Labor Studies (MA)

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Academic Director: Penny Lewis
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education
25 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Email Contact: Laurie Kellogg, laurie.kellogg@cuny.edu

The Program

The 30-credit Master’s Degree in Labor Studies (M.A.) draws on the knowledge and methodologies of the social sciences- particularly from the fields of sociology, law, economics, and political science - to examine the issues facing workers in their workplaces and communities.

The program is designed to provide students with skills in critical thinking, research and analysis. Students also develop content knowledge in the areas of history, labor law, organizing, transnational labor issues, politics and public policy.

The program is offered through CUNY SPS’s Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies.

Admission Criteria

In addition to the admission criteria for graduate degree programs, a background in labor, related fields, and/or social science is an advantage but not essential.

Program Requirements

30 credits are required for the Master’s Degree in Labor Studies. Students must complete 21 required credits and 9 elective credits as follows:

Core Requirements

Students must complete 15 credits in the following courses:

Global Perspectives:

One course from the following:

Practical Applications:

One course from the following:

Electives:

Students must also complete 9 elective credits from the following courses: