Master in Labor and Industrial Relations (Master's)

At Cornell University, tuition fees are 29,500 USD per year.

This is a two-year Master of Science program with a concentration in labor research and policy. It prepares students for careers in U.S. and global labor, policy, and nongovernmental organizations by developing research skills to analyze challenges in the world of work. Students work closely with faculty and must complete a thesis.

Focus areas include Labor, research, and policy.

The curriculum includes ILR courses, career path courses, regional and language expertise, internship, and research, with requirements determined by the student's Special Committee. A thesis is required, and students must enroll in research courses each semester.

Graduates are prepared for careers in U.S. and global labor, policy, and nongovernmental organizations.

Applicants must meet Graduate School requirements including English proficiency, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an academic statement of purpose, and a personal statement. ILR specific requirements include a resume or CV, an academic writing sample, and a video essay. The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1.

On-campus, full-time, with a typical duration of two years (four semesters). For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.