Industrial Relations and Human Resources


Faculty List (Undergraduate)

Professor Emeritus
F. Reid, MSc, PhD

Associate Professor Emerita
L. Riznek, MA, PhD

Professor and Director
R. Gomez, MA, MIR, PhD

Associate Professors
G. Distelhorst, BA, PhD
D. Pohler, BComm, PhD (on research leave)

Assistant Professor and Associate Director (Undergraduate)
A. Eads, BA, PhD

Assistant Professors
S. Campero, MS, MBA, PhD
T. Kim, MA, PhD
J. Myers, BSc, MSc, PhD
† P. Scanlan, BA, PhD

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
H. Wang, BSc, MSc, PhD

† Cross-appointed

Introduction

Since 1965, the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources (CIRHR) has brought together professors from many different disciplines to teach and conduct research on all aspects of work, the workplace, labour markets, and labour relations. The CIRHR’s graduate programs rank among the best in North America and its faculty reflects the depth, breadth, and diversity of our university. 

The overarching goal of the undergraduate program in Industrial Relations and Human Resources  (IRHR) is to offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity in which to study the ‘world of work and employment' in a Canadian and global context from the perspectives of economics, history, law, human resource management, political science, psychology, and sociology. The program provides students with a theoretical background and knowledge of current developments in the field that will serve as a basis for careers areas such as a Human Resources Generalist, Recruitment Specialist, HR Consultant, Employment Equity Officer, Training and Development Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Labour, Union Representative and Labour Relations Specialist. The undergraduate program in IRHR is also a perfect platform from which to enter post-graduate programs in Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Law with a specialization in labour and employment, as well as policy and labour studies programs.

The Work and Organization majors (IRW) adopt an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the changing nature of work as well as the operation of different types of organizations. Work and Organizations will provide the skills necessary to undertake the development and implementation of solutions to contemporary societal challenges through coordination of economic and social action in organizations and communities. IRW will meet the increasing demand among A&S students for access to courses on work and organizations that provide foundational knowledge in these areas while complementing and enriching their other chosen programs. Students will be able to navigate an evolving labour market upon graduation.

Students are encouraged to use the resources available in both the CIRHR Library and Career Centre in order to investigate current labour market trends and career options in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. In Ontario, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) regulates the HR profession and issues the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, the national standard for excellence in human resources management. IRHR students are also encouraged to explore the services offered by HRPA. The IRHR Program Office is located in Woodsworth College and students continue to benefit from the rich academic support services and facilities available at the College.

Program Office
119 St. George Street - Room 236 | Toronto ON M5S 1A9
416.978.5783
IRHR@utoronto.ca
https://www.cirhr.utoronto.ca/

Regarding Program Enrolment

Admission to major and specialist programs will be determined by grades achieved in specific courses. These are limited enrolment programs that can only accommodate a limited number of students. Achieving the grade requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission to the program in any given year. Requests for admission will be considered in the first program request period only. For detailed program application instructions, please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit. Do not change your program after Year 3 if you are required to complete your degree in four years as prerequisites and program requirements will not be waived. Due to the limited enrolment nature of this program students are strongly advised to enrol in backup programs.

Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP)

The new Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is available to students who are entering Year 2 or Year 3 of study and are enrolled in the Industrial Relations & Human Resources Specialist or Major.

  • Enrolment is limited and requires a supplemental application. Students enrolled in the ASIP stream will be required to complete mandatory Professional Development programming plus a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 months (Year-2 entry) or a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 months (Year-3 entry) of paid, full-time work experience. The time to degree completion for students enrolled in ASIP will normally be 5 years. There is an additional cost to participate in the ASIP stream.
  • Students will typically be admitted to the ASIP stream for the Fall term of Year 2 of study, however, in exceptional circumstances students, including transfer students, who enrolled in an eligible program in the Summer after Year 2 can be admitted to the ASIP stream for the Fall of Year 3. Acceptance into an ASIP stream in Year 3 is dependent on space and requires approval of the student’s academic unit and the Faculty of Arts & Science Experiential Learning & Outreach Support (ELOS) Office. Please refer to the ASIP eligibility page for further details.

Further details about ASIP, including eligibility requirements and application procedures, can be found here. Students may also visit the ASIP webpage or contact the ELOS office at asip@utoronto.ca.