UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Labor Studies – Accelerated Residential Program
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Premier labor-side Master's in the USProgram Standing
- One year full-time residencyProgram Structure
- Hands-on skills in organizing and bargainingSkill Development
- Critical analysis of global labor issuesCurriculum Focus
- Limited teaching assistantships and internships availableFunding Opportunity
The Master of Science in Labor Studies at UMass Amherst offers a premier, accelerated residential program focused on the labor movement. This program equips students with essential skills for organizing, corporate research, and bargaining, combined with theoretical frameworks to analyze contemporary issues facing working people. It provides a strong foundation in economic, political, and legal principles, exploring intersections of race, immigration, gender, and class in a global context. The program requires one year of full-time on-campus study, followed by a final semester dedicated to off-campus writing.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to blend rigorous academic study with practical application, covering labor history, current issues, and critical analytical frameworks.
- Year 1: Full-time Residency
- Core Labor Studies Seminars
- Organizing and Bargaining Skills Workshops
- Research Methods in Labor Studies
- Labor History and Contemporary Issues
- Economic, Political, and Legal Frameworks for Labor
- Final Semester: Off-Campus Writing
- Thesis or Capstone Project
Careers
Graduates of the Labor Studies program are prepared for a variety of roles within the labor movement and related fields, equipped with both practical skills and critical analytical abilities.
- Labor Organizer
- Bargaining Representative
- Corporate Researcher
- Union Staff
- Worker Advocate
- Policy Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Labor Studies program?
- You need a relevant undergraduate degree and should meet UMass Amherst's general graduate admissions requirements. English proficiency can be demonstrated through TOEFL iBT (80, no sub-score lower than 20), IELTS (6.5, no sub-score lower than 6.0), or Duolingo English Test (115).
- What is the structure and duration of the program?
- This is an accelerated residential program requiring one year of full-time on-campus study, followed by a final semester dedicated to off-campus thesis or capstone project writing.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees for international students are not specified in the program details.
- Are there any funding opportunities available for international students?
- The program mentions the availability of limited teaching assistantships and internships that may cover tuition costs and provide a stipend.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this Master's degree?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Labor Organizer, Bargaining Representative, Corporate Researcher, Union Staff, Worker Advocate, and Policy Analyst within the labor movement and related fields.
- How do I apply for the Master of Science in Labor Studies program?
- You should follow the general graduate admissions process for UMass Amherst, preparing academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores. Specific details are available on the UMass Labor Center website.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA relevant undergraduate degree is required. Specific GPA requirements are not detailed but strong academic performance is expected.
TOEFL iBT80 (no sub-score lower than 20)
IELTS6.5 (no sub-score lower than 6.0)
Duolingo English Test (DET)115
Official score reports must be submitted directly from the testing agency and be less than two years old. Exemption from English proficiency tests may be possible for students who have completed specific English composition and humanities/social science courses at a U.S. college or university with grades of B or better.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
The program mentions the availability of teaching assistantships and internships that may cover tuition costs and provide a stipend.
How to apply
1. Review Program DetailsVisit the UMass Labor Center website to understand the program structure, curriculum, and any specific requirements for the MS in Labor Studies – Accelerated Residential Program.
2. Check Admissions RequirementsEnsure you meet the general graduate admissions requirements for UMass Amherst, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and test scores (if applicable).
4. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application form through the UMass Amherst admissions portal.
5. Await Admission DecisionApplications are reviewed by the program faculty, and admission decisions are communicated accordingly.
Scholarships
Teaching AssistantshipsCovers tuition costs
InternshipsCovers tuition costs
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Labor Studies program?
+
You need a relevant undergraduate degree and should meet UMass Amherst's general graduate admissions requirements. English proficiency can be demonstrated through TOEFL iBT (80, no sub-score lower than 20), IELTS (6.5, no sub-score lower than 6.0), or Duolingo English Test (115).
What is the structure and duration of the program?
+
This is an accelerated residential program requiring one year of full-time on-campus study, followed by a final semester dedicated to off-campus thesis or capstone project writing.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees for international students are not specified in the program details.
Are there any funding opportunities available for international students?
+
The program mentions the availability of limited teaching assistantships and internships that may cover tuition costs and provide a stipend.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this Master's degree?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Labor Organizer, Bargaining Representative, Corporate Researcher, Union Staff, Worker Advocate, and Policy Analyst within the labor movement and related fields.
How do I apply for the Master of Science in Labor Studies program?
+
You should follow the general graduate admissions process for UMass Amherst, preparing academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores. Specific details are available on the UMass Labor Center website.