The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in industrial relations and human resources is an 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 coursework for the program includes three core seminars; five courses in a primary field of either human resources or labor, work, and society; at least four statistics and research methods courses; and three electives. In addition, all enrolled doctoral students attend a proseminar, which meets several times each semester. During their second year in the program, students complete a master's thesis and are then awarded the master of science (M.S.) degree. After completing their master's thesis and required coursework, students take a qualifying examination tailored to their research interests. Upon passing the qualifying examination, students are admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, and complete a dissertation during their fourth and fifth years.
Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
