About the Major

Labor studies is an interdisciplinary field that deals with work, the workplace, and workers and their organizations. You will learn about the rapidly changing conditions of work within a national and global perspective and how to respond to the challenges faced by labor institutions. Labor studies will teach you to value the well-being of workers and how to support, strengthen, advocate, and promote the development of the labor movement. This completely online major will prepare you to assume leadership roles in the workplace and in communities (IU School of Social Work, 2017).

Skills and abilities this major develops include: advocating, critical thinking, supporting individuals, and communication skills.

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Major Possibilities

Sample Coursework

  • American labor history 
  • Labor law
  • Contemporary labor problems
  • Workplace discrimination
  • Union organizing
  • Collective bargaining
  • Employees with disabilities

Possible Careers

  • Affirmative action coordinator
  • Employee benefits manager
  • Employment counselor
  • Labor relations manager
  • Training specialist
  • Union staff representative

Where could I work?

  • Business development
  • Cummins
  • Human resources
  • Operations
  • State of Indiana

Where to Get More Information

Department of Labor Studies

National Labor Relations Board

International Labor Organization

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools. 

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