I chose SUNY Empire because a coworker recommended the university, plus the ease of
registration as a veteran.
Master's of Arts
Work and Labor Policy
Strengthen your voice in the workplace with SUNY Empire’s online M.A. in Work and Labor Policy.
Designed for union leaders, HR professionals, educators, and advocates, this flexible program explores labor history, collective bargaining, workforce development, and labor law. Choose a general or workforce development concentration and graduate ready to lead in labor relations, human resources, or policy.
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Our team can help you prepare for the next step in your career.
Master of Arts in Work and Labor Policy
Earn your M.A. in Work and Labor Policy online and prepare for a career in labor relations, workforce development, or human resources. This flexible program helps you build skills in labor law, collective bargaining, and policy analysis so you can advocate for workers and lead in today’s evolving workplace.
Next term starts
Fall 2025
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Course List:
In order to complete this 30-credit program, students must take 4 core courses, 5 concentration courses, and the capstone course. -
CORE COURSES
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PPOL 6007
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LABR 6010
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LABR 6015
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PPOL 6021 Methods for Policy Research (preferred course) OR PPOL 6020 Research Methods (if you intend to pursue doctoral studies)
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CONCENTRATION COURSES Students select one of two concentrations: Workforce Development or the General Concentration. Each concentration requires completion of 5, 3-credit courses. The General concentration allows a student to take scheduled or individualized electives to reflect their interests and to reinforce the individual focus of their degree.
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For the General Concentration: Choose 5 Electives
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For the Workforce Development Concentration:
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CAED 6010
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CAED 6070
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LABR 6030
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ADLC 6040
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Plus one additional elective.
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Electives
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Students are urged to use their electives to build a concentration in such areas as trade union administration, collective bargaining and dispute resolution, or human resource management. Examples of some electives include but are not limited to:
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LABR 6050
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LABR 6070
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Transfer Credit
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After admission, students should discuss the possibility of transfer credit with their academic advisor. Typically, 9 credits are acceptable for transfer subject to the Transfer Credit Policy.
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CAPSTONE
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LABR 7010
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Ready to Apply?
Gain the Skills to Lead in Today’s Workforce
What you'll learn
- Understand the full policy process
- Analyze labor and workforce policy issues
- Conduct research with real-world applications
- Build professional skills in labor leadership
Advance Your Career With a Master’s in Labor Policy
An online master’s in labor policy prepares you for leadership in labor, HR, and workforce development. Career paths include:
- Union Leader or Organizer
- Workforce Development Specialist
- Human Resource Manager
- Labor Policy Analyst
- Public Sector Labor Relations Professional
Interested? Start Here
1
Lead the Future of Work and Labor
We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to an M.A. in Work
and Labor Policy flexible, focused, and rewarding. Our dedicated advisors will help
you stay on track, strengthen your leadership and labor policy skills, and prepare you to make a meaningful impact in unions, workforce
development, or human resources.
Request Info
2
Apply for the M.A. in Work and Labor Policy Program
Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!
Next start term
Fall 2025
Deadline to apply
August 1
Start Your Degree
as soon as September 2, 2025.
Meet Your Professors
Our experienced faculty bring real-world expertise in labor relations, workforce policy, and advocacy. They’ll help you build practical skills in labor law, collective bargaining, and organizational leadership so you can lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.
All Faculty
Jason Russell
Professor
Jason Russell is a Professor in the School for Graduate Studies. His research interests are on work, labor, and capital
in the 20th century. He holds a Ph.D. in History from York University.
Roxana Toma
Professor
Roxana Toma (Ph.D., North Carolina State University) is Professor and Chair of Graduate
Liberal Arts and Science Programs. Dr. Toma has a B.Sc. in Economics, a Ph.D. in Public Administration, and takes an
interdisciplinary approach to examine how people form attitudes, values, and a sense
of belonging that lead to behaviors that affect communities
Interested in an M.A. in Work and Labor Policy?