First-Year ILR Applicants
At Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), we explore the pressing workplace issues that affect every individual, family, community, and country. ILR courses cover topics critical to all for-profits and non-profits, from leadership, group dynamics, and the impact of technology on work to negotiations, globalization, and workers’ rights. Our flexible, interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers in law, business, government, international affairs, academia, labor, and non-profit work. The relationships between employees, employers, and our economy are more complex than ever, and ILR prepares graduates to succeed in our ever-changing world.
All ILR students have the same major: Industrial and Labor Relations. The major focuses on the study of people and policies in the workplace through a curriculum that balances structure and flexibility. All students take required courses that introduce them to organizational psychology, economics, labor history, statistics, management, and law. Each student then tailors their curriculum to individual interests by selecting electives from ILR's departments and Cornell's other colleges and schools.
ILR seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum. Applicants must have at least 16 total units of high school coursework, including:
Successful applicants to ILR have a strong record in courses related to the field, including social studies, history, English, government, economics, and psychology.
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
There is no activity or club that matters more than others, as every experience requires you to work with people. What matters most is how your experiences have helped you understand the importance of ILR topics. Applicants should review course offerings in all of ILR’s departments to fully understand the range of issues studied in our program. We encourage you to review the curriculum and guidance to prepare a strong application.
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.