Industrial Relations - Undergraduate Level

Program Description

Human Resources and Industrial Relations (HRIR) courses provide the curriculum for topics such as staffing, training, and devleopment; organizational behavior and theory, compensation and benefits; labor market analysis; and labor relations and collective bargaining. 

Industrial relations, also referred to as labor relations, focuses on relationships between employers and employees. This field encompasses a wide range of aspects relating to employment including sociology, statistics, economics, law, politics, psychology, and history. By completing the Industrial Relations Certificate Program, you will gain the insight and ability to ensure human rights in the workplace whether you work for a company or own your own business.

The Industrial Relations Center (IRC) is a nationally-recognized leader in human resources and industrial relations research, education, and outreach. At IRC, research and teaching are structured around the Minnesota Model of Human Resources and Industrial Relations.

Student Benefits

  • Courses available in the evening and during the day; also online and print based correspondence.

  • Credit Transfer to an Undergraduate Degree: In most cases, previous college credit or certificate courses may be applied toward an undergraduate degree. Students will need to discuss this possibility with an adviser. For information contact the Information Center at cceinfo@umn.edu or call 612-624-4000.

  • Enhances your skills in order to be more effective in your current position.

  • Prepares you for a career move by gaining new skills.

Getting started

To be admitted to the certificate see admissions for detailed information.  If you would like to get started by taking a class before seeking admission to the Industrial Relations Certificate visit our registration page.


For more information on this or any other certificate program, contact us at cceinfo@umn.edu or call 612-624-4000.