Master of Science in Labor Studies Degree Programs

This unique program is designed to equip students for careers in the labor movement, related social justice organizations, or further academic work. The multidisciplinary program combines coursework, labor research, and an internship in which students gain experiential knowledge of the field. Graduate courses provide not only the skills necesary to work in and with the labor movement­—expertise in research, organizing, collective bargaining, and union leadership­—but also an opportunity to examine the larger theoretical and strategic issues confronting workers. Students may focus their research in areas including globalization, labor and communities, women and work, labor education, and strategic corporate research, in order to explore in depth these cutting-edge issues.

The requirements for the degree are:

1. Thirty-six graduate credits of which no more than six may be transferred from other accredited institutions.

2. An internship with a labor organization, non-governmental organization, or agency, usually in the summer between the first and second year.

3. A research and writing seminar.  Six credits are granted upon completion of the final paper, related to the internship or another topic.

Students admitted to the Master of Science in Labor Studies degree program come from a wide range of undergraduate majors in the social sciences and humanities. They bring different kinds of experience, including work in the labor movement, campus organizing, organizing against sweatshops, and other types of community-based work experience.

The core curriculum includes the following required courses: 605 Labor Research, 742 Labor Law, 697 Special Topics — U.S. Labor History, Organizing, and Labor in the U.S. Economy. Electives are offered in a wide range of fields within Labor Studies. In addition, many students take related courses with affiliated faculty in Economics, Sociology, History, Public Health, and other departments and programs within the University. Full-time students typically complete the program in two years. Students’ courses of study are planned in consultation with their advisors, to fit their individual needs and interests.