Since the Master of Industrial Relations Program was established in 1976, over 500 alumni have established the reputation of the MIR and MIRHR degrees, and the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources across Canada, and all over the world. Graduates are pursuing their careers throughout the United States and in London, Paris, Germany, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, Korea and Hong Kong. Approximately 35 students will join the ranks of these University of Toronto alumni each year.

In September 2004, the degree name was changed from the Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) to the Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources (MIRHR) to ensure that the name of the Master's degree reflects the broad study of employment issues in both union and non-union environments that has always been a hallmark of the program at the Centre.

The majority of graduates work in human resources and labour relations positions performing a broad range of duties. The areas of consulting, employee relations, and training and development were mentioned most frequently by graduates in a survey conducted in January 2009. Graduates are also employed in the labour movement, in public agencies and in non-university teaching. Some have choosen to continue their education in doctoral, law and other graduate programs.

In the survey 89% of all MIRHR graduates found employment within 3 months of graduation, with just over half securing employment before the end of the school term. The majority of students received a starting salary in the range of $50,000 - $70,000, with an average of $61,600.

Salary Levels in the Toronto Area

The information below was compiled from Compensation Surveys 2009 for the Greater Toronto Area, published by the Toronto Board of Trade. For further information about these positions, view the brief job descriptions that are available elsewhere on this site.