About

What is Labor Studies?

UCLA Labor Studies offers a wide-ranging curriculum on work, labor systems, and the social, political, and economic forces that shape the world.

In the United States, work is about more than just “making a living.” Our jobs shape identity, community, and life opportunities, yet access to safe, fulfilling, and fair work remains deeply unequal across race, immigration status, gender, sexuality, ability, education, and economic status.

Labor Studies equips students with tools from sociology, economics, political science, ethnic studies, and history, as well as law, policy, and public health, to analyze and challenge systems of inequality in modern society.

Grounded in social movement theory, working-class history, and experiential learning, the UCLA Department of Labor Studies connects academic study with real-world engagement. Through community internships and research programs, students work directly with labor organizations and workers, conduct innovative research, and learn to recognize their own experiences and those of their communities as sources of knowledge and scholarship.

Labor Studies is a multidisciplinary field focused on work and inequality in modern societies, bridging academic research with community knowledge through partnerships with labor, community, and government organizations.

Labor Studies Major & Minor Offerings

Labor Studies Courses

Our courses provide students with high-quality academic coursework and applied research skills around the current and future state of work in the US and abroad. For a complete list of courses offered in Labor Studies, please view our course listings below.

The Labor Summer Research Program

The Labor Summer Research Program is a research seminar with fieldwork; a way to augment traditional classroom-based learning with experiential learning in a community setting with direct engagement in labor and workplace issues. This summer program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an applied research experience focused on the Los Angeles labor movement that is leading national efforts to promote social justice for working people.

Community Internships in Labor-related Organizations

Community Internships in Labor-related Organizations offered through the Labor Studies program connect students with professionals, community activists, and the public to gain critical perspectives on the program’s core subjects.

Course Offerings

View full list of Labor Studies Courses:

• Winter 2026
• Spring 2026
• Summer 2026
• Master list of Approved and Related Courses.

Please note that enrollment in Labor Studies courses (LBR STD) is restricted to Labor Studies students during 1st pass. The enrollment restriction will be lifted for 2nd pass.

If you have questions about coursework and requirements, please feel free to book an academic advising appointment.