Centre for 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

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

Assistant Professors
S. Campero, MS, MBA, PhD
†  A. González Jiménez, 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.

Industrial Relations and Human Resources Programs

Industrial Relations & Human Resources - Specialist Program (Arts Program) - ASSPE1536

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade Average
A minimum grade average is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants.

The following two requirements must be completed:

  1. 0.5 credit with a minimum grade of 67% from ECO101H1/​ IRW230H1*, or a minimum grade of 80% from ECO105Y1
  2. 1.5 credits from SOC/PSY/IRE/IRW, at any level, of which no more than 0.5 credit can be IRE/IRW, with a combined minimum average grade of 75%

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, students with a final grade/grade average lower than the grades listed above will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum grade average does not guarantee admission to the program.

Requests for admission will only be considered in the first program request period. Due to the limited enrolment nature of this program students are strongly advised to apply to backup programs.

* IRW230H1 is designed to meet the economics requirement of CIRHR programs. IRW230H1 cannot be used in lieu of an introductory economics course for programs offered by the Economics department. Please consult other academic units well before course registration to ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate economics course.

Notes:

  • For the first requirement, only a 0.5 credit can be counted toward the completion of the IRHR specialist.
  • Students must meet prerequisites and/or enrolment requirements for ECO, PSY, IRE, IRW courses. Check the Faculty of Arts and Science's timetable for details.
  • Students enrolled in this program cannot be simultaneously enrolled in or complete any other CIRHR programs.

Arts & Science Internship Program
Students in the Industrial Relations & Human Resources - Specialist (Arts Program) - ASSPE1536 program have the option to complete the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream.

Enrolment Requirements: Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2. Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry and there are program-specific year 3 entry enrolment requirements. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the Industrial Relations & Human Resources – Specialist in the Summer after Year 2 and have completed 2.0 credits with the IRE course designator before starting their first work term. For more information visit Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP).

Completion Requirements:

(10.0 credits, including 4.0 credits at the 300+ level, of which 1.0 credit must be a 400-level IRE course)

  • Courses with a CR/NCR status may not be used to satisfy program requirements.

First Year:
0.5 credit from ECO101H1/​ ECO105Y1/​ IRW230H1*
1.5 credits from SOC/PSY/IRE/IRW, at any level, of which no more than 0.5 credit can be IRE/IRW

Higher Years:
1. All of IRE242H1, IRE244H1, IRE260H1, IRE339H1, IRE430H1, IRE431H1 (3.0 credits in total)
2. 0.5 credit from IRE379H1 or IRW220H1
3. 0.5 credit from IRE446H1/​ IRE447H1/​ IRE472H1
4. 2.0 credits from Group A
5. 2.0 credits (excluding those already counted) from Group A and/or B

Group A: IRE342H1/​ IRE346H1/​ IRE347H1/​ IRE348H1/​ IRE367H1/​ IRE378H1

Group B: GGR221H1/​ IRE332Y0/​ IRE345H1/​ IRE349H1/​ IRE395H1/​ IRE396H1/​ IRE432Y0/​ IRE446H1/​ IRE447H1/​ IRE472H1/​ IRE494H1/​ IRW300H1/​ IRW420H1/​ IRW432Y1/​ JGI216H1/​ JGU216H1/​ SOC207H1/​ SOC366H1/​ SOC367H1/​ SOC370H1/​ WRR300H1

* IRW230H1 is designed to meet the economics requirement of CIRHR programs. IRW230H1 cannot be used in lieu of an introductory economics course for programs offered by the Economics department. For all other programs needing an introductory economics course, please consult with the offering department to ensure you enrol in the appropriate economics course.

Notes:

  • Non "IRE" courses: These courses may be available only to students who have completed specified prerequisites or who are enrolled in a program sponsored by the department offering the course. Check the Faculty of Arts and Science's timetable for details.
  • Students enrolled in this program cannot be simultaneously enrolled in or complete any other CIRHR programs.

Industrial Relations & Human Resources - Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1536

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade Average
A minimum grade average is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

  1. 0.5 credit from ECO101H1/​ ECO105Y1/​ IRW230H1*
  2. 1.5 credits from SOC/PSY/IRE/IRW, at any level, of which no more than 0.5 credit can be IRE/IRW

Admission is competitive and in recent years the combined average in the 2.0 credits has been in the 68% to 70% range. Please note that obtaining this minimum grade average does not guarantee admission to the program.

Requests for admission will only be considered in the first program request period. Due to the limited enrolment nature of this program students are strongly advised to apply to backup programs.

* IRW230H1 is designed to meet the economics requirement of CIRHR programs. IRW230H1 cannot be used in lieu of an introductory economics course for programs offered by the Economics department. For all other programs needing an introductory economics course, please consult with the offering department to ensure you enrol in the appropriate economics course.

Notes:

  • For the first requirement, only a 0.5 credit can be counted toward the completion of the IRHR major.
  • Students must meet prerequisites and/or enrolment requirements for ECO, PSY, IRE, IRW courses.
  • Students enrolled in this program cannot be simultaneously enrolled in any other CIRHR program.

Arts & Science Internship Program

Students in the Industrial Relations & Human Resources - Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1536 program have the option to complete the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream.

Enrolment Requirements: Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2. Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection, and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry and there are program-specific year 3 entry enrolment requirements. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the Industrial Relations & Human Resources – Major in the Summer after Year 2 and have completed 2.0 credits with the IRE course designator before starting their first work term. For more information visit Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP).

Completion Requirements:

(7.0 credits, including 2.0 credits at the 300+ level, of which one 0.5 credit must be at the 400-level)

Courses with a CR/NCR status may not be used to satisfy program requirements.

First Year:
1. 0.5 credit from ECO101H1/​ ECO105Y1/​ IRW230H1*
2. 1.5 credits from SOC/PSY/IRE/IRW, at any level, of which no more than 0.5 credit can be IRE/IRW

Higher Years:
3. All of IRE242H1, IRE244H1, IRE260H1, ( IRE379H1/​ IRW220H1), IRE430H1, IRE431H1
4. 0.5 credit in 300-level IRE course from Group A
5. 1.5 credits (excluding those already counted) from Groups A and/or B

Group A: IRE339H1/​ IRE342H1/​ IRE346H1/​ IRE347H1/​ IRE348H1/​ IRE367H1/​ IRE378H1

Group B: GGR221H1/​ IRE332Y0/​ IRE345H1/​ IRE349H1/​ IRE395H1/​ IRE396H1/​ IRE432Y0/​ IRE446H1/​ IRE447H1/​ IRE472H1/​ IRE494H1/​ IRW300H1/​ IRW420H1/​ IRW432Y1/​ JGI216H1/​ JGU216H1/​ SOC207H1/​ SOC366H1/​ SOC367H1/​ SOC370H1/​ WRR300H1

* IRW230H1 is designed to meet the economics requirement of CIRHR programs. IRW230H1 cannot be used in lieu of an introductory economics course for programs offered by the Economics department. For all other programs needing an introductory economics course, please consult with the offering department to ensure you enrol in the appropriate economics course.

Notes:

  1. Students enrolled in this program cannot be simultaneously enrolled in any other CIRHR program.
  2. ECO program students may use ECO339H1 in lieu of IRE339H1. Please contact the Program Office to have the course counted towards the IRHR major program requirements.
  3. Non "IRE" courses: These courses may be available only to students who have completed specified prerequisites or who are enrolled in a program sponsored by the department offering the course. Check the Faculty of Arts and Science's timetable for details.

Work and Organizations Major: Humanities Contexts (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1532

The Work and Organizations program adopts 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. Students will be able to navigate an evolving labour market upon graduation.

The Major in Work and Organizations has three streams: Humanities Contexts, Social Sciences Contexts, and Sciences Contexts. It is generally intended that students will enrol in the stream that corresponds to the sector of their other program(s) – e.g., a student enrolled, or planning to enrol, in a Political Science program would apply to the Social Sciences Contexts stream of the Work and Organizations Major.

Students may only complete one stream in the Work and Organizations Major, and students enrolled in the Work and Organizations Major cannot be simultaneously enrolled in the Industrial Relations and Human Resources Major or Specialist.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade
A minimum grade is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. One of the following courses (0.5 credit) must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, students with a final grade in the completed course lower than 67% will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum grade does not guarantee admission to the program. If more than one course (0.5 credit) has been completed from this list, the minimum grade will be based on the higher course grade. Please note that some of the courses listed are 1.0 credit courses; if one of these courses is completed for enrolment in the program, only 0.5 credit will count toward the completion requirements of the Work and Organizations Major.

If students have not taken a course from this list, they can request approval from the unit to consider other relevant courses for admission.

Note:

  • Due to the limited enrolment nature of this program students are strongly advised to apply to backup programs.
Completion Requirements:

(8.0 credits)

Courses with a CR/NCR status may not be used to satisfy program requirements.

First Year:

  1. 0.5 credit from the following set of 100-level courses: ENG100H1/​ GER100Y1/​ GER101H1/​ GER150H1/​ HIS109Y1/​ HPS100H1/​ HPS110H1/​ HPS120H1/​ PHL100Y1/​ PHL101Y1/​ RLG100Y1/​ RLG102H1/​ RLG103H1

Note: Some of the above course options are 1.0 credit courses, but only 0.5 credit can be counted toward the completion of this major.

Higher Years:

  1. IRW240H1, IRE260H1, PHL295H1, IRW300H1, IRE379H1, IRW410H1, IRW420H1
  2. 0.5 credit from: IRW220H1/​ ECO220Y1/​ EEB225H1/​ GGR270H1/​ POL222H1/​ PSY201H1/​ SOC202H1/​ STA220H1/​ STA238H1/​ STA248H1/​ STA288H1
  3. 0.5 credit from: IRW230H1/​ ECO101H1/​ ECO102H1/​ ECO105Y1
  4. 0.5 credit from: IRE342H1/​ MGT201H1
  5. 1.0 credit from: IRW432Y1/​ IRW446Y1/​ IRW452Y1
  6. 1.5 credits of electives chosen from the following courses below, of which at least 1.0 credit must be at the 300- or 400-level:

    PHL394H1/​ PHL395H1/​ PHL446H1/​ HIS302H1/​ HIS310H1/​ HIS347H1/​ HIS373H1/​ HIS396H1/​ ENG213H1/​ ENG215H1/​ ENG254H1/​ ENG270H1/​ ENG287H1/​ ENG355Y1/​ ENG357H1/​ ENG370Y1/​ ENG371H1/​ ENG372H1/​ DTS417H1/​ DTS414H1/​ RLG230H1/​ RLG236H1/​ JAR301H1/​ RLG307H1/​ RLG308H1/​ RLG309H1/​ RLG318H1/​ RLG337H1/​ RLG353H1/​ RLG385H1/​ RLG387H1/​ RLG426H1/​ RLG428H1/​ GER270H1/​ GER272H1/​ GER290H1/​ GER310H1/​ GER370H1/​ GER372H1/​ HPS200H1/​ HPS202H1/​ HPS245H1/​ HPS316H1/​ HPS321H1/​ HPS351H1/​ JHE353H1/​ HPS430H1/​ HPS431H1

Note: Non-"IRE" and non-"IRW" courses are offered by other departments. These courses may be available only to students who have completed specified prerequisites or who are enrolled in a program sponsored by the department offering the course. Check the Faculty of Arts & Science's timetable for details to ensure you are able to complete the required electives in the Work & Organizations program.

Work and Organizations Major: Sciences Contexts (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1534

The Work and Organizations program adopts 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. Students will be able to navigate an evolving labour market upon graduation.

The Major in Work and Organizations has three streams: Humanities Contexts, Social Sciences Contexts, and Sciences Contexts. It is generally intended that students will enrol in the stream that corresponds to the sector of their other program(s) – e.g., a student enrolled, or planning to enrol, in a Political Science program would apply to the Social Sciences Contexts stream of the Work and Organizations Major.

Students may only complete one stream in the Work and Organizations Major, and students enrolled in the Work and Organizations Major cannot be simultaneously enrolled in the Industrial Relations and Human Resources Major or Specialist.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade
A minimum grade is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. One of the following courses (0.5 credit) must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, students with a final grade in the completed course lower than 67% will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum grade does not guarantee admission to the program. If more than one course (0.5 credit) has been completed from this list, the minimum grade will be based on the higher course grade. Please note that some of the courses listed are 1.0 credit courses; if one of these courses is completed for enrolment in the program, only 0.5 credit will count toward the completion requirements of the Work and Organizations Major.

If students have not taken a course from this list, they can request approval from the unit to consider other relevant courses for admission.

Completion Requirements:

(8.0 credits)
Courses with a CR/NCR status may not be used to satisfy program requirements.

First Year:

  1. 0.5 credit from the following set of 100-level courses: BIO120H1/​ BIO130H1/​ CHM135H1/​ CHM136H1/​ CSC108H1/​ CSC148H1/​ CSC110Y1/​ MAT157Y1/​ PHY151H1/​ PHY152H1/​ PSY100H1/​ STA130H1

Note: Some of the above course options are 1.0 credit courses, but only 0.5 credit can be counted toward the completion of this major.

Higher Years:

  1. IRW240H1, IRE260H1, PHL295H1, IRW300H1, IRE379H1, IRW410H1, IRW420H1
  2. 0.5 credit from: IRW220H1/​ ECO220Y1/​ EEB225H1/​ GGR270H1/​ POL222H1/​ PSY201H1/​ SOC202H1/​ STA220H1/​ STA238H1/​ STA248H1/​ STA288H1
  3. 0.5 credit from: IRW230H1/​ ECO101H1/​ ECO102H1/​ ECO105Y1
  4. 0.5 credit from: IRE342H1/​ MGT201H1
  5. 1.0 credit from: IRW432Y1/​ IRW446Y1/​ IRW452Y1
  6. 1.5 credits of electives chosen from the following courses below, of which at least 1.0 credit must be at the 300- or 400-level:

    EEB208H1/​ EEB214H1/​ EEB215H1/​ EEB255H1/​ EEB321H1/​ EEB375H1/​ EEB428H1/​ HMB303H1/​ HMB306H1/​ PSY220H1/​ PSY270H1/​ PSY320H1/​ PSY321H1/​ PSY322H1/​ PSY326H1/​ PSY328H1/​ PSY426H1/​ JAR301H1/​ RLG318H1/​ HPS200H1/​ HPS202H1/​ HPS245H1/​ HPS316H1/​ HPS321H1/​ HPS351H1/​ JHE353H1

Note: Non-"IRE" and non-"IRW" courses are offered by other departments. These courses may be available only to students who have completed specified prerequisites or who are enrolled in a program sponsored by the department offering the course. Check the Faculty of Arts & Science's timetable for details to ensure you are able to complete the required electives in the Work & Organizations program.

Work and Organizations Major: Social Sciences Contexts (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1533

The Work and Organizations program adopts 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. Students will be able to navigate an evolving labour market upon graduation.

The Major in Work and Organizations has three streams: Humanities Contexts, Social Sciences Contexts, and Sciences Contexts. It is generally intended that students will enrol in the stream that corresponds to the sector of their other program(s) – e.g., a student enrolled, or planning to enrol, in a Political Science program would apply to the Social Sciences Contexts stream of the Work and Organizations Major.

Students may only complete one stream in the Work and Organizations Major, and students enrolled in the Work and Organizations Major cannot be simultaneously enrolled in the Industrial Relations and Human Resources Major or Specialist.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade
A minimum grade is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. One of the following courses (0.5 credit) must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, students with a final grade in the completed course lower than 67% will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum grade does not guarantee admission to the program. If more than one course (0.5 credit) has been completed from this list, the minimum grade will be based on the higher course grade. Please note that some of the courses listed are 1.0 credit courses; if one of these courses is completed for enrolment in the program, only 0.5 credit will count toward the completion requirements of the Work and Organizations Major.

If students have not taken a course from this list, they can request approval from the unit to consider other relevant courses for admission.

Note:

  • Due to the limited enrolment nature of this program students are strongly advised to apply to backup programs.
Completion Requirements:

(8.0 credits)

Courses with a CR/NCR status may not be used to satisfy program requirements.

First Year:

  1. 0.5 credit from the following set of 100-level courses: ECO101H1/​ ECO102H1/​ ECO105Y1/​ GGR112H1/​ GGR124H1/​ POL101H1/​ POL106H1/​ POL107H1/​ POL109H1/​ PSY100H1/​ SOC100H1/​ SOC150H1

Note: Some of the above course options are 1.0 credit courses, but only 0.5 credit can be counted toward the completion of this major.

Higher Years:

  1. IRW240H1, IRE260H1, PHL295H1, IRW300H1, IRE379H1, IRW410H1, IRW420H1
  2. 0.5 credit from: IRW220H1/​ ECO220Y1/​ EEB225H1/​ GGR270H1/​ POL222H1/​ PSY201H1/​ SOC202H1/​ STA220H1/​ STA238H1/​ STA248H1/​ STA288H1
  3. 0.5 credit from: IRW230H1/​ ECO101H1/​ ECO102H1/​ ECO105Y1
  4. 0.5 credit from: IRE342H1/​ MGT201H1
  5. 1.0 credit from: IRW432Y1/​ IRW446Y1/​ IRW452Y1
  6. 1.5 credits of electives chosen from the following courses below, of which at least 1.0 credit must be at the 300- or 400-level and no more than 0.5 credit can be from IRE courses:

    GGR221H1/​ GGR223H1/​ GGR251H1/​ GGR252H1/​ GGR324H1/​ GGR326H1/​ GGR328H1/​ GGR354H1/​ GGR428H1/​ GGR429H1/​ GGR430H1/​ PSY220H1/​ PSY320H1/​ PSY321H1/​ PSY322H1/​ PSY326H1/​ PSY328H1/​ PSY426H1/​ POL201H1/​ POL214H1/​ POL356H1/​ POL435H1/​ SOC207H1/​ SOC306H1/​ SOC319H1/​ SOC338H1/​ SOC408H1/​ IRE242H1/​ IRE244H1/​ IRE346H1/​ IRE430H1/​ IRE472H1/​ RLG230H1/​ RLG236H1/​ RLG307H1/​ RLG308H1/​ RLG309H1/​ RLG353H1/​ RLG385H1/​ RLG426H1/​ RLG428H1/​ HPS200H1/​ HPS202H1/​ HPS245H1/​ HPS351H1/​ JHE353H1

Note: Non-"IRE" and non-"IRW" courses are offered by other departments. These courses may be available only to students who have completed specified prerequisites or who are enrolled in a program sponsored by the department offering the course. Check the Faculty of Arts & Science's timetable for details to ensure you are able to complete the required electives in the Work & Organizations program.


Not all courses are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current course offerings and enrolment restrictions/conditions. Students without course prerequisites may be removed at any time they are discovered. Course descriptions, prerequisites, corequisites and exclusions are listed below.

Industrial Relations and Human Resources Courses

IRE199H1 - Why We Work: Understanding Work Through the Prism of Art & Culture

Hours: 24S

Why do we work? What does work mean to the average person? These questions are not as straightforward as they appear. We work for the bulk of our lives and most of our days are spent with coworkers who are neither family nor our closest friends, but we often fail to realize how self-defining work really is. This speaks to work’s centrality but also to its invisibility in reflective discourse. However, through “popular” representations of work (e.g., such as in story-telling, cave drawings, hieroglyphs, music, writing, painting, television, film, video games, etc.,) we can begin to better understand the meaning of work and how this has changed over time. Readings in anthropology, history, economics, sociology and employment relations plus film and art criticism will help us explore these questions from an interdisciplinary perspective; assignments will encourage students to reflect on their own experience of work. Developing strong analytical and communication skills is an important goal of the course. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW220H1 - Statistics for Work and Organizations

Hours: 24L

This course covers the fundamentals of statistical data analysis including the principles of data visualization, descriptive statistics, sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis using free statistical software (R/R Studio). The emphasis is on fostering a conceptual understanding of different statistical techniques and analysis applicable to the workplace and within organizations.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
Exclusion: ECO220Y1/ EEB225H1/ GGR270H1/ POL222H1/ PSY201H1/ SOC202H1/ STA220H1/ STA238H1/ STA248H1/ STA288H1/ MGEB12H3/ PSYB07H3/ STAB22H3/ STAB23H3/ ECO227Y5/ PSY201H5/ STA215H5/ STA218H5/ STA220H5
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW230H1 - Economics of Work and Organizations

Hours: 24L

The foundations of economic thinking as well as an introduction to economic theories that explain why organizations exist, the central economic theories of work and worker behaviour; the incentives that make workers and firms behave optimally and an introduction to the new behavioural economic theories of work and organizations are all part of this course. Note: Course will not count towards Economics program requirements.

Exclusion: ECO101H1/ ECO102H1/ ECO105Y1/ ECO101H5/ ECO102H5/ MGEA01H3/ MGEA02H3/ MGEA05H3/ MGEA06H3
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW240H1 - Introduction to Work and Organizations

Hours: 24L

The study of work and the history and development of organizations, their central theories and concepts; the behaviours, outcomes, practices and institutions that emerge from or affect work and organizations; contemporary issues in work and organizations.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
Exclusion: IRE240H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE242H1 - HRM for Industrial Relations and HR Professionals

Hours: 12L/24P

This course explores the relationship between human resource management, employment relations, and industrial relations. Extensive practical course work will expose students to the functions human resource professionals execute to recruit, select, compensate, train, and evaluate the performance of employees. The course prepares students for advanced HR topics in upper level IRE courses.

Note: Course will not count towards Rotman Commerce program requirements.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Exclusion: RSM361H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE244H1 - Labour Relations

Hours: 36L

Introduction to the institutions, issues and legislation affecting the employment relationship in the public and private sectors in Canada, with emphasis on collective bargaining. The economic and political environment, history of the labour movement, union organization, certification, contract negotiation, strikes, dispute resolution, contract administration and grievances.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE260H1 - Organizational Behaviour

Hours: 24L

Introduction to the nature of organizations and the behaviour of individuals and groups within organizations, including topics such as culture and diversity, reward systems, motivation, leadership, politics, communication, decision-making, conflict and group processes. Not recommended for students in Commerce programs.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Exclusion: RSM260H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities…. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

IRW300H1 - Effective Communication and Strategic Writing in Organizations

Hours: 24L

This course is focused on understanding and crafting strategic, effective, and ethical written and verbal communications in organizations. We will learn scholarly approaches from the social sciences and humanities regarding organizational communications and miscommunications, including those directed internally and externally from complex organizations.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Exclusion: WRR300H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE332Y0 - Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (Summer Abroad Program)

Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources offered in an international setting. The content may vary from year to year.
For more information check the Summer Abroad website.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE339H1 - Labour Markets and Public Policy

Hours: 36L

This course is designed to provide students in the IRHR program with knowledge of how the labour market affects the employment relationship. The basic tools of labour economics are developed and applied to various issues of organizational and government policy such as: the incentive effects of compensation arrangements, government income support programs, and minimum wage policy; the determinants of preferences for hours of work including job-sharing, overtime and retirement; the impacts of unions on compensation and productivity; public-sector employment and alternatives to the right to strike; discrimination in employment on the basis of gender and race as well as related government policies such as pay and employment equity.
Note: IRE339H1 will not count towards an ECO program.

Prerequisite: ECO101H1/ ECO105Y1/ IRW230H1
Exclusion: ECO339H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE342H1 - Essentials of Finance and Accounting

Hours: 24L/12T

This course introduces students to accounting and finance procedures and concepts used by organizational leaders and professionals. The course covers both managerial and financial accounting topics with applications to organizational decision-making. Note: Course will not count towards Rotman Commerce program requirements.

Prerequisite: ( IRE242H1, IRE379H1/ IRW220H1)/( IRW220H1, IRW230H1)
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE344H1 - Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Hours: 36L

Topics vary from year to year, but the objective of the course is to discuss current IRHR issues and their economic, legal, political and social implications.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1. Additional prerequisites depending on topic.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE345H1 - Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Hours: 36L

Topics vary from year to year, but the objective of the course is to discuss current IRHR issues and their economic, legal, political and social implications.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1. Additional prerequisites depending on topic.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE346H1 - HR Planning & Strategy

Hours: 36L

An understanding is developed of how essential elements of the human resource planning process support organizational goals and strategies. Topics such as environmental influences, job analysis, forecasting human resource needs and ascertaining supply, succession planning, downsizing and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing, and strategic international issues are examined.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit from: IRE240H1, IRE244H1, IRE260H1, IRW220H1, IRW230H1, IRW240H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE347H1 - Training & Development

Hours: 24L

The role of training and development initiatives in organizations. Students acquire the knowledge and skills to conduct a training needs assessment, identify training objectives, explore strategies to increase the transfer of training, design and deliver a training activity using various training methodologies, and evaluate its effectiveness.

Prerequisite: IRE242H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE348H1 - Recruitment & Selection

Hours: 24L

The principles, legal issues, and emerging trends affecting the recruitment process and selection of staff in organizations. Development of recruitment strategies, assessment of applications for employment, interviewing candidates, and the role of testing and measurement of competencies in making hiring decisions.

Prerequisite: IRE242H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE367H1 - Compensation

Hours: 24L

The theory and process of developing and administering compensation systems. Through the core compensation principles of efficiency, equity, consistency and competitiveness we consider such topics as: job analysis, job evaluation, pay levels and structures, pay for performance, benefits, and compensating special groups of workers.

Prerequisite: IRE242H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE378H1 - Employment Health

Hours: 36L

The influence of legislation, the labour market and collective bargaining on health policies and programs in the workplace. The rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, unions and governments for the regulation and promotion of workplace health and safety; and the implications of evolving demographic, economic, and social factors.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1/ IRE260H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE379H1 - Research and Data Analytics

Hours: 24L/12T

Data science is changing the way organizations make decisions and the way work is done. This course introduces basic data analytics concepts for understanding the measurement of performance, analysis of organizational policies, and effective communication and visualization of data. Students will develop basic data skills in the R statistical computing environment.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit from: IRE240H1, IRE244H1, IRE260H1, IRW220H1, IRW230H1, IRW240H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE395H1 - Independent Study

Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Open only when a faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Application form is due one week before the start of term. Consult the program website for additional information. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1 and at least 68% in 0.5 credit in IRE at the 300+ level. Approval of the Program Coordinator.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE396H1 - Research Participation

Credit course for supervised participation in a faculty research project. Offered only when a faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Consult the program website for additional information. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1 and an average of at least 70% in 1.0 credit in IRE at the 300+ level. Approval of the Program Coordinator.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE399Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities…. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

IRW410H1 - Organizational Governance and Design

Hours: 24L

Governance and design refers to “who gets to decide what and how” in organizations. This course examines the development of different types of organizations and governance arrangements, and different design archetypes within organizations. Focus is placed on how different governance and design arrangements support different strategic objectives and goals and ways of coordinating work effort.

Prerequisite: IRW240H1 and IRE260H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW420H1 - Management Skills for Project and Strategy Implementation

Hours: 36L

The course focuses on understanding the challenges, constraints, and opportunities associated with formulating and implementing organizational strategy, with a focus on developing practical tools and skills required to effectively “get things done” in organizations. Course begins by giving students a framework to analyze organizations from strategic, political and cultural lenses. Subsequently, the course addresses three main issues central to “getting things done” in organizations: 1. how to gain influence in organizations (topics: decision-making, power, and networks), 2. how to manage others (topics: performance management, motivation, negotiations), and 3. how to drive organization change (topics: organizational culture, organizational change).

Prerequisite: IRW240H1 and IRE260H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE430H1 - Canadian Employment Law & the Non-Union Workplace

Hours: 24L

The course will focus on the law governing employment in a non-unionized workplace. Specifically, it will cover every phase of the employment relationship from hiring to termination and beyond and the rights and obligations of employers and employees as developed by the Courts and under employment-related statutes (namely the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Human Rights Code.) The course will also cover provisions from the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Prerequisite: 0.5 IRE/IRW credit at the 300-level 
Corequisite: Students who do not meet the prerequisites may take IRE430H1 concurrently with 0.5 IRE/IRW credit at the 300-level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE431H1 - Canadian Labour Law & the Unionized Workplace

Hours: 24L

The course will focus on the laws impacting unionized workplaces. It will cover every phase of the Ontario Labour Relations Act, 1995 (the “LRA”) from union organizing, certification, negotiation and bargaining, collective agreement arbitration, retention of bargaining rights and decertification and termination of bargaining rights.

Prerequisite: IRE430H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW432Y1 - Entrepreneurship

Hours: 24L/24P

Students will learn about the theory and practice of entrepreneurship as well as determinants of entrepreneurial success by developing a business or organizational plan to bring their “proposed” product and service ideas to market, to achieve a local community or social development objective, to learn how to secure funding for a new venture creation through individual and/or collective entrepreneurship.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits including 1.0 credit from IRE260H1, IRW240H1, PHL295H1 and 1.0 credit from IRE342H1, IRE379H1, IRW300H1
Exclusion: RSM493H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE432Y0 - Advanced Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (Abroad)

Advanced topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources offered in an international setting. The content may vary from year to year. Offered by the Professional & International Programs Office.

Prerequisite: 13.0 credits including IRE244H1, IRE260H1 and 1.0 credit in IRE at the 300+ level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE444H1 - Seminar in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Hours: 24S

An advanced seminar examining contemporary issues in the IRHR field. Topics vary from year to year, but the objective of the course is to discuss current issues and their economic, legal and social implications.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1 and 1.0 credit in IRE at the 300+ level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW446Y1 - Working as an Organizational Consultant

Hours: 24L/24P

In this capstone course, students will learn about the growth and development of consulting and its intellectual foundations. After this background, consulting models and approaches will be explored and applied to real world problems. Students will work in groups on an actual organizational challenge. This challenge will either be internal to an organization or will involve external market research.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits including 1.0 credit from IRE260H1, IRW240H1, PHL295H1 and 1.0 credit from IRE342H1, IRE379H1, IRW300H1
Exclusion: IRE446H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE446H1 - Working as an Internal Organizational Consultant

Hours: 24S

This course examines the various elements of the consulting process and the interpersonal skills required to build trust, influence others, contract with clients, and establish and maintain strong working relationships. This seminar may include a compulsory learning format component using a service-learning placement with a community-based agency or organization. Consult the current timetable for details.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit in IRE at the 300+ level
Exclusion: IRW446Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE447H1 - Contemporary Challenges Facing Today's Organizations

Hours: 24S

An advanced seminar exploring significant developments in organizations, and the challenges and opportunities facing professionals in the employment relations field. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills and examining theories and concepts of employment relations.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit in IRE at the 300+ level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRW452Y1 - Capstone Research Project

Hours: 24L/24P

In this capstone course, students will have the opportunity to design and implement an original research project on work and organizations. Students will receive in-class training and guidance on: 1) developing and refining a research question, 2) identifying and implementing appropriate research methods, 3) locating or collecting relevant data, 4) identifying the significance of their work to various audiences, and 5) effectively writing a research paper. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits including 1.0 credit from IRE260H1, IRW240H1, PHL295H1 and 1.0 credit from IRE342H1, IRE379H1, IRW300H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE472H1 - Negotiations

Hours: 24S

Resolving conflicts constructively is a challenge faced by all organizations and most individuals. This course will cover fundamentals of the negotiation process and conflict resolution. This course will apply multiple cases and simulations providing students with several opportunities to build their skills.

Prerequisite: 0.5 IRE/IRW credit at the 300+ level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

IRE494H1 - Advanced Topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Hours: 24S

Advanced topics vary from year to year, but the objective of the course is to explore theories, concepts and emerging issues in IRHR and their impact on internal and external environments.

Prerequisite: IRE244H1, IRE260H1 and 1.0 credit in IRE at the 300+ level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

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