Degree programs in labor relations, also
called labor studies or labor and employment relations, are typically
offered on-campus. It is possible, however, to find both undergraduate
and graduate programs online. Many of these programs utilize a hybrid
format, combining online and on-campus coursework.
Overview of an Online Associate Degree in Labor Relations
Online labor relations associate degree programs equip students with
knowledge of labor-management relations and current issues confronting
organized labor. Associate degree programs provide students with a
background in the history of organized labor, as well as political and
social implications of the movement. Labor relations programs are
interdisciplinary, often incorporating elements of historical,
political, women's, African-American and sociological studies. Upon
completion of the program, graduates have an understanding of how the
economy impacts labor, contract bargaining and enforcement, labor
movement theories and labor organization functions.
Associate degree programs in labor relations typically run around 60
credits and include a combination of general education and core courses.
Some associate degree programs can be completed entirely online.
Students discuss assignments and other issues with fellow classmates and
instructors through online discussion forums. Students can also
communicate via e-mail and telephone.
Online labor relations students across all degree levels should
typically have basic computer skills, such as the ability to download
software and plug-in updates, send e-mail messages and format documents.
Recommended technical requirements include a computer not older than
three years and an updated Internet browser. Software requirements may
include Microsoft Office, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader.
Sample Online Associate-Level Labor Relations Courses
Associate degree coursework provides students with a basic overview
of the interaction between workers, employers and labor unions.
Societal Impact of Labor Course
An online course covering labor's impact on society often serves as
an introductory course to labor studies. The course explores the role
organized labor has played in the development of social policies and
impact on workers.
Labor History Course
This course provides an overview on the history of the labor
movement, exploring the origins and progression of labor unions.
Students learn about various struggles workers have faced over the
years, as well as the political impact of labor unions.
Labor Law Course
The online labor law course provides students a background on federal
labor relations law. It covers collective bargaining agreement
enforcement problems, unfair labor practices, employee rights and
representation elections.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations
Labor relations bachelor's degree programs emphasize interactions
between workers, unions and management. Graduates are well-versed in the
role of labor in a global context, role of politics in labor, social
impact of labor unions, employment relations, employment law and labor
history. They're also able to view employment relations from the
perspective of both a worker and employer. In addition to a strong
background in labor studies, online bachelor's degree labor relations
programs emphasize the development of research, writing and
communications skills.
Distance education bachelor's degree programs in labor relations are
commonly around 120 credit hours. While some bachelor's degree programs
can be completed entirely online, some programs are hybrid and require
weekend campus visits and in-person work with faculty advisors. Students
can access discussions, assignments, library resources and
self-assessments all online. In some cases, coursework can be completed
either over an entire semester or in a more intensive, compressed
format.
Sample Online Bachelor's-Level Labor Relations Courses
Online and hybrid bachelor's degree programs in labor relations or
labor studies cover much of the same information introduced as part of
an associate degree program. More in-depth topics on the inner workings
of labor unions, employers and the interactions between the two are also
covered. For example, students learn about the processes behind
grievance procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
Contemporary Labor Problems Course
Students enrolled in a contemporary labor problems course study the
various challenges facing both workers and the labor movement, including
globalization and international trade, health care, increasing
unemployment and environmental issues. Minority and women's rights,
union democracy and international union alliances may also be explored.
Union Organizing Course
In this course, union organizing in both the public and private
sectors may be explored. Innovative strategies and traditional
approaches to labor organizing, such as committee building, are covered.
Additional topics covered may include organizing theories and community
organizers.
Grievance Procedures Representation Course
The grievance representation course provides students instruction in
workplace union representation. Topics explored include labor law and
the role the union steward plays in writing and investigating
grievances. Examples of grievances may include labor-management
conflicts surrounding issues such as sexual harassment, workplace safety
and worker insubordination.
Collective Bargaining Course
Students taking part in a collective bargaining course study the
negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
Topics covered may include negotiation tactics, collective bargaining
patterns and legal considerations in collective bargaining agreements.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Labor Relations
Distance learning master's degree programs, which are available in
hybrid format and, more rarely, entirely online, commonly attract trade
unionists, union officials, labor arbitrators, journalists, political
advocates, contract negotiators and
human resource management
workers looking for advanced knowledge of labor-management relations or
career advancement. Master's degree programs may also provide students
the opportunity to focus on areas such as community and labor
leadership, labor market public policy, diversity and workplace
governance.
Hybrid labor relations programs often necessitate that students
complete some coursework on campus, with some online course options.The
distance learning environment is made easier for students through online
orientation sessions and courses tailored to accommodate varying levels
of computer savvy. Students undertaking studies via distance education
formats also often have the opportunity to work with advisors to develop
their online program. Reading, listening, writing and discussion
assignments are all required. Although there are usually no set class
times for online courses, they do have set start and end dates, as well
as set assignment deadlines.
Sample Online Master's-Level Labor Relations Courses
Master's degree programs covering labor relations tend to place more
emphasis on global, technological, political and social issues impacting
the relationship between employers and their employees.
Comparative Labor Movements Course
Students in this course explore and compare the development of unions
and industrial relations throughout the world. Topics covered may
include union interactions with political organizations, resolution of
workplace issues and national labor policies.
Labor and the Global Workplace Course
This course focuses on the impact of globalization on workers and
unions and covers the lot of workers in the U.S. as compared with other
nations. The harmful and beneficial impact of free trade agreements,
global competition, technological innovations, sweatshops and other
third-world working conditions are covered.
Associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in labor relations
prepares graduates to work as human resource and labor relations
professionals in settings such as labor unions, government agencies and
non-profit organizations. A bachelor's degree program can better prepare
graduates for more advanced positions, such as labor relations or
employee benefit managers, but completion of a graduate program
incorporating advanced study in law and industrial relations may be
necessary for positions as arbitrators, mediators or contract
negotiators.
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