Study Work. Value People. Lead Change.

Rutgers Labor and Employment Relations undergraduate and graduate programs produce graduates who are thoughtful professionals, informed leaders, and/or researchers grounded in contemporary reality. Graduates have careers in many types of organizations, ranging from corporations to non-profits, from unions to other social justice organizations, and from state or federal government agencies to public policy institutes. It is possible to earn your degree in a variety of flexible ways, ranging from entirely in person to entirely online. Rutgers Labor and Employment Relations undergraduate and graduate degrees offer a path to a variety of careers.  All of our students can take advantage of career preparation and support from SMLR’s dedicated Career Services team. 


Learn more about our programs:

Explore Our Undergraduate Programs

The Labor Studies and Employment Relations (LSER) Department offers two undergraduate degrees, one for students enrolled in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences – the B.A. in Labor Studies & Employment Relations – and one for students enrolled directly in the School of Management and Labor Relations – the B.S. in Labor and Employment Relations. Please see our Minors and Concentrations for examples of jobs this major could lead to. High-achieving students in both the B.A. and the B.S. are eligible for the 5-year joint Bachelor’s/Master’s program – apply in your Senior year. 

Explore our In-Person MLER Program

The MLER degree is a nationally recognized, multi-disciplinary program in which you tailor your coursework to fit your interests and professional needs. Study contemporary issues such as managing people and organizational change, ways of resolving conflict at work, and how we as a society can improve workers' lives. Take courses in person or through a mix of in-person and online courses, and you can attend on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Explore our 100% Online MLER Program 

This professional program is 100% online and is designed for working professionals enrolled part-time. Courses are available year-round and typically are asynchronous – that is, you do not need to be online on a specific day/time. Usually you will have activities to do or assignments due each week.

Explore our Accredited Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificate programs through the School of Management and Labor Relationsinvolve a series of regular graduate courses. Credits can later be transferred to one of our Master of Labor and Employment Relations degree programs.