Queen's University

Industrial Relations

The Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) degree program is aimed at developing the knowledge and competencies that human resources and labour relations professionals need. The MIR provides students with:

  • A thorough grounding in labour relations and human resources practice;
  • An understanding of evolving employment relationships and organizational dynamics;
  • An understanding of the laws governing the individual employment and collective bargaining relationship;
  • The capacity to collect and analyze data on current workplace issues and interpret research in the field;
  • The skill set of the new HR/LR professional – consulting, facilitation, leadership, coaching, team building and communication.

"The Master’s program in Industrial Relations was certainly an excellent experience. It helped me focus and develop my priorities. One of the most exciting pieces for me over the years has been the alumni network. The network of resources and contacts that has been available  since graduation has been very valuable. I’ve been able to gather and share ideas on a number of occasions and I’ve worked even with several of my classmates.” Lori Stewart, M.I.R., 1995

"The MIR/JD program has provided me with the opportunity to supplement my legal studies with further understanding of human resources management, collective agreement administration and labour relations. The added bonus of interacting with high quality professional students allows me to broaden my knowledge and maintain personal relationships for future years" Ryan Plener, M.I.R./ J.D. candidate

Location: 
Robert Sutherland Hall
Room number: 
217
Telephone: 
613-533-6000 x77322
Email: 
MIR.Program@queensu.ca
URL: 
http://mir.queensu.ca
Program Director: 
Dr. Richard Chaykowski
Program Coordinator: 
Jennifer Dee

Degree Options

M.I.R.: 10-12 months, full time

M.I.R./J.D.: 3-3.5 years + an additional year for articling

Professional M.I.R.: Part-time option on weekends, September – April and one week in May and June, for professionals with a minimum of 3 years of HR/Labour Relations experience.

Field of Study

Richard Chaykowski: Labour policy, labour relations and collective bargaining, organizational and workplace practices

Glenda Fisk: Employee entitlement, emotion regulation and stress in service occupations, workplace fairness issues

Robert Hickey: Labour unions, collective bargaining and labour relations, negotiations, conflict management

Deborah Leighton: Arbitration and mediation

Jacoba Lilius: Organizational implications of high-quality workplace relationships, occupational stress and emotional labour, compassion in the workplace, health-care management

Vincent Pohl: Labour and Health Economics

Funding & Deadlines

Student are invited to apply for internal (see below) and external awards  for which they are eligible including Ontario Graduate Scholarship and SSHRC scholarships. Entering graduate students who win federal government tri-council awards are automatically provided a $5,000 top-up award by Queen’s.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadline: March 1 to qualify for awards.

Notification of Acceptance: As early as April.