The Ph.D. in industrial relations and human resources is a
full-time, interdisciplinary program committed to developing scholars
who can study the dynamic and changing conditions of employment and
work.
The program prepares students to conduct research that
contributes to the advancement of knowledge and practice in industrial
relations and human resource management. In addition to studying the
fundamental theories of industrial relations and human resource
management, students learn how to design and conduct rigorous research,
to analyze their results, and to disseminate their findings through
scholarly publications. Students are expected to be actively involved
in research throughout their enrollment in the program.
Required course work for the program includes seven courses to fulfill
interdisciplinary distribution requirements, at least three statistics
and research methods courses, two advanced seminars, and four
electives. During their second year in the program, students complete
an empirical research project. After completing their master's thesis
and required course work, students take a qualifying examination
tailored to their research interests. Upon passing the qualifying
examination, students are awarded the M.S. degree and admitted to Ph.D.
candidacy. Students complete a dissertation during their fourth and
fifth years.
