Labor and Human Resources

Why Study Labor and Human Resources?

Labor and Human Resources professionals are adept at problem solving and mediating. Labor relations specialists develop labor policies, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, manage grievance procedures and ensure contract compliance. Human resource managers focus on recruitment, training, and legal and management advice.

Why Study Labor and Human Resources at Eastern?

The only undergraduate program of its kind in New England, Eastern’s multidisciplinary Labor and Human Resources major teaches students how to evaluate issues related to work and employment relationships. With a focus on creative, analytical and critical thinking, the program offers a unique approach to complex employment issues. Students develop a critical perspective and understanding of the roles of workers, employers, unions, institutions and labor laws. Faculty members come from the Business, Economics and Psychology departments.

Professor answering question from student with raised hand

Salary Potential

$126,230

Median salary, Human Resource Manager

$63-194K

Salary range

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hands-on Learning

Student standing in front of internship building

Internships

Labor and Human Resources majors must complete a comprehensive internship and have a range of government agencies, nonprofits and other organizations to choose from.

Honor Societies

Labor and Human Resources majors are encouraged to join one or more labor and human relations professional societies, e.g. SHRM, where they can network, exchange ideas, learn about developments in the field and attend annual conferences.

Student posing for a photo while overseas

Study Abroad

Study abroad is another option for students seeking to understand human resource management from a global perspective, recognizing the international nature of today’s economy.

Career Options

Attorney
Community Organization
Consultant
Human Resource Manager
Labor Relations Agency Staff
Labor Relations Manager
Mediator or Arbitrator
Nonprofit Manager
Public Agency Staff
Public Policy Advocate
Union Organizer

Successful Alumni

Labor and Human Resources graduates are prepared for further study in human resource management, industrial and labor relations, labor studies, psychology, business, law or other social sciences or professional fields. Others pursue careers in labor relations, human resource management, policy analysis and management.

For more information

muchiris@easternct.edu
(860) 465-0686

Alumni Testimonials

American Ambulance

Julia Underhill ’18

Julia is an intern with American Ambulance in Norwich, CT. As an undergraduate, she was heavily involved in research. “Eastern supports their student researchers in multiples ways, whether through one-on-one mentorship, conference opportunities or assistance with the publication process. Such close partnership with a faculty mentor is rare, so I’m thankful for the supportive atmosphere Eastern provides to those pursuing research.”

Salem State University

Malik Turner ’17

Labor Relations and Human Resource Management major Malik Turner is pursuing a master’s degree of higher education in student affairs at Salem State University. “Eastern helped me get out of my comfort zone by allowing me to get involved in several campus organizations that developed my interpersonal skills. Without Eastern I wouldn’t have developed an interest in student affairs.”

Connecticut Judicial Branch

Elizabeth Goad ’17

Labor Relations and Human Resource Management major Elizabeth Gaod is a paralegal with the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. “Human resources deals a lot with labor laws, so minoring in pre law allowed me to focus more on topics like business law, ethics, and law and society. This expanded my options when applying for jobs.”

Branch Manager

Ryan Stocks ’17

Ryan is a branch manager at Spherion, a national employment and staffing agency. “The lessons I learned in class about organizational behavior and human resources have set me up for success in my field.”