The Graduate Center for Worker Education is comprised of faculty from the Departments of Political Science and Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College. There are currently four Master degree programs:
Master of Arts Degree in Political Science
The M.A. in Political Science concentrates on Urban Policy and Administration. All political science courses are taught by an experienced faculty with a broad range of contacts with government agencies, community-based organizations and labor institutions. Students develop skills in policy analysis, organizational theory, and the application of statistical concepts applied to administrative and management abilities. The program provides theoretical and practical understanding of the criminal justice system, labor organizations, racial and ethnic politics, public policy processes, and New York City government. Internships are available. Students complete the program with a Masters Seminar. Graduates find professional opportunities in city, state, and federal government agencies; not-for-profit and community-based organizations; unions; foundations; and hospitals. Alumni have also pursued careers in electoral politics. Others have continued their studies in doctoral and law degree programs.
Master of Arts in Community Health
The concentration in Community Health Education provides training for advanced practice in this field. Studies include planning, strategic analysis, and organizing of health care services; epidemiology; human resources management in health care; computer applications in health sciences, and an internship. The program prepares students for the examination for national certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). The concentration in thanatology includes an internship that partially fulfills the requirements for obtaining national certification as a death educator (CDE) or grief counselor (CGC).
Master of Public Health
In all concentrations students receive a thorough foundation in the principles and issues of public health, public policy and in scientific concerns of epidemiology, environmental health, and biostatistics. The courses focus on such urban health issues as responses to chronic and infectious diseases; violence; occupational and environmental hazards; and health disparities affecting minority communities, women, and the poor. Graduates of the program find positions in governmental agencies, research institutions, hospitals, and community-based organizations. The concentration in Health Care Policy and Administration is offered by the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences in cooperation with the Department of Political Science. The Graduate Center for Worker Education maintains relations with SEIU Local 1199, the National Health Care Workers Union.
Master of Science in Nutrition
The degree is for those seeking careers in clinical dietetics, nutrition research, nutrition counseling, community service and food service management. Studies include metabolism, community nutrition, food and culture, and alternative therapies. To become a registered dietitian (RD), students must complete the American Dietetic Association Accredited Dietetic Internship (DI).