This four-course certificate program helps students develop a broad perspective on public sector labor-management relations issues—those involving teachers, Rutgers University employees, police officers, and other public employees.  

Certificate Requirements

As a student in this certificate program, you must take one of the following two courses (you may take both):

  • Public Sector Employment Issues (38:578:525)
  • Public Sector Collective Bargaining (38:578:565)

You can then select additional classes to total the four courses necessary to complete the certificate from the following School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) courses and Rutgers Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) courses.

SMLR Master of Labor and Employment Relations Courses
(take up to three)

  • Conflict Resolution in the Workplace (38:578:515)
  • Labor Law (38:578:550) 
  • Collective Bargaining (38:578:560)
  • Benefits and Social Insurance (38:578:520)
  • Negotiation (38:578:505)
  • Organizational Design and Structure (38:578:556)
  • Employment Arbitration Today (38:578:575)

SPAA Courses
(take up to two)

  • Managing Public Organizations (20:834:522)
  • Human Resources Administration (20:834:523)
  • Public Sector Labor Relations (20:834:527)

How to Apply

For current Rutgers graduate students:

For application related questions and registration guidance, please contact Ann Marie Fiorella-Mullen, MLER Graduate Student Advisor.

For students not currently enrolled at Rutgers:

For more information on the certificate program and options for your academic future, contact Professor Francis Ryan, MLER Program Director.  

If you wish to complete a Certificate on a fully online basis, please contact Professor Ryan before applying because special application instructions are required.

To apply to complete a certificate, on a mixed in-person and online basis, as a non-degree student, apply to Rutgers Graduate Admissions. Click here to begin an application for admission.

All students:

Once you begin your application and have questions, please contact Ann Marie Fiorella-Mullen, MLER Graduate Student Advisor.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a graduate certificate program cost?

Unless you are already enrolled in a graduate program at Rutgers, graduate certificate students are considered to be non-degree (NOD) studentsand therefore pay the "in state" or "out of state" tuition rate. The mode of instruction for these courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid and you can choose which type of course format works best for you. Please note that FAFSA loans are not permitted for study as a non-degree certificate student.

The in-state tuition rate for 2023-2024 is $983.00 per credit or $2,949 per 3-credit course.*

The out of state tuition rate for 2023-2024 is $1,656.00 per credit or $4,968 per 3-credit course.*

* These rates do not include the mandatory fees or the required health insurance rates for international students. Please see tuition chart here for clarification and the breakdown of fees.

Can international students enroll in a graduate certificate program?

If the student is already on a H1 or F1 U.S. visa, approval from the Rutgers Global office is required to continue or pursue the non-degree graduate certificate program and some elements of the in-person mode of instruction are required. Students must take a minimum of 9 credits per semester or follow requirements for a reduced load when applicable in their final semester of study. This is designed only if the student has an approved visa that is transferable to Rutgers University.