Graduate studies offer students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills by engaging oppression through interdisciplinary literature. Students are expected to master the fundamental developments of Ethnic Studies and further apply this knowledge to the world. Core curriculum guides students’ ability to utilize intersectional analysis of race, class, gender and sexuality, to dissect oppression and liberation in national and international contexts. By tracking the developments of oppression and liberation, students gain an understanding of history as developing phases of consciousness. This valuable lesson provides our scholars the insight to contemporary social tensions and the foresight of potential directions of social thought. The program recognizes the importance not only of the history of racial exclusion and marginalization but also the creative ways in which various racial groups sustain their humanity through cultural preservation, transference, and renewal. Ethnic Studies is committed to nurturing students to become culturally aware, astute, civic-minded individuals who strive to strengthen the communities in which they reside.

Data collected from Ethnic Studies and Women Studies Programs at other universities confirms that career options are indeed available. Students with Ethnic Studies training can expect to obtain skills in creative and critical thinking, analyzing, researching, and an ability to interact well with diverse populations. They will also gain a competitive advantage in: Education: K-12 and adult education (e.g. refugee/immigrant education, diversity training in the private sector) Human Social Services: Counseling, Health Care, Civil Service Federal, State, Tribal & Local government and community service Natural Resources development and technology transfer: practices, economics, and law in ethnic contexts Communications media: newspaper, radio, video and television Archival and museum studies Non-profit Agencies Advanced studies: graduate programs in the social sciences and professional programs (e.g. Law, Social Work).