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Ethnic Studies, Graduate Certificate
Coursework required for this graduate certificate provides students an exploration of the socially constructed concepts of race and ethnicity. Examination of historical factors affecting racial and ethnic stratification in the United States and the global scatterings of ethnic peoples through diasporic events such as war, enslavement, persecution, economic displacement, starvation, or ethnic cleansing will provide students with a firm foundation for work or academic advancement in this area.
Requirements Accordion Open
- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
- No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
- No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
- A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
- A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
- Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Certificate Requirements
Take the following 15 units:
- Core Requirements (3 units):
- U.S. Ethnic Diversity Requirement - select from the following (9 units):
- Diaspora/Global Requirement - select from the following (3 units):
Students may not transfer any courses from other universities into this program. No more than 6 units applied to another program can be counted towards this certificate. No more than 6 credit hours can be taken from a single discipline other than Ethnic Studies.
*Only some topics are permissible; consult with the Ethnic Studies Director.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Additional information
The graduate certificate will dive deep into ethnic studies and cultural diversity. The certificate program has a core focus that strengthens your understanding and analytical skills to prepare you for a competitive career. You can obtain the certificate in ethnic studies even if your current graduate degree is in another area. The required course, "ES 600: Critical approaches to Ethnic Studies", provides a comprehensive overview of the multidisciplinary field of Ethnic studies. Other courses are drawn from fields including:- women’s and gender studies
- politics and international affairs
- sociology
- history
- English
- education
- Spanish
- anthropology
- criminal justice