Program Overview

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Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources

The Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources is designed for students interested in advanced academic study leading to career opportunities in:

• Human resources management
• Labour-management relations
• Collective bargaining and dispute resolution
• Organization development and change
• Labour market and social policy

The MIRHR program provides specialized study of the employment relationship using an interdisciplinary approach, training professionals in the latest innovations and best practices within industrial relations and human resources management. It includes training in essential analytical and empirical methods required of today's practitioners.

Program Options

Two program options are available for those who meet the requirements for admission:

• 2-Year MIRHR: Full-time students who qualify for admission will normally complete the program in two years (16 non-consecutive months).
• 12-Month MIRHR – Advanced Standing Option: The advanced standing option enables qualified students to complete the MIRHR degree in one year (12 consecutive months) of full-time study. This option is available to those students with a four-year bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, in employment relations; industrial relations; labour studies; commerce or psychology with a major in human resources.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the above, students who have previously completed the following undergraduate equivalent courses with at least a B+ in each course usually consider the 12-month MIRHR program:

• IRE 1002H - Applied Statistics in Industrial Relations
• IRE 1362H - Organizational Behaviour
• IRE 1609H - Strategic Human Resources Management
• IRE 1610H - Industrial Relations

Part-Time Study

The MIRHR is available for part-time study. Part-time students fulfill the same degree requirements as full-time students but take fewer courses each semester. The average length of time to complete the MIRHR degree is 4 years, but the length of time to complete requirements will depend on whether the student is enrolled in the 2-Year MIRHR degree (16 half-courses) or the 12-Month MIRHR Advanced Standing degree (11 half-courses).

Collaborative Specializations

MIRHR students have the opportunity to take additional courses towards interdisciplinary specializations in:

• Ethnic and Pluralism Studies: For students interested in immigration and immigrant adjustment, Native Peoples, attitudes towards diverse cultures, minority group conflicts, and cultural diversity policies.
• Workplace Learning and Social Change (WLSC): For students interested in developing their understanding of work and learning within broader social trends such as globalization, neo-liberalism, and organizational restructuring.

Program Structure

The MIRHR degree consists of required courses, as well as elective courses that increase a student's breadth of knowledge. A student may also select elective courses based on a specific area of interest.

Career Paths

The MIRHR program prepares students for career paths in IR/HR, including human resources management, labour-management relations, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. The program also provides career support, mentorship programs, and opportunities for summer employment. Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, including private, public, and non-profit sectors.