Ethnic Studies: AA Degree
The Associate's of the Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies will provide students with a critical understanding of the complex and diverse experiences and contributions of major ethnic groups in the United States including African Americans, Chicanx/Latinx Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans, and Arab Americans.
Career Opportunities
An Associate's of the Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies prepares students for a major in Ethnic Studies (and/or any of its constituent disciplines such as African American Studies, Native American Studies, Chicanx/Latinx American Studies, and Asian Pacific Islander American Studies) at a 4-year institution. With a Bachelor's of the Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies, one can obtain a teacher's credential or obtain a Master's of the Arts Degree or Doctorate in Ethnic Studies. With a Bachelor's of the Arts and/or an advanced degree in Ethnic Studies, one can pursue a profession as: an educator in the disciplines of Humanities, Social Sciences, English, or specifically Ethnic Studies; an administrator at the K-12, community college, or university level; or a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. One can also work for corporations, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies with a mission to serve, centralize, and/or work in partnership with underrepresented communities. In addition to the above, an educational background in Ethnic Studies is instrumental within industries including but not restricted to: law, healthcare, community organizing, housing and development, STEAM, public health and human services, visual/performing/literary arts, journalism, and entertainment.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the intersection of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, class and sexual orientation within major ethnic groups in the United States.
- Critically assess the artistic, religious, philosophical, social, and historical influences of diverse ethnic groups on the development of society of the United States.
- Critically assess the interplay between gender, class, religion, ethnicity and sexuality when examining women of various ethnic backgrounds in the United States.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (21 units) | ||
| ETHS-100 | Ethnic Studies 1 | 3 |
| ETHS-101 | 3 | |
| ETHS-111 | Native American Studies | 3 |
| ETHS-112 | 3 | |
| ETHS-113 | Chicanx Studies | 3 |
| ETHS-160 | Filipina/x/o American Studies | 3 |
| ETHS-161 | Asian Pacific Islander American Studies | 3 |
| Restricted Electives: List A (3 units) | ||
| Complete one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Women's Ethnic Heritage in the United States | ||
| Critical Mixed Race Studies | ||
| Restricted Electives: List B (3 units) | ||
| Complete one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Latin American Studies | ||
| Global Women's Ethnic Heritage | ||
| Survey of Native American Literature | ||
| Survey of African American Literature | ||
| Chicano and Latinx Literature | ||
| African American History | ||
| Total Units | 27 | |
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.