Division of Labor Studies
The Division of Labor Studies traces its origin to the establishment of the
Bureau of Industrial and Labor Services on the Bloomington campus in 1955.
Renamed the Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) in 1964, this unit had a
small staff conducting noncredit courses, conferences, and institutes around the
state.
In the early 1970s, LERC grew and began to establish offices on other Indiana
University campuses. In 1976, LERC became the Division of Labor Studies within
the School of Continuing Studies. Programs were established leading to the
Certificate in Labor Studies and to the Associate and Bachelor of General
Studies degrees with concentrations in labor studies. In 1985, these two degree
concentrations were extensively revised and became full-fledged majors in
Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees.
The Division of Labor Studies continues to offer an extensive noncredit Union
Education Program (UEP) to meet the needs of unions throughout the state. For
more information, see"Union Education Program."
Certificate, Minor, and Degrees
Through the Division of Labor Studies, Indiana University offers a
Certificate in Labor Studies, a minor in labor studies, an Associate of Science
in Labor Studies degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies degree. Each
combines work in a core of labor studies subjects with courses in other
disciplines.
The division has a long history of working with unions in the state of
Indiana to develop and deliver educational programs. These programs are
coordinated by members of the Division of Labor Studies faculty. They, along
with associate faculty members, also instruct the courses. Faculty
qualifications typically combine academic credentials with union backgrounds.
Labor studies programs are also available to people who cannot enroll in
classroom-based courses on Indiana University campuses where the program is
offered. By enrolling in labor studies courses through correspondence study, one
can complete a growing number of courses. The Division of Labor Studies works
closely with the Division of Extended Studies and its Independent Study Program.
Both classroom and correspondence methods offer the ability to transfer
course work completed at most other accredited colleges and universities to
Indiana University. On-campus participants have the option of applying for
credit for self-acquired competency (SAC) by completing a substantial portfolio
and an interview. Credit for military service and for successful completion of
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests in several subjects is available.
Participants may also mix classroom and correspondence study courses.
Labor Studies Certificate and Degree Requirements
Courses from three groupings are used by students to complete certificate and
degree requirements. These groupings are labor studies courses, required areas
of learning, and electives. The chart above shows the credit hour distribution
required for each certificate and degree in labor studies.
Additional Requirements
For the Associate of Science in Labor Studies degree, at least 12 credit
hours must be earned from Indiana University, 10 of these after admission to the
School of Continuing Studies. No more than 15 credit hours may be earned within
a single subject other than labor studies.
For the Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies degree, at least 24 credit hours
must be earned from Indiana University, 20 of these after admission to the
School of Continuing Studies. No more than 21 credit hours may be earned within
a single subject other than labor studies. Thirty (30) credit hours must be
earned in 300- and 400-level courses, and at least 12 of the 30 credit hours
must be earned in labor studies courses. Credits earned by self-acquired
competency, DANTES and CLEP cannot be applied to these requirements.
For the Certificate in Labor Studies and both the associate and bachelor’s
degrees, an overall minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C) must be maintained.
Courses in which grades of D are received may be counted only as electives. For
the associate and bachelor’s degrees, courses within a major area must be in
at least two different subjects. For additional standards, see the section of
this bulletin titled ‘‘Academic Policies.’’
A minor in labor studies requires the completion of 15 credit hours
consisting of 6 credits from our list of core courses and 9 additional credits
to be determined through consultation with the campus faculty.
Required Areas of Learning
Following are representative subjects and courses falling under each of the
three major areas of learning listed under certificate and degree requirements.
Note that ENG W131 and one additional writing course within the arts and
humanities area are required for degree programs. Also, only one computer
technology course applies to the science and mathematics requirement. Additional
courses in computer technology count as electives. For information about
subjects not listed here (for example, women’s studies) and about specific
courses, contact a Division of Labor Studies office.
Labor Studies Credit Hour Requirements
| Subgroup |
Certificate in Labor Studies |
Associate of Science in Labor Studies |
Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies |
| Core courses | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Additional labor studies | 3 | 12 | 27 |
| Arts and humanities | 3 | 121 | 121 |
| Social and behavioral sciences | 3 | 92 | 122 |
| Science and mathematics | 3 | 63 | 154 |
| Additional credit hours from one area above | 3 | | 12 |
| Electives | | 6 | 27 |
| Total credit hours | 30 | 60 | 120 |
Arts and Humanities
Afro-American Studies
Classical Studies
Comparative Literature
English
Fine Arts
Folklore
History
History and Philosophy of Science
Journalism
Music
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Speech and Communications
Theater and Drama
All language courses
Sciences and Mathematics
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science/Technology
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Zoology
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
Linguistics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Electives
Students may select any of the courses offered by Indiana University to
fulfill elective requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with their
academic advisors and to concentrate their elective course work in related
subject fields.
Application and Admission
The certificate and degree programs in the Division of Labor Studies are open
to all qualified high school graduates or persons with the General Education
Development (GED) certificate. Adults over 21 who do not meet these requirements
may be admitted on a provisional basis and may apply for regular admission upon
successful completion of 12 credit hours. Applicants must submit the following:
- A completed application for admission to the Labor Studies Program
- A nonrefundable application fee payable to Indiana University, if the
applicant has not previously been admitted to Indiana University
- A high school transcript, if there is no college work.
- An official transcript of previous college work, mailed by the college
Applicants should forward all application materials to the Division of Labor
Studies office on the campus where they intend to enroll. For addresses, see the
list on page 12 of this bulletin. Applicants who do not live within commuting
distance of a campus and who wish to participate through Independent Study by
Correspondence should send materials to the Bloomington office, attention
External Study. International students should request the international
application for admission and related materials from the Bloomington office.
Citizens of other countries, including those in the United States on
immigration visas, must also submit TOEFL scores and a 300- to 500-word
handwritten essay. The essay is to be written on a topic of the student’s
choice and may include autobiographical information. Students who intend to
pursue the degree on an Indiana University campus must also submit the
international application for admission.
Transferring Credit
When official transcripts are received, they will be forwarded to the
admissions office for evaluation. Within a few weeks the applicant should
receive official notice of admission and a credit transfer report indicating
which courses are accepted at Indiana University (generally those in which the
applicant earned grades of C or better from accredited institutions). The
Division of Labor Studies office will then prepare a summary of how these
courses apply to labor studies certificate and degree requirements.
At this point, if not before, students should proceed to plan their programs
in consultation with their advisors and to enroll in courses. Students should
check with the Division of Labor Studies office on the campus where they plan to
enroll for schedules and directions.
Correspondence participants should contact the Bloomington office for
advising and should use the booklet titled Independent Study University
Courses.
Application Fees
Applicants who have not previously attended Indiana University must pay a
nonrefundable application fee at the time they submit their application.
Application fees vary from campus to campus and are subject to change. Current
fees for U.S. citizens/international students are as follows:
University-wide (non-campus-based) $30
IU Bloomington $35
IUPUI (Indianapolis) $35
IU Kokomo $30
IU Northwest (Gary) $25
IPFW (Fort Wayne) $30
IU South Bend $35
International Students $50
Deadlines
Students who wish to take regular on-campus courses should check with the
Division of Labor Studies office on that campus for any application and
enrollment deadlines.
Progress Options
One or more of the methods listed in this section may provide the labor
studies participant a means of receiving Indiana University credit without
taking conventional classroom-based courses. This allows accelerated progress
toward a labor studies degree. With prior approval, a maximum of 6 credit hours
of graduate-level course work can be applied to the Bachelor of General Studies
degree. The application of more than 6 graduate credit hours must have the dean’s
approval.
College Level Examination Program
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) has tests available in a variety
of subject areas. Students whose scores exceed a certain level on tests accepted
by Indiana University receive credit (3 credit hours for most exams). CLEP
brochures are available at Division of Labor Studies offices.
Independent Study by Correspondence
Students who do not have access to an Indiana University campus may take
courses through Independent Study by correspondence. Campus-based students may
also complete degree requirements through correspondence study.
The Indiana University Independent Study Program offers more than 200
university-level correspondence courses. Students enrolling in independent study
courses receive a learning guide that contains reading assignments for the
required textbooks, discussion sections, and written assignments. Lessons are
sent to an instructor, who comments on and grades student work. Most courses
have one or more examinations, which must be taken under supervision at an
accredited school. Students are allowed one year to complete a course.
External labor studies participants should request course listings and
enrollment forms from the Bloomington office. This office advises and maintains
academic records for all persons not based on an Indiana University campus.
Credit for Military Service
Depending on the length and type of training received, students may receive
up to 6 credit hours based on military service. Additional credit may be awarded
for special training programs in the military. This credit can be applied only
as elective credit for the labor studies degrees. To apply, participants should
present their DD-214 form and, if applicable, training completion certificates
to the Division of Labor Studies office.
Credit for Self-Acquired Competency
Upon successful completion of 12 credit hours in labor studies, participants
may apply for up to 15 hours of self-acquired competency (SAC) credit to go
toward the Associate of Science degree and up to 30 (including any applied to
the associate degree) toward the Bachelor of Science degree. SAC credit can be
awarded for learning gained outside the university and may be based on a wide
variety of experiences. Labor studies students can apply for SAC credit on the
basis of learning derived from their union activities.
Self-acquired competency refers to learning, or competency, that can be
documented. SAC credit is not granted simply for ‘‘time served.’’ Thus,
it is not granted on the basis of the number of terms served as a union officer.
Nor is it multiplied by the number of times the same experience has been
repeated. A secretary-treasurer who has performed the same functions for four
terms is not likely to receive significantly more credit than one who has
performed the same functions, and has learned as much, from one or two terms.
SAC credit is of two types: (1) Course-specific credit is granted where the
applicant’s competency is substantially equivalent to the competency that is
expected after completion of an Indiana University course. Credit for the
specific course is awarded. (2) General credit is granted for competency that is
not the exact equivalent of competency gained from completing a specific IU
course but is nevertheless the equivalent of college learning. This is the only
form of SAC credit available outside of the Division of Labor Studies.
Tuition for SAC credit is the same as for Independent Study courses.
In general, the following procedures and limitations govern the awarding of
credit for self-acquired competency:
• A student must be admitted to the Labor Studies Program, have
successfully completed 12 credit hours in Labor Studies, and be in good standing
before any credit for self-acquired competency is awarded.
• A maximum of 15 credit hours of self-acquired competency credit may be
applied to the Associate of Science in Labor Studies and a maximum of 30 hours
of credit to the Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies.
How to Apply
The process of building a SAC portfolio is time-consuming. It begins with the
development of a resume and the listing of experiences that may have led to
college-level competency. The portfolio is then organized and phrased to
demonstrate the connection to specific labor studies courses or to general areas
of knowledge in labor studies. Finally, appropriate documentation is added.
Each portfolio is evaluated by two members of the Division of Labor Studies
faculty, who also interview the applicant. Supplementary materials and
counseling are available from labor studies faculty on campuses offering the
program. Students applying for SAC credit may be required to come to an Indiana
University campus for an interview as part of the SAC evaluation.
Transfer of Self-Acquired Competency Credit within Indiana
University
Self-acquired competency credit awarded by the faculty of one Indiana
University campus is recorded and explained on the student’s permanent record.
Such credit will be honored, therefore, on any other Indiana University campus
to which the student may transfer in order to complete the associate or bachelor’s
degree in labor studies. The student should be aware, however, that such credit
will not necessarily be honored by other degree programs of Indiana University
or by other institutions.
Footnotes
1 ENG W131 and one additional writing course required
2 One course in economics required; microeconomics recommended
3 One course in computer science/technology recommended
4 One course in computer science/technology required
