The Master of Labor and Employment Relations (MLER) program produces 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 the degree in a variety of flexible ways, ranging from entirely in person to entirely online.

With our degree, you might:

Photo of Susan Lasher and Akhila Naik
From left, Susan Lasher, LER '14 and MLER '16 and
Akhila Naik, LER faculty member and SMLR ‘14. 
  • Manage employment relations for employers
  • Build a career as a union professional
  • Specialize in diversity, globalization, or other hot topics
  • Get a great job in a government agency like the NLRB
  • Lead a community or non-profit organization
  • Combine labor relations with human resources
  • Manage people well in many types of organizations

Explore Exciting Ideas with Top Instructors

  • Classes both build skills and expand intellectual horizons
  • photo of students in a LSER classEngaging real-world courses are taught by nationally-known scholars
  • Part-time or full-time enrollment
  • Online courses increase your options
  • Courses scheduled at convenient times for working adults
  • Get both the employee and the employer perspective

It's a Professional Program Helping You to:

  • Be a role model for your family
  • Move up at your current employer
  • Get credentials for a great career
  • Teach others what you have learned
  • Advance justice, diversity, or your other ideals   

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our academic programs and admissions processes reflect our commitment to be a welcoming place that values and promotes diversity, ensures equitable access to all opportunities, and provides an affirming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

MLER Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Image of MLER Alumni Testimonial Hijira Ali
Image of MLER Alumni Testimonial Hijira Ali
Meet Our Alumni
Image of MLER Alumni Spotlight - Bernie Corrigan
Image of MLER Alumni Spotlight - Bernie Corrigan
Meet Our Alumni
Image of MLER Alumni Spotlight - Max Edelmann
Image of MLER Alumni Spotlight - Max Edelmann
Meet Our Alumni
Image of MLER Alumni Testimonial - Leslie Reyes
Image of MLER Alumni Testimonial - Leslie Reyes
Meet Our Alumni
image of RU LERA logo
RU LERA Student Chapter

The first student-run chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA), RU LERA's goal is to provide an environment that allows students to broaden their perspectives, take advantage of opportunities, and develop personal growth in academics and relationships. 

photo of RU Power group
RU POWER

RU POWER's goals are to educate and promote general awareness about the numerous factors that encompass the workplace, including employees' rights, management skill building, interests of employers, fundamentals of human resources, and legal aspects of employment.

Student Organizations

Engage as part of the School of Management and Labor Relations through one of our student organizations! Network with your peers, alumni and professionals in the community through programs and events. Membership is open to all interested students. View a list of all SMLR student organizations

Questions?

Complete the form below to receive more information about the Labor Studies and Employment Relations (LSER) programs. We look forward to hearing from you!