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The degree is both wide and deep. It’s built up from the research of ILR’s world-class faculty and the real-world experience of practitioners. You can study from a huge range of human resources and labor relations courses from organizational design and culture to compensation to labor relations to mediation, while also focusing on the application of workplace research.

MILR alumni succeed in what they set out to do. Many students have job offers before graduating. Most experience faster career advancement and stronger earning power.

Graduates join the wide network of Cornell alumni in high-level HR and labor relations positions.

Admissions

Why did I quit a good job to get my master's in HR?

Students discuss their journey from quitting their jobs, to moving to upstate NY, to anticipating graduation and what is next after earning their MILR degrees. 

MILR Student Table Talk

Current MILR Human Resources and Organization students talk candidly about their experience being part of Cornell University’s Master of Industrial and Labor Relations program. 

Program Structure

Find out more about the courses that make up the MILR degree, and the required credits needed to graduate.

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Find out more

Application Requirements

Contact us at  ilrgradapplicant@cornell.edu to discuss your application options!

 

Review the requirements

Tuition and Fees

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Find out more about tuition and fees

Answer some simple questions to see if you're a good candidate for the MILR program through our check your eligibility form. We will notify you of your eligibility for the program within two to three business days. Or if you're ready, apply now.

Check your eligibility Apply now

Career Outcomes

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Fortune 500 companies have ILR alums in HR leadership positions

There are many job and career field options available to those who earn a degree from the ILR School, including corporate HR, labor relations, labor, government, law, non-profit, consulting, and financial services.

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View MILR career outcome statistics

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Bradford Bell, Human Resources Studies

Perfect for the human resources professional

The MILR program is perfect for the human resources professional looking to take the next step in their career. The program is designed to ensure that all students develop a strong a understanding of the latest HR practices and principles while also allowing significant flexibility so each student can take courses that align most closely with their personal interests.

Bradford Bell, William J. Conaty Professor of Strategic Human Resources, Human Resource Studies

Accelerated MILR Degree Hits the Mark for ILR Graduates

Three ILRies discuss how the MILR degree enhanced their careers.
BJ Siascoco
Accelerated MILR Degree Hits the Mark for ILR Graduates

MILRs win awards at 2022 Purdue HR Case Competition

MILRs won second place at the Case competition, and the best individual speaker award for the Graduate Division
Purdue Case Competition
MILRs win awards at 2022 Purdue HR Case Competition

Skyler Hill

Skyler Hill, Human Resources and Organizations MILR '23, talks about why he chose the MILR program and some advice he has for prospective students.
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Skyler Hill

Visit Cornell's Campus

The ILR School is at the center of Cornell's Ithaca campus. Plan a visit (virtual or in-person), register for online tours and events, and get in touch with our team to find out more about the place where you will study.

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Plan a visit

Degree Specializations

Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR) is a two-year professional, career-focused degree for those interested in putting their education into practice. The MILR is specifically for students preparing to enter the workforce or professionals who wish to enhance their education and skills.

Concentrations
Professor Emily Zitek instructs MILR students

Contact Us

Get in touch with the Graduate Office

ILR Graduate Office
Cornell University
218 Ives Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone: (607) 255-1522
Fax: (607) 254-5225
ilrgradapplicant@cornell.edu

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Contact Us

Videos

Ilan Guinguis, MILR '17

Ilan Guinguis, MILR Class of 2017, gives his MILR perspective as an international student.
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Ilan Guinguis, MILR '17

Our HR curriculum

Professor Chris Collins discusses the advantages of studying HR at Cornell in the MILR program.
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Our HR curriculum

MILR Graduate Student Experience

Sabrina Williams, Alice Ying Nga Luo and Jeff Serbin discuss the MILR student experience with Christie Avgar, Director of Graduate Enrollment and Student Services at ILR.
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MILR Graduate Student Experience

Career outcomes of an ILR Master's

Anu Lyons, Director of ILR's Office of Career Services, discusses how her office serves MILR students by helping land internships and in recruiting for employment to prepare you for life after earning your MILR degree.
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Career outcomes of an ILR Master's