Department of Labor Studies

Kettler Hall G28 ~ 260-481-6831 ~ www.labor.iu.edu

Introduction

With over 60 years of leadership in the field of Labor Studies and Labor education, Indiana University continues to pioneer innovative and quality educational opportunities in this field. the program’s vision is …to be the leading, collaborative program in labor and work issues, in interdisciplinary scholarship, education, training, an empowerment nationally and internationally. The program caters to students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs - from adult learners to traditional students - in the areas of work, the workplace, organized labor, labor and social movements, the impact of global markets and globalization on working people, and changing institutions.

Labor Studies prepares students to assume leadership roles in the workplace and in communities. It is designed as an interdisciplinary major for college students and working adults seeking a university level education. Online Labor Studies classes are offered on all nine Indiana University campuses and face-to-face courses are offered on various campuses.

Labor Studies faculty members bring academic expertise and valuable union experience to their instruction. They are committed to continue the strengthening of the Labor Studies Program to make it the best it can be. We offer online and face-to=-face courses to fulfill requirements for Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Labor Studies.

Labor Studies is interdisciplinary; it draws from the fields of communication, economics, industrial relations, history, law, philosophy, political science, sociology, and others. The program integrates these disciplines in order to study work, the work process, and workers’ lives and experiences, and to understand the needs and questions facing labor in unions and labor organizations.

The Labor Studies Program educates current and future workers and leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to (1) strengthen the labor movement; (2) advance trade unionism; and (3) achieve workers rights and equity. These elements are central to the development of democratic institutions national and around the world.

Labor Studies offers the following for-credit options:

Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies
Associate of Science in Labor Studies
Certificate in Labor Studies
Minor in Labor Studies

Students who demonstrate competency in one or more specific areas may apply to receive credit for prior learning. Labor Studies also offers a large selection of noncredit courses and programs tailored to the interest and needs of working people.

We have produced distinguished alumni who hold positions of leadership around the country, including union president, bargaining committee chairperson, education director for an international union, director of organizing, union staff representative, occupational health and safety inspector, labor journalist, labor lawyer, labor educator, National Labor Relations Board staff member, executive director of a nonprofit organization, and community organizer.