Course List - Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies and Employment Relations
Requirements for the Major
A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.
| Prescribed Courses (15 credits) | ||
| ECON 102* | Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution. |
3 credits |
| ECON 315* | Labor Economics Economic analysis of employment, earnings, and the labor market; labor relations; related government policies. |
3 credits |
| LER 100 | Employment Relations Introductory analysis of the employment relationship and of the interrelated interests of managements, workers, unions, and the public. |
3 credits |
| LER 458Y | History of Work in America A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877. |
3 credits |
| PSYCH 281* | Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology Personnel selection, training, accident prevention, morale, and organizational behavior. |
3 credits |
*Six credits of these courses may also be double-counted as general education courses.
| Additional Courses (9–10 credits) | ||
| LER 136 | Race, Gender, and Employment Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality. |
3 credits |
| LER 201 | Employment Relationship: Law and Policy An examination of basic legal principles underlying the employment relationship and their social, political, and economic bases. |
3 credits |
| LER 312 | Research Methods in Labor Studies and Employment Relations Provides an understanding of social science research as employed in the field of human resources and employment relations. |
4 credits |
| LER 401 | The Law of Labor-Management Relations Development of Anglo-American law regulating collective bargaining, with emphasis on American labor-management relations under Wagner, Taft-Hartley, and other acts. |
3 credits |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas (15 credits) Select 9–12 credits in consultation with an adviser from the LER department. At least 9 credits must be at the 400 level. |
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| LER 136 | Race, Gender, and Employment Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality. |
3 credits |
| LER 201 | Employment Relationship: Law and Policy An examination of basic legal principles underlying the employment relationship and their social, political, and economic bases. |
3 credits |
| LER 401 | The Law of Labor-Management Relations Development of Anglo-American law regulating collective bargaining, with emphasis on American labor-management relations under Wagner, Taft-Hartley, and other acts. |
3 credits |
| LER 424 | Employment Compensation Development and management of employee compensation systems. |
3 credits |
| LER 425 | Employee Benefits The examination of employee benefits programs used by employers to meet the welfare needs of employees and their families. |
3 credits |
| LER 426 | Staffing and Training Strategies in Organizations This course focuses on the theory and practice of human resource staffing and training in organizations. |
3 credits |
| LER 434 | Collective Bargaining and Contract Administration Theory, practice, and economic impact of collective bargaining, including administration of the collective bargaining agreement. |
3 credits |
| LER 435 | Labor Relations in the Public Sector Analysis of labor relations problems within different areas of public employment. |
3 credits |
| LER 445Y | Politics of Affirmative Action Examines history, politics, and economics of the use of special programs to advance racial interests in the U.S. |
3 credits |
| LER 458Y | History of Work in America A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877. |
3 credits |
| LER 460 | Human Resources Ethics Ethics of human resources management. |
3 credits |
| LER/OLEAD 464 | Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations Theory- and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations. |
3 credits |
| LER/OLEAD 465 | Collective Decision Making Application of theories of decision making to work-related issues in groups and organizations requiring collective resolution and action. |
3 credits |
| Select 3–6 credits in consultation with an adviser from the LER department. | ||
| PSYCH 484 | Work Attitudes and Motivation Survey of theory and research with respect to attitudes, morale, and motivation of employees and management. |
3 credits |
| PSYCH 485 | Leadership in Work Settings Review of research and application of behavior principles in the areas of management and supervision. |
3 credits |
| SOC 455 | Work and Occupations Work and occupational life in modern society; work in the past, present, and future. |
3 credits |
Please note: Among the above degree requirements, students should incorporate at least 3 credits in US cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in writing across the curriculum courses. The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.