University of Toronto

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto is a comprehensive, research-oriented program designed for individuals passionate about labor relations, workplace law, and strategic human resource management. This program equips students with advanced research and analytical skills, allowing them to contribute meaningful scholarship in the fields of labor markets and social policy.

What you'll study

Programme Structure: The doctoral training integrates coursework, research development, and dissertation work. Students typically engage in graduate-level courses that lay the foundation for their focused dissertation research, which is conducted under the guidance of experienced faculty.

Core academic areas (course examples)

• Applied Statistics in Industrial Relations
• Economics of Labour and Human Resources
• Industrial Relations
• Law of Labour Relations
• Law in the Workplace
• Organizational Behaviour
• Strategic Human Resources Management
• HR Consulting Models, Practices, and Applications
• Current Issues in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Dissertation component

Students are required to complete a dissertation that is based on original research. The dissertation topic is developed collaboratively with a faculty supervisor and is expected to enhance the understanding of industrial relations or human resources within the academic community.

Research and methods development

Doctoral candidates will enhance their research and quantitative skills through targeted coursework and practical research training that aligns with their dissertation proposals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to have a strong academic background, typically reflected in a minimum GPA of B+ or its equivalent. Additionally, candidates must submit GRE General Test results, with the admissions committee considering overall performance rather than a specified minimum score. Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores, meeting the minimum requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Industrial Relations and Human Resources are well-equipped for a variety of career paths. They may pursue academic positions in universities, research roles in think tanks, or leadership positions in government agencies and private organizations focused on labor relations, human resource management, and social policy analysis. The skills developed during the program prepare alumni for impactful contributions in both scholarly and practical arenas.