What can the Labor Studies Program offer you?
An education that is...
First-rate: Our knowledgeable faculty and staff have both academic and real-life experience in the history, theory, and practice of the labor movement.
Affordable: Most of our students receive some kind of financial assistance including tuition waivers, Labor Resource Center scholarships or reimbursements from their unions.
Diverse:Our students come from a variety of backgrounds—from labor unions and community organizations to life-times of experience in the field.
Hands-on: Our students have many opportunities to network with local labor leaders and intern with area unions and labor organizations. Many of our graduates go on to exciting careers in the labor movement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Labor Studies
What is Labor Studies?
Labor Studies is the study of work and working people. Through the Labor Studies program you will explore the working lives of people, examining questions such as: how is the nature of work changing? how do unions and other worker organizations operate? how can public institutions better serve working people? You will analyze how laws, economics and politics affect working people's lives. As a Labor Studies student, you will learn from the past and the present, from the faculty and from each other, as you develop strategies to address the challenges facing working people today.
Who is the Labor Studies Certificate for?
Since 1980, the Labor Studies Program has provided higher education for scores of union and government leaders, individual workers and union members, worker advocates, and labor relations professionals. It is a place for anyone who wants to learn more about the ever-changing world of work. Whether you are a union member, an organizer, a union steward, a community activist, or simply want to learn more about important workplace issues, there is a home for you in the Labor Studies Program.
What can I do with a Certificate in Labor Studies?
A Labor Studies Certificate can be a pathway to a better future. Our certificate is useful for anyone seeking to work in advocacy, organizing or policy. Our graduates have gone on to be leaders in the labor movement, to work in the top levels of state and local government, and to have a positive impact on the communities in which they live.
My life is very busy already – can I really fit in school too?
Because we recognize just how demanding work and home life can be, our program is designed to accommodate the needs of busy professionals and activists. As a new student, you may take a single class on a subject that interests you, or enroll in the certificate program. Students here proceed at their own pace—that means that you can take the courses that you feel you are able to complete, as your schedule allows.
Do I have to be a member of a union to take courses in Labor Studies?
While many of our students come from unions, you do not need to be a union member to be interested in Labor Studies. Everyone is welcome here.
Do I have to be accepted by UMass Boston in order to take courses in Labor Studies?
No. Students may choose to apply for a Bachelor of Arts degree at CPCS, or they may take Labor Studies courses through the Labor Studies Certificate Program. Please contact Wally Soper (617-287-7267) at the Labor Resource Center, to discuss which option best suits your needs.
I haven't been in school for a long time and am worried that I might get bad grades.
Labor Studies courses, like all courses at the College of Public and Community Service (CPCS), are ungraded. Instead, students receive written evaluations of their work, which become part of their record. CPCS's competency-based curriculum also provides students with opportunities to receive many different kinds of instruction, including learning options outside of the classroom.
What if I've taken classes elsewhere that are related to Labor Studies?
College courses taken at other institutions are usually transferable to CPCS. Labor Studies courses, including those taken at The Labor Guild, may also be eligible for transfer credits.
Can prior learning or real-life experiences count toward my Labor Studies Certificate?
Yes. The Labor Studies Program, like all CPCS programs, will consider and evaluate prior learning as part of meeting the requirements for a degree.
