Labor Studies

The major and minor in labor studies provides students with a curriculum that focuses on the worlds of work, employment, labor issues, and workers’ rights. The purpose of the program is to provide students with a rigorous framework for analysis of the labor force, workers’ organizational affiliations, and the dynamics of labor management relations. Drawing on the various social science disciplines, the labor studies major offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of labor and related subjects. The curriculum combines a core sequence of courses with electives on specialized topics in the field of study.

A degree in labor studies prepares students to pursue careers in labor relations, including employment with labor organizations and private industry, as well as with federal, state, and local government agencies. A labor studies major also provides excellent preparation for law school or graduate study.

Nonmajors may enroll in labor studies courses to supplement their own field of concentration, e.g., economics, sociology, political science, urban studies, or history.