Ethnic Studies is a discipline that studies the history, experiences, cultures and problems faced by racial and ethnic groups. It is an interdisciplinary study that draws on the perspectives of history, sociology, politics, anthropology and other disciplines to provide a broader understanding of the experiences of people who have been marginalised because of their race and ethnicity.

The subject provides in-depth knowledge about the cultural heritage, political issues, language, and identity of various ethnic groups and pursuing academic excellence and intellectual rigour, Ethnic Studies contributes to the global debate on human freedom. The program teaches students the social dynamics of race, racism, structural violence, colonialism, legalised discrimination, assimilation and the consequent effects of such processes. By studying power and its relationship to race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality, students develop an understanding of historical movements towards social change, resistance and emancipation.

The core curriculum of Ethnic Studies grounds students intellectually, theoretically and methodologically with classes in Social Research, Youth and Activism, Education and Society, Social Problems, Human Rights, Global Justice Movements, Mapping Communities, etc. Throughout their study, students will learn to investigate historical, racial and ethnic conflicts and analyse strategies to solve such issues. Additionally, students will develop valuable research, writing, critical, social as well as cultural awareness skills.

Study Levels:

Different universities offer study programs in Ethnic Studies at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels and these are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in American and Ethnic Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Black Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in History and Civilizations
• Bachelor Degree in Indigenous Knowledge, History, and Heritage
• Bachelor Degree in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
• Bachelor of Arts in Race and Ethnic Studies
• Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies
• Master of Arts in Race, Education, and Decolonial Thought
• Master of Science in Cultural Anthropology
• Master of Science in Migration, Ethnic Relations, and Multiculturalism
• Master of Arts in Heritage Studies
• Pre-master’s degree in Culture, Diaspora, and Ethnicity
• Pre-master’s degree in Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethnic Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History and Ethnology
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Anthropology

Specialisations:

Different universities across the world offer different areas of specialisations under Ethnic studies for students who want to focus and expand their knowledge in a specific area. Some of these include:

• Comparative Ethnic Studies
• Global Studies
• Asian Studies
• Black Studies
• East Asian Studies
• African Studies
• American Indian Studies
• Asian Diaspora Studies
• Chicano and Latino Studies
• Native American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Global Area Studies
• Ethnic Studies and Society
• Colonialism, Migration, and Diaspora
• State, Inequality, and Resistance
• Gender and Sexuality in Communities of Colour
• Identities and Representation

Employability:

A degree in Ethnic Studies provides students with theoretical understandings of the history, experiences and cultures of racial and ethnic groups and it prepares students for a variety of occupations where knowledge and understanding of these groups is essential. These occupations may include working in both private and public sectors such as in education, diversity training, social services, immigrant rights activism, federal, state, tribal and local government and community service, public health education and policy, unions, resource development, media, archival and museum studies, non-profit agencies, politics and professional programs.

Possible job roles for graduates include:

• Administrative Analyst
• Diversity Specialist
• Bilingual Education Consultant
• Community Organization Worker
• Immigration Worker
• Foreign Service Officer
• Intelligence Analyst
• Teacher/Professor
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Curator
• Probation Officer
• Customs Officer
• Writer and Editor
• Paralegal
• Public Relations Manager
• Journalist
• International Relations Specialist
• Counsellor
• Tribal Government Worker
• Union Organiser