About the Concentration
The Labor Relations Concentration equips students in the B.S. in Human Resource Development (HRD) with focused preparation in employee relations, workplace negotiation, and the broader social, economic, and legal systems that shape employment. This interdisciplinary concentration explores how labor-management relationships are structured, how workplace conflicts are resolved, and how labor markets and public policy influence organizational decision-making.
Students examine collective bargaining, conflict management, labor economics, workplace equity, and the historical evolution of work in the United States. Emphasis is placed on developing strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills necessary to support fair and effective employment practices in both unionized and non-union environments.
By integrating organizational leadership perspectives with sociological, economic, and communication frameworks, the concentration strengthens students’ understanding of how institutions, laws, and stakeholder interests interact within modern workplaces. Graduates are better prepared to navigate complex employee relations situations, contribute to workplace stability and trust, and support organizations operating within regulated or labor-influenced contexts.
Disclaimer
The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Consultation with an advisor may result in an altered plan customized for an individual student. The myPurduePlan powered by DegreeWorks is the knowledge source for specific requirements and completion.
Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
