Looking for an internship?
Click here for information.


Paul F. Clark, Department Head
Alexander J. S. Colvin, Undergraduate Officer

Program Description

The two degrees offered by the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations provide students with specialized training in the practical, theoretical, and legal aspects of work and the employment relationship.

This includes knowledge about wages, work hours, conditions of employment, workforce diversity, labor markets, skills and training. The Labor and Employment Relations major provides this focus, along with a broad cultural education in the liberal arts.

The design of the Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Employment Relations allows maximum flexibility for students to explore the world of work from the different perspectives of the humanities and social sciences, while still acquiring the essential applied courses in employment relations.

In contrast to the B.A., the Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employment Relations is designed to offer students a more professional focus. Students pursuing the B.S. receive more in-depth exposure to course offerings within the Department.

The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations also offers an interdisciplinary minor for students enrolled in other academic majors.

Related Experiences

Internships with companies, trade unions, public service organizations, government agencies, and law firms are strongly encouraged. Students can also participate in the Department's student organizations, the Society of Labor and Employment Relations (SLER) and the Student Labor Action Project (SLAP).

Career Directions

Graduates are equipped to work as professionals for business and industry, trade unions, and government in the areas of industrial and labor relations, employee relations, and human resource management. Students can also pursue graduate degrees in industrial and labor relations, human resource management, one of the social sciences, public administration, or law.

The employment outlook for the next decade is favorable. In addition to private employers, increased demand for persons trained in the workings of employment relations has come from state and local governments, school boards, and nonprofit agencies.

Honors Program

The Department has an active Honors Program for LER majors. Honors students are part of the Schreyer Honors College, ranked as one of the top Honors programs at public universities in the U.S.

Honors students work closely with faculty to supplement their coursework and to produce an Honors thesis. Outstanding students are eligible for nomination to the Honors program after their fourth semester. For more information contact Paul Clark, LER Honors Advisor.