Labor Studies BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Labor Studies BA at the University of Massachusetts Boston equips you with the critical understanding and practical skills to navigate the complex world of work, labor relations, and social justice. This undergraduate program is ideal for students passionate about understanding historical labor movements, contemporary worker challenges, and the socio-economic forces that shape our society. You will delve into topics such as labor history, workers' rights, and the political economy of work, gaining a robust foundation for impactful engagement in advocacy, policy, and community organizing.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured over four years, offering a blend of foundational courses, research methods training, and specialized electives. You will explore diverse areas like globalization and labor, race, class, and gender at work, and the history of working-class communities, potentially undertaking a field placement in workers' organizations for invaluable hands-on experience. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in labor unions, worker advocacy groups, government agencies, and further academic pursuits, armed with analytical, research, and strategic organizing skills.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Labor Studies BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of labor and working-class history, economics, and culture in the United States and globally. Students will engage with foundational courses in history and economics, develop critical research methodologies through various social science disciplines, and deepen their understanding through a wide array of electives. These electives cover topics such as workers' rights, globalization, social justice organizing, and the intersection of race, class, and gender in the workplace, culminating in a capstone experience.

1 Introductory Courses (6 Credits)

Labor and working class history in the United States
Popular culture in America
Introduction to microeconomics
Introduction to macroeconomics
American history since 1877

2 Research Methods Course (3 Credits)

Ethnographic inquiry: introduction to qualitative field research
Applied social anthropology
Research & methods: senior research methods in history
Political research methods
Methods of sociological research

3 Electives (21 Credits)

Sports and inequality: race, class, gender, and the labor of sweat
Work, environment, and revolution in Latin America
Learning to labor: work and education in US history
Labor, community, and social justice organizing
Workers' rights and human rights
Race, class, and gender at work: divisions in labor
Globalization and labor
Field placements in workers' organizations
Working-class Boston
Labor and the U.S. economy
Independent study
Race, class, and gender: issues in US diversity
Work, society, and culture in modern America
The immigrant experience
United States in a global context
Political economy of international migration
Unions and collective bargaining
Gender and economics
Working-class literature
Law and public policy (A)
Gender, development, & globalization
Gender, culture, and power
Radical voices of resistance: gender, race and US social movements

4 Capstone (3 Credits)

Field placements in workers' organizations

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 154,480.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 770.00 - USD 963.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Columbia Point Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Corporate & Commercial LawCorrections & RehabilitationCybersecurity & Digital ForensicsDefense & Military SecurityInsurance & Risk ManagementInternational & Human Rights LawMental Health & CounselingPublic Health & EpidemiologyTax & Financial LawWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

JPMorganChase

Massachusetts General Hospital

U.S. Department of State

Why Study Labor Studies BA at University of Massachusetts Boston

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

University of Massachusetts Boston typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Massachusetts Boston in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Labor Studies BA at University of Massachusetts Boston

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit. Off-campus work is possible after the first year with university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English proficiency requirements, you can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Each test has specific minimum scores that you must achieve in areas such as comprehension, overall score, and speaking.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include labor relations specialist, community organizer, policy analyst, workforce development manager, and human resources coordinator.

What will I actually study in this course?

In the Labor Studies BA program at UMass Boston, you'll explore the history and theory of the labor movement while developing critical communication skills. This foundation prepares you for various occupations and active participation in labor and community organizations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Labor Studies BA program has three intakes per year: January, May, and August. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot.
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