We are thrilled to announce an extraordinary collaboration between Morehouse College and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies that promises to open doors, foster growth, and ignite passions within our esteemed communities. In this unprecedented partnership, we are proud to offer Morehouse students and alumni the chance to embark on a transformative journey into the world of Labor Studies, right in the heart of New York City. Whether you aspire to delve into the inner workings of worker organizations, labor unions, or aim to attain a master’s degree in this vital field, this partnership is your gateway to an enriching experience.
Contact
Morehouse College students interested in CUNY SLU programs should contact admissions@slu.cuny.edu
A History Rooted in Labor
CUNY SLU has been serving New York City’s workers and underrepresented communities for nearly 40 years. The foundation program for CUNY’s “labor college” was established in 1984 through a unique collaboration between the University and three New York City municipal unions and began with just 52 students. Today, SLU serves more than 1,200 students in its core academic programs and at its partner CUNY colleges across the five boroughs of New York City.
Mission & Vision
SLU’s mission is to expand higher education opportunities for workers; prepare students who aspire to careers in public service and movements for social justice; promote civic engagement; provide leadership development for union and community activists; and help workers achieve greater economic security.
To accomplish its mission, SLU has established four foundational pillars: Labor Studies, Urban Studies, Workforce Development, and Community Service which together support a range of intellectual aspirations as well as practical needs. (Please hyperlink each of those sections). Like Morehouse, SLU has a vision rooted in core values: access to education, diversity at every level, social justice, and equality for all.
Careers in Labor
Practitioners
SLU Labor Studies graduates go on to become organizers, researchers, communicators, political and legislative directors, policy analyst, journalists, academics, international worker representatives, lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, and labor leaders. They have been employed by worker advocacy organizations, government agencies such as the Department of Labor, and local and international labor unions. SLU provides students with career counselors who specialize in public service and social justice job placements, and a host of community building and networking opportunities.
For those students interested in journalism or law SLU has articulation agreements with the CUNY School of Journalism and the CUNY Law School. Up to 12 graduate credits from SLU can be applied to graduate degrees in journalism and law.
Academic Careers
For those students interested in journalism or law SLU has articulation agreements with the CUNY School of Journalism and the CUNY Law School. Up to 12 graduate credits from SLU can be applied to graduate degrees in journalism and law.
For students interested in pursuing academic careers, SLU offers a number of opportunities. With the instructor’s permission, SLU’s MA and graduate certificate students may enroll in Ph.D. courses offered by the nearby CUNY Graduate Center. SLU faculty are available to mentor students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. Labor Studies graduates who want to pursue an academic career are encouraged to apply for admission to the CUNY Graduate School’s doctoral program in sociology in labor. Other doctoral programs at the CUNY Graduate School – such as History, Political Science, Urban Education – may also be of interest.
Academic Programs Available to Morehouse Students
SLU offers the only interdisciplinary curriculum in labor and urban studies in the nation. Labor Studies focuses on the world of work, workers, and worker organizations. The School is also concerned about the issues confronting workers where they live as well as where they work. The field of Urban Studies focuses on the social, political and economic problems of the cities, particularly as they relate to poor and working class communities.
Labor Studies
Unique Internship Opportunities
Union Semester: Academic/Experiential Learning
Union Semester is a unique semester-long program that combines rigorous academic study with first-hand experience within the labor movement.
Undergraduate and graduate students from across the country and around the world are paired with unions and worker-rights organizations to gain practical skills and learn first-hand the strategies these organizations use to fight for workers’ rights. Students analyze the experience they gain in the area during class time through comprehensive studies of the US labor movement. Our renowned Labor Studies faculty teach the courses.
What Our Students Say About Us
“Through Union Semester I became personally involved in the social justice movement. The program has helped me develop my ideas about social change through both theory and practice.“
– Ife Finch
“It’s difficult to get that first job after college. Having Union Semester under my belt showed potential employers that I was serious about my beliefs and my desire to affect change. My internship also provided me with references and contacts that I have kept up for years afterwards.“
– Jacob Heyman-Kantor
“I have a much better understanding of where to put my energy to help change the world. And I have made some good friends along the way.“
– Mica Baum-Tuccillo
“I have been challenged, I have been inspired, and I have been supported every step of the way.“
– Kate Barut
“The faculty at SLU are some of the most distinguished scholars and practitioners in the field. I don’t think I could get a better education in Labor Studies anywhere in the country.“
– Carmen Del Valle
“This is the perfect atmosphere to learn about labor, as well as to develop your own thoughts and ideas about it.“
– Kendall Holland
“This was a great experience in which I gained a new found respect for the importance of unions. The men and women who fought to unionize their industries truly risked their lives and in doing so changed the face of workers’ rights forever.“
– Charles Rosow
For more information please contact admissions@slu.cuny.edu