A.A.
Associate of Arts
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Associate of Science
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Bachelor's of Arts
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Bachelor's of Science

Labor Studies

Understand the past, present, and future of labor with a labor studies degree online from SUNY Empire. 

You’ll explore workers’ rights, labor movements, and economic policies while developing critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills. Whether you pursue an associate degree in labor studies or a bachelor’s in labor studies, this program equips you to analyze labor relations, address workplace inequalities, and contribute to social change. With our flexible online labor studies program, you can study on your schedule while preparing for careers in union leadership, labor relations, advocacy, and public policy. 

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Labor Studies

 
Earn your labor studies degree online and gain the skills to understand workers' rights, labor relations, and economic policies. Develop expertise in advocacy, negotiation, and workplace equity to prepare for careers in union leadership, public policy, labor relations, and social justice. 

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$295/credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

124

64 for associate, 124 for bachelor’s

 

Course Catalog

Next term starts

Fall 2025

    • FOUNDATION 1: EXAMINE LABOR HISTORY, AND THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND WORKER-BASED INSTITUTIONS IN EFFECTIVE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGE. 

    • Course List 

       

       

    • LABR 2010 

      US History: Workers' Perspectives 

       

    • LABR 3042 

      Labor, Education, and Social Progress  

       

    • LABR 3072 

      United States Labor History 

       

    • LABR 3090 

      Labor & the Sociological Imagination 

       

    • LABR 3120 

      The Political Economy of New York City: Workers' Perspectives 

       

    • LABR 3155 

      Global History: Workers Beyond the West 

       

    • FOUNDATION 2: EXPLORE RELATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS OF POLITICAL ECONOMIC POWER IN THE WORKPLACE, INCLUDING THOSE RELATED TO ENDURING CLASS, GENDER, AND RACIAL INEQUALITIES. 

    • Course List 

       

       

    • LABR 1010 

      Class Race & Gender for Workers 

       

    • LABR 1040 

      Economics for Workers 

       

    • LABR 3005 

      Collective Bargaining 

       

    • LABR 3025

      Diversity in the Workplace: Union Perspectives 

       

    • LABR 3060 

      Labor Law 

       

    • LABR 3130 

      Women, the Economy & the Trades 

       

    • FOUNDATION 3: ANALYZE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CULTURAL EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS, THE LABOR MOVEMENT, AND WORKER POWER.  

    • Course List 

       

       

    • LABR 1050 

      Literature & Society for Workers 

       

    • LABR 3135 

      Working-class Themes in Literature 

       

    • LABR 3150 

      Labor on Film 

       

    • LABR 3160 

      Public Art as Social Practice: Labor & Cultural Organizing 

       

    •  

       

       

Ready to Apply? 

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply

Build a Strong Foundation in Labor Studies

What you'll learn

  • Analyze labor history and worker movements
  • Examine workplace policies and labor laws
  • Explore economic and social inequalities in labor
  • Develop research and advocacy skills

Level Up Your Career With a Degree in Labor Studies

An online labor studies degree prepares you for leadership and advocacy roles in labor relations, policy, and social justice. Possible career paths include: 

  • Union Organizer 
  • Labor Relations Specialist 
  • Public Policy Analyst 
  • Human Resources Representative 
  • Community Advocate 
Career Services
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Without this education, we would be easier to break. The previous generations’ struggles, heartbreaks, losses, and triumphs paved the way for the future, and it is so critical for us to do the same!
Brendan
Labor Studies ‘24

Interested in Labor Studies? Start Here

1

Take the First Step to a Degree in Labor Studies 

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to a labor studies degree as seamless as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance and resources you need to understand labor movements, workplace policies, and economic justice — helping you move closer to a career in union leadership, labor relations, or public policy. 

 

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2

Check for Prior Learning Credits

Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.

How To Get Credits

Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3

Apply for a Labor Studies Program

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

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 decades of real-world expertise in labor studies. They’re here to help you develop the skills to analyze labor movements, understand workplace policies, and advocate for workers’ rights in an evolving economy. 

All Faculty
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Jeff Schuhrke

Assistant Professor
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Mary Kolisnyk

Visiting Assistant Professor

Interested in Labor Studies?

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