Ethnic Studies
Overview
Programs in ethnic studies teach people about the history, sociology, and politics of North American racial and ethnic groups.Ethnic studies programs include topics such as:
- Ethnic and cultural studies
- Group psychology
- Conflict resolution
- Human services and resources
- Sociology
Concentrations
In ethnic studies programs, students may be able to specialize in intercultural/multicultural and diversity studies.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in ethnic studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in ethnic studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Many colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in ethnic studies. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments, such as history, anthropology, or sociology.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in ethnic studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- African-American and Black Studies
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Asian-American Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Latin American Studies
- Latino Studies
- Native American Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Sociology
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Anthropologists
- Archeologists
- Archivists
- Curators
- Economists
- Foreign Service Officers
- Geographers
- High School Teachers
- Historians
- Interpreters and Translators
- Market Research Analysts
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Political Scientists
- Sociologists
- University and College Teachers
- Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced English Composition courses
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Contemporary Social Problems
- Culture and Ethnic Relationships
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Language
- Literature, Folklore, and Film
- Political Systems
- Religion and Philosophy
- Sociology
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in ethnic studies typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Some programs focus on select countries and languages.
You may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, or studying in a country or region of the world. This gives you an immersion experience and the chance to practice your language skills with native speakers.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Highline College
- Ethnic Studies
North Seattle College
- American Ethnic Studies Pre-Major