Labor Studies

As a student of labor studies you will examine the topics of work, workers and worker organizations. You will study the history of the labor movement, labor law and collective bargaining, and focus on current problems and policies generated by changes in the global economy, technology, the workforce and the workplace.

You will sharpen your skills in writing and research and critical reading and thinking, as, together with a faculty mentor, you create a program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Labor studies is offered through The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies in New York City and the Center for Distance Learning.

Why labor studies?

Students pursue a degree in labor studies in order to prepare for:

• Increased responsibilities in their present position
• new careers in areas such as labor-management relations and human resources
• graduate school, especially in labor studies
• law school
• work in policy development
• work in the business sector
• government service
• teaching

Degrees available

As a regionally accredited college of the State University of New York, Empire State College offers the following related degrees in five areas: labor studies, cultural studies, social theory, social structure and social change; historical studies; and interdisciplinary studies:

• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Professional Studies
• Master of Arts

Additionally:

• A graduate certificate program in labor studies is available.
• The The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies in New York City  provides degree-completion opportunities for wage earners and union members in their chosen field, such as electrical construction or paraeducation.

Nondegree Study

Taking individual courses as a nondegree student is also possible and will offer you the same range and depth of courses and rigorous standards as matriculated undergraduate students.

Popular concentrations

• general labor history
• labor studies
• labor-management relations

This interdisciplinary field draws on the methodologies and subject matter of the social sciences and humanities and other interdisciplinary areas, such as American studies, women’s studies and African-American studies.