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Labor Studies & Employment Relations
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The two degrees offered by the Department of Labor Studies and Industrial Relations provide students with specialized training in the practical, theoretical, and legal aspects of work and the employment relationship. The problems, needs, and interests of employees and their organizations provide a particular interest. In our technical economically global society, knowledge about compensation, workforce diversity, work and family issues, and conditions of employment is vital.
The design of the bachelor of arts in labor and industrial relations allows maximum flexibility for students to explore the world of work from the different perspectives of the humanities and social sciences, while still acquiring the essential courses in industrial relations. In contrast to the bachelor of arts, the bachelor of science degree in labor and industrial relations is designed to offer students a more professional focus. Both majors have core courses on law, diversity, and analytical thinking.
The Department of Labor Studies and Industrial Relations also offers an Integrated B.S. in Spanish and an M.S. in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. The department offers an interdisciplinary minor in dispute management and resolution, as well.
RELATED EXPERIENCES
Internships with companies, unions, public service organizations, government agencies, or law firms are strongly encouraged. Students can also participate in the department’s undergraduate student organization and honors program.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
Graduates are equipped to work as professionals for business and industry, unions, and government in the areas of industrial and labor relations and personnel and human resource management. Students can also pursue post-graduate studies in industrial and labor relations, human resource management, one of the social sciences, public administration, or law.
The employment outlook for the next decade is very favorable for graduates with this major. We have seen an increased demand for persons trained in labor and industrial relations from private employers, including, those in the high tech sector, as well as from state and local governments, school boards, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, and unions.