Master of Arts in labor and policy

The Master of Arts in labor and policy studies is designed for unionists, human resource professionals, arbitrators, educators, journalists, political activists, lawyers, and those involved in government or private industry. While the program provides a background in American labor relations, labor history, labor law and collective bargaining, the primary concentration is on current problems and policies generated by changes in the global economy, technology, the workforce and the workplace.

For students seeking career advancement, the program also aims to enhance your professional competence and career opportunities by strengthening your communication, analytical and leadership skills.

Program Description

The labor and policy studies program appeals to graduate students employed by unions, business, government and schools, and students active in labor and politics. It is designed to make you more effective in your present position and to prepare you for greater responsibilities or new positions that deal with matters of importance to labor, industrial relations or human resources.

While the program provides you with a background in American labor relations, labor history, labor law and collective bargaining, the concentration is on current problems and policies generated by changes in the global economy, technology, the workforce and the workplace.

The program also aims to enhance your professional competence and career opportunities by strengthening your communication, analytical and leadership skills. It encourages you to use your elective courses, Modes of Inquiry, and a final project to develop an area of specialty. Faculty will help you design your own courses, pursue individual research projects, and develop practicums and internships.

You also have the option to pursue a concentration in human resources management. This innovative program allows you to examine issues related to the changing workforce by studying topics covered in such courses as Compensation, Motivation, and Performance, Promoting Learning Organizations Through Adult Development and Training and Achieving Organizational Effectiveness.

All matriculated students first enroll at the fall or spring residency. All newly matriculated students must take the first two required courses, Policy Studies I and Labor Emphasis Seminar, which start only in the fall and the spring.