Specializations and Electives:

Since students come from different backgrounds and have different occupational goals, the MLER program allows students to specialize by combining required classes with carefully selected electives. Students have five electives out of thirteen required courses. Students with an interest in combining employer-side labor relations with human resource management are encouraged to take up to three electives from the MHRM program. 

Students who are not yet enrolled in the MLER program may also wish to explore our Graduate Certificate Programs, some of which are closely aligned with an areas of specialization. 

Diversity and Workplace Inclusion Specialization

In addition to the required course in Employment Law, potential classes include:

  • The Inclusive Workplace 
  • Immigration, Public Policy, and Worker Rights
  • Women and Work
  • Identity and Discrimination at Work and in the U.S. Labor Market
  • Emotional Intelligence 
  • Disability, Work, and Society (taken for graduate credit)
  • Latino Workers in the United States (taken for graduate credit)
Organizational Leadership and Change Specialization

Potential classes include:

  • Organizational Leadership and Change Management
  • Organizational Design and Structure
  • Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
  • Globalization, Corporate Restructuring, and Employment
  • Creating and Sustaining a Learning Organization
  • Community Organization (School of Social Work)
  • Team and Group Process Facilitation
Labor Relations Specialization (Employer or Employee Representative)

In addition to the required courses in Collective Bargaining and Financial Analysis, potential classes include:

  • Labor Law
  • Public Sector Employment Issues
  • Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
  • Negotiation
  • Seminar in International/Comparative Labor and Employment Relations
  • Mediation Processes & Techniques
Labor and Community Leadership Specialization

Potential classes include:

  • Enforcing Worker Rights
  • Organizing for Social Change
  • Immigration, Public Policy, and Worker Rights
  • Shaping the Future of Work
  • Globalization, Corporate Restructuring, and Employment
  • Organizational Leadership and Change Management
  • Public Policy Advocacy (Public Policy School)