...about the Department of Employment and Labor Relations
Where is the Employment and Labor Relations Department, and where are the classes held?
The ELR Department is located in the basement of Keith Hall. Most classes are held in Keith Hall, Room 7. Some classes are held in other classrooms in Keith Hall.
What kind of classes do students take?
Classes include Employee Rights Under Law, Fundamentals of the American Labor Movement, Dispute Settlement, Research in Labor Relations, Processes of Collective Bargaining, Human Resource Management in the Public Sector, Contract Administration, and other electives.
Is it a hands-on program or lecture?
There is some lecture in each class—however, participation is encouraged. There are also many hands-on activities for each class.
What is the class size?
Class sizes typically range from twelve to twenty-five students. Most classes have approximately sixteen to eighteen students.
What time are the classes?
Classes are typically in the evening Monday through Thursday. The first class begins at 5:20 p.m. and ends at 7:50 p.m.; the second class begins at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m. We also have a Wednesday afternoon class that is offered at 2:30 p.m.
How many credits will I earn in the ELR Master’s Program?
There are 21 required credits and 15 elective credits for a total of 36 credits. There is a possibility of a waiver if you have completed sufficient coursework. Waivers can only be applied to required courses and are only given in cases in which the student has completed the equivalent of the course. Waivers are only granted with the approval of the department chair.
Must I take the GRE to apply for the program?
No. The GRE is not a requirement for application to the program.
Is it possible to complete the program in one year?
Yes. With the proper planning, the ELR course curriculum is designed to allow full-time students the ability to complete the program in one academic year.
Do I have to write a thesis in order to graduate?
No, students have a choice of completing a three- or six-credit internship or thesis
What do I need to do in order to graduate?
In order to graduate, you need to complete 36 credits. It is possible to have some credits waived, depending on the classes taken as an undergraduate. You also will need to complete a degree candidacy form after completing 12 credits in this program.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available through the Bursar’s Office. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid. The ILR Department also offers graduate assistantships.
When can I register for the program?
Students can register for Fall, Summer, or Spring semesters.
How do I register for my classes?
Once you are officially admitted to the Graduate School, you will get registration instructions and a PIN registration number. The registration process is completed on line through a computer program called URSA. Dropping and adding classes is also done on line.
How many people are in the program?
We are not a large department. We typically have between twenty and thirty students during any given year.
What is the age of the students?
Students range from traditional (direct from bachelor’s degree) to nontraditional (bachelor’s degree received many years ago). Some students have no work experience and others have many years of work experience. This degree invites people who are searching for a new career.
What types of majors can apply?
Our department welcomes all majors.
Can anyone take classes that are offered through the cohort in Monroeville?
No. Only students enrolled in the cohort program are permitted to take classes there.
Where can I get my textbooks?
IUP has a bookstore called the Co-op Bookstore. Textbooks are available there, but you can also purchase them elsewhere.
Is there student parking on campus?
Student parking (with a commuter pass) is available right below Keith Hall in the HUB student parking lot. You can also park at any meter as long as you pay.
