Labor relations, focusing on relationships
between workers and employers, is projected to experience solid growth.
Mid-level managers and human relations professionals who want to
specialize in labor relations, contract negotiation and conflict
resolution can earn a labor relations master's degree online.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Labor Relations
Graduate programs in human resource management with classes in labor
relations are more common, but some programs specifically focus on labor
relations. An online master's degree program in labor relations
examines the factors that define employee-employer relationships in
business, government and other organizations. Students learn the history
of labor and labor movements, labor law, models of labor relations and
workplace governance issues. Applicants to a master's degree program
need to have earned a bachelor's degree and maintained a 3.0 grade point
average.
Students may complete a distance learning master's degree program in
labor relations entirely online, typically in two years. Courses tend to
be offered on a semester system rather than by open enrollment.
Lectures, presentations, readings and other materials can be accessed
through a school's website at the convenience of students, but
assignments have set deadlines. Instructors and students interact via
online message boards, chat sessions and e-mail.
A newer Windows or Mac personal computer, productivity software such
as Microsoft Office and Internet access are the minimum technical
requirements to take part in an online program. School may use software
such as Elluminate Live to handle chat sessions.
List of Common Labor Relations Courses
Core courses in an online master's degree in labor relations cover management,
human resources
and worker organizations such as unions. Electives may allow students
to concentrate on such areas as employment law and collective
bargaining.
Labor and Human Resources Introductory Course
Students in this course learn the basics of human resource management
and labor relations in union and non-union business settings. Course
work also touches on how organizations approach employment planning an
strategy and workplace responsibility.
Labor Law Course
This course surveys broad principles of U.S. labor law and employee
rights. Collective bargaining, union organizing and workplace
discrimination are among the topics considered.
International Labor Relations
This course compares employee and labor relations systems in use
around the world and examines the effect of globalization on workplace
practices. Course work considers the function and role of government
agencies, management and unions.
Economics of Labor Markets Course
Students consider theories on labor markets from the perspective of
neoclassical economics and institutional economics. Topics covered
include labor supply and demand and additional factors influencing
wages, in addition to public policy on discrimination, education and
unemployment.
Graduates of an online master's degree program in labor relations are
qualified for positions as labor relations managers or specialists. The
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (
www.bls.gov), projected
employment of labor relations specialists to increase 21% from
2008-2018. Driving growth will be a desire to resolve disputes and reach
agreements in complex negotiations without litigation. As of May 2009,
the median salary of labor relations specialists was $56,440.
Doctoral programs in labor relations are few, but available to
master's degree holders who want to conduct research or teach at the
college level. Programs are not offered online.
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