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Endless Possibilities

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All ILR students have the same major: Industrial and Labor Relations. The ILR major focuses on the study of people and policies in the workplace. Our flexible, interdisciplinary program explores pressing work issues that affect individuals, families, organizations, and every economy and community.

The classes in our five departments examine topics critical to all organizations, from leadership, teamwork and negotiations, to globalization, the impact of technology on work, and labor relations and rights around the world. ILR students take foundation classes in law, management, history, organizational psychology, economics and statistics. They then combine electives from ILR and the other schools at Cornell to tailor the program to their specific academic or career interests.

See our Curriculum and Sample Electives for an overview of the program and examples of how students can tailor the degree to their interests.

To learn more about our program and application process, watch our undergraduate information session.

Endless Paths

one major

One of the greatest strengths of the ILR degree is that it allows you to study and prepare for a variety of fields:

Explore ILR career outcome data
Two students walk on campus
“I came to Cornell knowing I wanted a rigorous program and the ability to learn outside of the classroom. I found the perfect balance at ILR through challenging, interdisciplinary courses and opportunities to study in Dublin, work with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. and create my own radio show here in Ithaca.”
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DANIEL JAMES II '22
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Co-President, ILR Minority Student Organization President, ILR Student Government Association, 2023 Schwarzman Scholar
Daniel James
“I came to Cornell knowing I wanted a rigorous program and the ability to learn outside of the classroom. I found the perfect balance at ILR through challenging, interdisciplinary courses and opportunities to study in Dublin, work with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. and create my own radio show here in Ithaca.”
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DANIEL JAMES II '22
,
Co-President, ILR Minority Student Organization President, ILR Student Government Association, 2023 Schwarzman Scholar
Daniel James
"I have learned why it should be a societal goal to ensure that people feel comfortable and supported in every organization that they are a part of, because one’s experiences in the workplace intersects with their personal and professional lives. This depth of understanding that ILR has given me is why I want to advocate for marginalized communities in the workplace.”
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Salima Ali '23
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Legal Compliance Intern, Blackboard High Road Fellow ILR Peer Mentor Lead
Salima Ali '22
"I translated lessons from my Human Resource and Organizational Behavior classes directly into creating Cornell Votes, which helped to increase voter turnout in our community by nearly 20 points. As a representative in city government, I drew upon the foundation I developed in law and alternative dispute resolution to write legislation. My ILR education is something I utilize every day.”
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Patrick Mehler '23
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Co-Founder & President, Cornell Votes, Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club
Patrick Mehler '22

Contact Us

ilradmissions@cornell.edu

ph: (607) 255-2222

 

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