The Industrial Relations Research Institute combines specialized aspects of business, economics, sociology, psychology, and law. The institute offers the master of science, master of arts, and Ph.D. degrees. Combined programs in industrial relations and public affairs or in industrial relations and law can also be arranged.
Students also study industrial relations theory and research methods.
The master's program attracts students who want to work for management, labor, or a neutral body in both the public and private sectors. Students who desire a specialization in human resources, employment and training, staffing, compensation, labor relations, affirmative action, or worker safety find industrial relations to be the appropriate field of study. The Ph.D. degree is primarily for students who intend to pursue university teaching and research. The program provides broad social science background and training, along with more applied course work. Wisconsin is especially strong in the area of international and comparative industrial relations, important in the contemporary world.