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 | The American Mind 2 | 3 |
| ETHS-111 | Native American Studies | 3 |
| ETHS-112 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 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 and the Health, Wellness and Self Development graduation requirement to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.