Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Labor Studies and Employment Relations (Major) | BA

  • Labor Studies
  • School: SMLR
  • Program Code: 578
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Major
  • Program Summary: Are you interested in how work is managed, the problems of working people, and what workers have done as individuals and groups to address these problems? Do you want to help change jobs/society for the better while also having a rewarding professional career? The Labor Studies and Employment Relations major concerns itself with all aspects of work and employment relationships, and in particular how collective representation and public policy can improve the well-being of workers. Our faculty are the world’s leading source of expertise on managing and representing workers, designing effective organizations, and building strong employment relationships. Based upon their research and scholarly productivity, as well as key leadership roles served in professional associations, our faculty members are acknowledged, both in the U.S. and abroad, as leaders in their respective fields. Many graduates go on to pursue an MBA after graduation or a law degree, or a professional master's degree in human resource management or labor relations.

  • None

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit)

     Total Credits: 15-16

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Introduction to Labor Studies & Employment Relations

    37:575:100

    3

    		 Labor Studies (575)

    Work Society & the Quality of Life 

    		 37:575:110 3 Labor Studies (575)
    Youth & Work 37:575:215 3 Labor Studies (575)
    People, Work & Organizations 37:575:230 3 Labor Studies (575)
    Finance for Personal and Professional Success 37:575:250 3 Labor Studies (575)
    Labor and Democracy 37:575:301 3 Labor Studies (575)
    Working Women in American Society 37:575:309 3 Labor Studies (575)

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Intro to Sociology 01:920:101 3 Sociology (920)
    General Psycology 01:830:101 3 Psychology (830)
    Nature of Politics 01:790:101 3 Political Science (790)

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Human Resource Management (533)
      • Social Justice (904)
      • Sport Management (955)
      • Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (988)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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