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Delevoping Leadership Skills For

1199SEIU Activists and Staff

Labor Studies at SLU prepares union activists to take on increasing levels of responsibility for union
building. Students gain a deeper knowledge of labor’s challenges and opportunities regarding
organizing, politics, and the 21st century political economy. Courses also hone students’ skillsets
in critical thinking, oral and written communication, and strategic planning. Programs include:

• The Bachelor’s Degree in Labor Studies is designed for undergraduate students

who want to study the social, political and cultural impact that work has on
employees and their communities. The curriculum includes courses in history,
sociology, law and political science. Students examine the internal dynamics of
labor organizations and develop leadership skills that will help them become more
effective advocates for workers’ rights and social justice, and prepare them for
careers in organizing, public policy, social action research, and law.

• The Master’s Degree in Labor Studies curriculum draws from the fields of
sociology, law, history, economics, political science and labor relations to help
students examine the opportunities and challenges facing workers and their
organizations. Students hone their critical thinking, analytical and leadership

skills while developing in-depth knowledge about labor law, organizing, collective
bargaining, labor relations and strategic research, and global labor conditions and
international organizing.

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Studies offers students an understanding
of work, workers and labor organizations, and the social, political and cultural
impact that the organization of work has on employees and their communities.

• The Graduate Certificate in Labor Studies serves the educational needs of
seasoned labor leaders, professional union staff, as well as union members and

activists who want to advance their careers and enhance their contributions to
the labor movement.

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Relations provides a comprehensive
overview of union-side labor relations in the public sector.

• The Graduate Certificate in Labor Relations offers students the opportunity
to develop the practical skills necessary to participate in collective bargaining,
conflict resolution, and contract administration. It also provides a theoretical
and historical understanding of labor law, public policy and the role of worker
organizations in employment relations.