Graduate Certificate Labor Leadership

The Labor Leadership certificate is meant to develop the next generation of leaders in labor unions and civic organizations focused on labor and related issues of race, class and gender equity. The certificate is particularly relevant to labor union leaders, rank and file members, and community-based organizational staff who desire to receive continuing education regarding labor leadership. The labor leadership certificate will combine academic instruction with field learning and community-based research projects. The program features active partnerships with local labor organizations, such as unions and community-based groups focused on relevant labor, class and race issues (such as immigrant rights groups, workplace gender equity groups, etc.). Certificate students will join a diverse group of graduate students pursuing their full Master's degree in the Department's community leadership program (including students focused on governmental/public leadership, and students focused on non-profit leadership) which will enhance synergetic learning in the classroom, and enlarge networking opportunities among all students.

The certificate is open to non-degree seeking as well as students formally admitted to the MA in Political Science program. The Certificate can be earned as a stand-alone University certificate, or it can be applied to a current or future degree program. Non-degree seeking students who successfully complete the certificate program would be allowed to transfer in the credits received in the certificate program to complete the Master's Degree in Political Science.

The certificate can be earned either through our traditional on-campus graduate seminars, or entirely through classes offered in a weekend-intensive format in our New Directions graduate program. Students may take classes in either format desired.

These program requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their Labor Leadership Graduate Certificate advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

Admissions and Declaring this Certificate

Any current or potential student wishing to declare this certificate should schedule a certificate advising appointment with either the Director of the New Directions graduate program (Dr. Steve DelCastillo) or with the Director of the On-campus Graduate Program (Dr. Michael Berry), in order to register their intent to pursue the Labor Leadership Certificate and to develop a curriculum plan.

Graduate Education Policies and Procedures apply to this program