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Labor and the U.S Constitution

ILR offers students unique opportunities and classes to prepare for fulfilling careers in public policy and government. The ILR School’s interdisciplinary major prepares students for positions in local, state, and federal governments, think tanks, non-profit organizations and law or graduate studies. Our courses explore a range of policies related to the workplace, like gender and racial discrimination, immigration, and disability and diversity practices. You will also study and develop skills to change policies and create new ones.

Beyond the classroom, ILR provides several programs to gain real-world experience. The High Road Fellowship offers opportunities in community-based economic development, public policy, or urban revitalization in Buffalo, NY. Cornell in Washington provides a chance to live and learn in the heart of the nation's capital. Through ILR's credit internship and abroad programs, students can have the opportunity to work in governments and advocacy organizations from England to South Africa.

ILR Government Stories

Meet Sakiel Ruff '25

Sakiel's government interests have taken him from the classrooms of Ithaca to the halls of the Senate in Washington DC to non-profits in upstate NY.
Sakiel Ruff
Meet Sakiel Ruff '25

Patrick Mehler ’23

Cornell Chronicle
ILR Senior helps get out the vote.
Patrick J. Mehler
Patrick Mehler ’23

Meet the Faculty: Stephanie Thomas

ILR's Professor Stephanie Thomas talks about her teaching and offers student advice to undergraduates.
Stephanie Thomas
Meet the Faculty: Stephanie Thomas