Labor Studies and Employment Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics within the world of work, labor markets, and organizations. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze labor practices, employment policies, and workplace issues across various industries and sectors. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics including labor history, collective bargaining, labor law, human resource management, employment relations, workplace diversity, and organizational behavior. Students are encouraged to explore the social, economic, and political factors that influence employment relations and labor movements both historically and in contemporary contexts. The program emphasizes the development of analytical and communication skills necessary for leadership roles in human resources, labor advocacy, policy development, and organizational management. Students will engage with real-world labor issues through internships, research projects, and discussions with industry professionals, preparing them for careers in unions, government agencies, non-profits, consulting firms, and corporate human resources departments. Rutgers' strong connections with local labor organizations and its focus on experiential learning ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to promoting fair employment practices and improving workplace conditions. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue graduate studies in law, public policy, or further specialization in labor relations and human resources, making this a versatile pathway into diverse professional fields related to employment and workforce development.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Labor and Employment Relations

The major consists of 36 credits in labor studies and employment relations. Students must attain a grade of C or better for a class to count toward the major. In place of 6 of these credits, students may substitute related courses from other social science programs. 

A complete list of requirements is available in the School of Management and Labor Relationssection of this catalog or by contacting the department.

The following five courses are required in the B.S. program:

• 37:575:100  Introduction to Labor Studies or 37:575:110  Work, Society, and the Quality of Life
• 37:575:315  Employment Law
• 37:575:401  Research Methods in Labor Studies or an alternative research methods/statistics from other programs; 01:920:311; 01:830:200; 01:790:300; 10:762:205; 01:220:322; 01:450:319; 01:960:212; 01:960:285.
• 37:575:395  Perspectives on Labor Studies
• 37:575:490, 496, or 497 an internship; this course will be waived for students with work experience.

General Education Requirements for the B.S. degree:

The School of Management and Labor Relations is fully compliant with the Lampitt Law requiring that all individuals who have earned an associate in arts (A.A.) or an associate in science (A.S.) degree from a New Jersey county college will have fulfilled its general education requirements. For others, the requirements are:

• Writing: 6 credits. Expository writing (01:355:101) and one second-level writing course. See Degree Navigator for a list of approved second-level writing courses.
• Quantitative Reasoning: 6 credits. Two courses in mathematics or applied quantitative reasoning. See Degree Navigator for lists of courses in each.
• Natural Sciences: 6 credits
• Arts and Humanities: 6 credits
• History: 3 credits

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Labor Studies and Employment Relations

The major consists of 36 credits in labor studies and employment relations. Students must maintain a grade of C or better. In place of 6 of these credits students may substitute related courses from other programs.

The following three courses are required in the B.A. program: either 37:575:100 or 101 Introduction to Labor Studies and Employment Relations; 37:575:395  Perspectives on Labor Studies; and one advanced course taken in the senior year, chosen from 37:575:450, 490, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

Concentrations in the major are available but not required. These include:

• Law and the Workplace
• Diversity in the Workplace
• Work Organization and Management
• Labor Unions and Social Movements
• Work, Globalization, and Migration

The Bachelor of Science program in Labor and Employment Relations is designed so that students with at least one year of college can complete their degree through a flexible combination of online, daytime, weekend, evening, and/or off-campus courses. In addition, re-enrollment is made easy for those who must interrupt their studies, and non-matriculated status is available for visiting students who want to try one or two courses in the program. 

• Transfer up to 60 credits to Rutgers from a county college
• Transfer up to 90 credits from a combination of 2 and 4 year institutions
• Fulfill all your general education requirements with an AA or AS from a NJ county college (numerous AAS degrees also fulfill many requirements)
• Flexibly combine online and in-person courses
• Attend daytime, evening, and weekend classes in New Brunswick or at off-campus locations

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Merit-based awards
• G.O.A.L.S Minority Scholarship
• Anthony S. Zuccarello Scholarship
• Martin Gerber Endowed Student Support Fund
• Scholarship in Honor of Professor Paul B.J Chu
• The School of Management and Labor Relations Annual Fund Scholarship
• SMLR Emergency Student Fund
• Levine Trade Union Education Fund
• National Merit Scholarships/College Sponsored Merit Award

The Labor Studies and Employment Relations program at Rutgers University offers students a comprehensive understanding of workplace issues, employment law, labor movements, and the social, economic, and political factors that influence employment practices. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework from various fields such as sociology, economics, political science, and law to provide students with a well-rounded perspective on labor relations. Students explore topics including collective bargaining, labor history, employment policy, occupational safety and health, and human resource management. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for careers in labor unions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and private sector companies. Rutgers’ program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical experience, often including internships and collaborative projects with labor organizations. The program is designed to equip students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to navigate and influence the complex landscape of employment relations. Graduates of the program are empowered to promote fair labor practices, advocate for workers’ rights, and contribute to policy development that fosters equitable and sustainable employment environments. Rutgers University’s location and network provide opportunities for engagement with real-world labor issues through conferences, seminars, and partnerships with industry stakeholders. The faculty consist of experts in labor history, employment law, industrial relations, and social justice, ensuring that students receive mentorship from leading scholars and practitioners in the field. The program also encourages students to participate in research projects, attend national conferences, and join student organizations related to labor studies and employment relations, enriching their academic experience and professional development. Overall, Rutgers’ Labor Studies and Employment Relations program is committed to fostering informed, skilled, and socially responsible professionals dedicated to advancing equitable labor practices and improving working conditions across various sectors.