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The Union Leadership and Activism (ULA) programs are innovative, limited-residency tracks for our Master’s degree in Labor Studies. Join other labor leaders, staff and activists in camaraderie and solidarity to explore the labor movement —where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we need to be.

Who:

Rank-and-file activists, union officers, staff, political activists, worker center employees, and community organizers who have jobs. Basically, if you're deeply committed to the labor movement or an adjacent field, this program might be right for you.

When:

Courses are offered during ten-day residencies in January and July. (Information for Educators)

During each residency, participants take two (2) four-credit courses: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Students complete writing assignments upon returning home. The degree can be completed in 2.5 years. 

Students must attend four residencies to complete the program and earn their Master’s degree. The course syllabi, a list of required books, and links to electronic copies of readings are sent to students in advance of each residency. 

What:

The skills you need to become a more powerful organizer and strategist.
The theory to deeply inform your goals and methods.
The political understanding to leverage power successfully and get big wins.

Our curriculum provides an important grounding in the economic, political, and legal thinking as we interrogate issues around race, immigration, gender, and the working class in a global economy. Our faculty are respected scholars with union experience that allows them to create courses that are both academically strong and practically based.

Many unions cover some or all of the costs of attending the ULA program and a limited number of scholarships may be available.

ULA Intensive Dates:

July 14-24, 2024
January 12-22, 2025
July 13-23, 2025
January 11-21, 2026
July 12-22, 2026
January 10-20, 2027
July 11-21, 2027

ULA for Educators

Spring semesters: Online for 10 weeks starting in February
In-person for "Fall" classes:
July 14-24, 2024
July 13-23, 2025
July 12-22, 2026
July 11-21, 2027

For Information on either of the ULA Limited-Residency Master’s Degree Programs:

Nellie Taylor
Associate Director
(413) 545-4875
nellietaylor@umass.edu

Jasmine Kerrissey
Labor Center Director
(413) 545-4065

jasmine@umass.edu