About the program
The Labor Studies Certificate Program will give current and future union leaders, representatives and activists, the background and skills they need to confront the changing workplace and economy. With a grounding in history, political science, law and economics, you will develop analysis, leadership and organizing skills that will put you on an equal footing with your counterparts in the corporate and political world. By participating in the program, you will earn 18 credit hours toward a degree and receive upon completion a Certificate in Labor Studies verifying your expertise.
The entire program has six courses that are completed online. Each course is three hours long, with two courses offered each semester. The entire program runs three consecutive semesters. Most courses are available as asynchronous online offerings, which allows students to complete the work for the course when it is most convenient for them. A few of the courses do have synchronous, online components, which allows the face-to-face interaction found in a traditional classroom, while still encouraging students to engage from a location of their choosing. At the beginning of the course, the dates for the synchronous sessions are set so students have the maximum amount of time to prepare. Other MU campuses can partake in these courses, which provides a greater diversity of students to share perspectives, experiences and discuss solutions to common problems.
Classes will be participatory and will take advantage of new technology to bring students from across the state of Missouri to share experiences and discuss solutions to common problems.
Labor studies certificate
Upon completion of the program, in addition to 18 credit hours toward a college degree, you will receive a Certificate in Labor Studies from the University of Missouri.
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- Develop your skills of advocacy and representation to serve your members more efficiently.
- Deepen your knowledge of the labor movement - past, present and future.
- Learn what others are doing across Missouri, the nation and the world to face the challenges posed by downsizing, restructuring and globalization.
- Hone leadership and organizing skills to speak and motivate, do strategic planning, direct campaigns, increase participation and community involvement.
- Learn from faculty with labor education expertise using resources from across the state in an interactive environment.
- Start on or continue that college education you always wanted.
Schedules, fees and registration
For more information on course schedules, fees and how to register, please call the campus nearest you.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Institute for Labor Studies
816-235-1470
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Labor Studies
314-516-6698
Check with your employer and union about tuition assistance. Financial aid and loans through the University may also be available.
Courses offered:
- Labor, Work, Society, and Politics
- Work and Working Peoples' History
- Labor and Employment Law
- Labor and Community Leadership
- Negotiation, Collective Bargaining, and Dispute Resolution
- Workers and Globalization