Welcome

In this program, you will learn to:

  • define race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality—and analyze the differences
  • analyze the history and culture of major racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.
  • question racial and cultural realities that inform the beliefs, actions and ideologies of Americans in local, regional, and national contexts
  • distinguish differences between and similarities among ethnic communities
  • analyze areas of stratification (race, ethnicity, gender, class, etc) and their relationships to equity and power
  • build relationships with organizations that can strengthen racialized communities while paving the way for multicultural and multiracial relationships

This program focuses on the worlds and realities of four major under-represented groups:

  • African Americans
  • Chican@s/Latin@s
  • Asian Americans
  • Native Americans
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman, Civil Rights activist 

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    Asian_immigrants

    What is ethnic studies?

    Ethnic Studies promotes respect and understanding among different races and ethnic groups, supports student success, and teaches critical thinking skills that are applicable in every personal encounter and professional engagement.  Research confirms that exposure to ethnic studies has positive academic and social outcomes for students.  In increasingly diverse “global” environments, a systematic analysis of power and cross-racial interaction can provide the competitive advantage necessary for success.

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    Rug_and_flower

    Degrees and programs

    You can earn a minor in Ethnic Studies, or a graduate certificate.  

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    Group_of_happy_students

    Student involvement

    African Student Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Black Student Union (BSU), MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil de Aztlán), HAPA, Gamma Alpha Omega (GOA) sorority, Hispanic Honor Society, Omega Delta Phi fraternity, Native American Business Organization (NABO), and NAU Repeal Coalition, are just a few of the student service learning opportunities that reflect the history and cultures of different racial and ethnic groups.

Is the ethnic studies program right for you?  Take our quiz to find out.