Employment Relations
A pivotal element between employers and employees is effective employment relations (ER). Employment relations helps to boost productivity, motivation, and morale by aligning labor and employee relations and performance management processes with organizational goals and objectives.
Tarleton State University’s Master of Science in Management (M.S.M) offers a specialized concentration in Employment Relations through study of the actual working relationship between employer and employee in both Union (labor) and non-Union settings. The program provides students the ability to develop necessary knowledge and skills to assess employee performance, resolve conflict, and create a positive employee experience for greater, positive business results.
This degree is an excellent addition to managers and HR specialists looking to enhance their skills to be successful in positions as negotiators, arbitrators, mediators, HR or Industrial Relations Managers or Directors.
While you are here, check out the Employment Relations flier on the Management Department Webpage.
Get started next semester!
Now is the time to find out more information on admission to this flexible program.
A Skills-based Curriculum
This concentration will focus on, in essence, the employer – employee contract. The ER curriculum covers bargaining units and negotiations, and addresses handling employee complaints and appeals, resolving employee conflicts, explores strategies, interventions and practices for alternative dispute resolution including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, facilitation, shuttle facilitation, and restorative conferences. The student will also examine grievances, due process, internal investigations and appeals.
All courses are taken entirely online, providing flexible access to help students balance academic, work, and personal responsibilities. Many classes are available in either 8-week or 16-week formats, allowing the program to be completed in as little as 12 months.
Master’s in Management Core Courses
The M.S.M. degree is designed for specialists looking to advance their business management careers through a graduate program. The 18 hours of core coursework cover essential management effectiveness and efficiency topics. Core courses tailored to the Employment Relations concentration include:
- Strategic Business Planning & Policy
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Behavior
- Project Management
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
Employment Relations Coursework
Beyond the core coursework, the ER concentration includes an additional 12 credit hours of advanced discipline topics:
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| HRMT | 5324 | Employee and Labor Relations |
| HRMT | 5340 | Effective Employee Relations |
| HRMT | 5343 | Conflict Resolution Practices |
| HRMT | 5345 | Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace |
The Employment Relations concentration is offered as a Certificate program which signifies your more specialized knowledge of the field and is evidence of your education in Employment Relations.
Program Outcomes
An M.S.M. graduate with an ER concentration will be able to demonstrate technical competencies required in the field by mastering the body of knowledge in the program areas of Employment and Labor Law, Employment Relations, Labor Relations, Ethics, and Conflict Resolution. Graduates will also be able to demonstrate problem-solving and ethical decision-making by developing recommendations and corrective actions using evidence-based results.
Career Paths
The ER concentration provides advanced knowledge and skillsets applicable in various industries. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to step into prominent roles such as:
- Contract Negotiator
- Contract Manager/Administrator
- Arbitrator
- Mediator
- Director of Industrial Relations
- Civil Rights Investigator
- Human Resource Director
- Human Resource Manager/Administrator
M.S. in Management Degree Accreditation
Tarleton State’s Master of Science in Management degree program is accredited by:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC),
- the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP),
- and we are a Member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
These accreditations reflect our commitment to providing a degree program that builds modern, in-demand knowledge and skills within the field.
Empower Your Organization Through Master’s Level Studies in Employment Relations
The ER concentration develops special skills for those capable of leading diverse organizations in many industries. If you are ready to elevate your potential, request more information or submit your application to Tarleton State University.
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
- M.S. Management – Human Resource Management
- M.S. Human Resource Management
- B.B.A. Human Resource Management
- B.B.A. Management
Learn more about graduate studies at Tarleton!