The School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) has a broad mission. It seeks to create and disseminate knowledge that fosters a better understanding of employment and work in modern society. Beyond that, the school strives to promote harmony between management and labor and improve employment systems and relationships.

In pursuit of this mission, SMLR faculty members conduct research, organize credit and noncredit programs, and provide technical assistance to corporations and labor organizations.

The quality of the school's various graduate programs won it recognition in a recent publication that rated graduate and professional programs in America and at international universities. SMLR was one of only eight graduate programs in industrial relations classified by this report as "very strong." With the growing reputation of its faculty, the success of its graduates, and continuing support from Rutgers, SMLR can look forward to further growth of its reputation and prestige over the next decade.