intensity, and professional preparation, equipping graduates for meaningful roles in labor relations, economic analysis, and employment policy development.
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
