Undergraduate Certificate and Degree Programs

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies offers undergraduate degree and certificate programs for students who have already earned 24 or more credits at a previous accredited institution.  Our programs meet the needs of adults and traditional-age students who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition to a bachelor’s degree program, and or earn an important credential to advance in the workplace or change careers.

The BA in Labor Studies degree program is designed for students with a strong interest in labor, unions, and the workplace. The curriculum is designed to span the interdisciplinary field of labor studies, including courses in history, sociology, law and political science, as well as those which explore the internal dynamics of labor relations and labor organizations. The program builds critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills so that students become more effective advocates for workers’ rights and social justice. Learn more.

The BA in Urban and Community Studies degree program is designed for students with interests in urban, social, economic, and political issues, especially as they relate to diverse working-class communities. The program allows students to explore the dynamics of urban and community life, public policy and administration, the structure of urban government and agencies, the delivery of social services, and community and labor organizing. Learn more.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Relations, provides NYC area union members, officers, staff, and many others with practical knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate their workplaces and to be effective practitioners in the field of labor and industrial relations. Learn more.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Studies is designed for individuals who want to study the social, political and cultural impact that the organization of work has on employees and their communities. The certificate offers students an understanding of work, workers and labor organizations. Learn more.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Leadership provides students with the skills to help them participate effectively in political processes on behalf of communities. The curriculum of the Certificate in Community Leadership draws on a variety of academic disciplines to provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to address issues facing urban residents through community-level work. Learn more.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Advocacy provides a basic academic foundation and professional development for administrative and professional workers in New York City’s health care industry. An important professional credential, the certificate offers health care employees in both public and private health care systems an opportunity to advance their careers and serve the public more effectively. Learn more.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Public Administration and Public Policy provides students with a basic understanding of government agencies, social services, and the policymaking process. The Certificate is a valuable educational and professional credential for workers in the public and non-profit sectors, and for students interested in government, interest groups and political decision-making. Learn more.

The Certificate in the Urban Experience is a unique educational opportunity for organizations that seek to strengthen their members’ literacy and numeracy skills and/or prepare them to enter into the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts program in Urban and Community Studies at the School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) or other CUNY degree programs. Students enrolled in the program will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of cities and the role unions and other organizations play in ensuring equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. Learn More.