MS ILR
MS ILR - Labor Research and Policy is a two-year masters' degree program that prepares students for careers in U.S. and global labor, policy, and non-governmental organizations. MS students work closely with ILR faculty to develop research skills critical for analyzing challenges and their solutions in today's world of work.
The ILR School’s MS program with a concentration in Labor Research and Policy is designed for students who wish to focus on labor research and policy analysis. The concentration will prepare students for careers in the following areas – with more focused expertise in one area developed through their coursework, recommended internship, and thesis:
- Labor and Employment Policy Research
- Labor Union Research, Strategic Campaigns, and Collective Action
- International Labor Standards Research, Monitoring, and Enforcement
Successful completion of the ILR MS program results in a terminal master’s degree and is not linked to the ILR MS/PhD program at Cornell.
Information Sessions
Find out more about the program
To learn more about the MS program, join us for a virtual information session. ILR Faculty and staff will share program information and answer questions about the admissions process. You can register for either session below:
Faculty and Research
Academic research and expertise
MS ILR students work with researchers who study the entirety of the world of work.
ILR Faculty study issues of work from the individual to the global. Our researchers span and combine multiple disciplines and backgrounds to explore the incredibly broad range of topics that comprise the world of work. You can find more about our academics in these departments:
Centers and Institutes
Applied Research Opportunities
MS ILR students have the possibility to work on applied research projects at ILR's centers and institutes.
Students can study topics ranging from sustainable work in the clean energy transition to international labor standards in rapidly changing supply chains.
ILR Graduate Office
Cornell University
218 Ives Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: (607) 255-1522
Fax: (607) 254-5225
ilrgradapplicant@cornell.edu
Applied Research
ILR Centers and Institutes
Program Structure
Requirements and Curriculum Information
Tuition & Financial Information
The ILR MS program tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $20,800 per academic year. Students are responsible for approximately $4,046 Student Health Plan and Student Health Fee.
Estimated Cost of Attendance and information on applying for loans is available on the Office of Financial Aid website.
While funding is limited, applicants who are admitted to the MS program within the ILR School will be offered any available funding in their admission letter.