Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources

The Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources is for those students who are 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 is designed to train professionals in the latest innovations and best practices within industrial relations and human resources management. It provides specialized study of the employment relationship using an interdisciplinary approach. Integral to the MIRHR degree is training in the essential analytical and empirical methods required of the today’s practitioner.

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.

Two program options are available for those who meet the requirements for admission. Part-time study is available in both MIRHR programs.

Learn about MIRHR admissions

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 will enable 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.

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:

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 in enrolled in the 2-Year MIRHR degree (16 half-courses) or the 12-Month MIRHR Advanced Standing degree (11 half-courses).

Information on Part Time Course Loads

Admission requirements for part-time students are the same as for full-time students. Although work experience is viewed favourably and taken into consideration by the admissions committee, it does not substitute for meeting minimum admission requirements.

Collaborative Specialization in Ethnic and Pluralism Studies

MIRHR students interested in immigration and immigrant adjustment, Native Peoples, attitudes towards diverse cultures, minority group conflicts, and cultural diversity policies have the opportunity to take additional courses towards an interdisciplinary specialization in Ethnic, Immigration and Pluralism Studies.

Collaborative Specialization in Workplace Learning and Social Change (WLSC)

MIRHR students interested in developing their understanding of work and learning within broader social trends such as globalization, neo-liberalism and organizational restructuring have the opportunity to take additional courses towards an interdisciplinary specialization in Workplace Learning and Social Change.