Major in Ethnic Studies

Education as a Public Good/Necessity 

As part of a Liberal Arts education, robust knowledge of the United States and the broader world requires the study of race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity in their intersections with gender, sexuality, class, religion, nation, and dis/ability. We treat these issues not as many disciplines have done, as parochial or supplementary, but as crucial to any quality education. Ethnic Studies is at the forefront of centralizing race in education. Our curriculum is designed to generate extensive, in-depth knowledge on a broad suite of topics. Our faculty are committed to helping build just, healthy multi-racial democracy. Students build critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as tools to be used in all facets of life. Of special importance to us is honoring the struggles and celebrating the achievements of our predecessors and contemporaries. Their wisdom is a wayfinder through a rapidly- changing, increasingly-complex world. We learn from the past to build futures in which all of us may truly flourish.  

Empowerment 

Knowledge is valuable in itself but it is best as a means to self- and community empowerment. We are dedicated to providing students with the resources to pursue their curiosities and goals within social and political contexts. Faculty aim to be supportive rather than didactic. We encourage students to design methods appropriate for the issue at hand rather than apply stale theories. Students learn to acquire and produce knowledge in various ways, such as: oral history, literary and media analysis, and community-based participatory research. Through our program, students refine critical and creative thinking, research, and styles of communication. They become remarkably adept at engaging diverse, complex issues in society and the workplace.  

Community 

At the heart of Ethnic Studies is community. While the university, workplace, and society may feel isolating at times, Ethnic Studies offers a rare space of belonging. We embrace everyone in our community as an important colleague and powerful visionary. We affirm that collaboration is vital for individual growth and communal health. Our lifeways provide distinctive perspectives, and our entanglements enable transformation. Through our curriculum and programming faculty, students, and community members build connections working in collaboration with student, Auraria campus, and community organizations; other CU Denver programs and offices; regional Ethnic Studies programs; and scholars, artists, activists, and teachers from both within and outside the U.S. Among our highest aspirations is to cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationships and to help students develop lifelong skills as local, national, global citizens and leaders to engage in real-world problem solving.    

We welcome you here. 

A degree in Ethnic Studies sets you apart as a leader in an increasingly complex, multicultural world.    

People with a background in ethnic studies move into many careers. Some join academia, work in public health, education, criminal justice, psychology, community organizing, politics, healthcare or take positions in the fields of social justice or sustainability. Many of our students continue their education in medical, dental, or pharmacy school; as well as law school—especially immigration law. We are extremely proud of our alumni and you can learn about where many have gone post graduation.

Ethnic Studies prepares you for many careers by giving you career readiness competencies (from the NACE). These include:

• Skills in equity and inclusion
• Career and self-development
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Technical abilities

Graduate and Professional options

Some of our alumni continue their education with Master's and PhD level degrees in Ethnic Studies and other fields. Our graduates take many paths:

• Law School for careers in law or politics
• Medical School and science based degrees
• Public Policy to aid in careers in economic or community development and policy making
• Pursue your Ph.D.
• Master of Arts or Science in Psychology or their Master of Social Work to become counselors, psychologists, or social workers
• Master in Public Health to go into public policy and healthcare

No matter what career trajectory you are interested in you will find your Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies is a great place to start.

Your Degree in Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies: 33 hours

We design our curriculum with your current situation and future in mind. Our non-traditional student base comes from a variety of multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds. We focus on providing the best education to meet you where you are now, and propel you forward in your career and while we do offer on campus courses, you can choose to complete this degree completely online.

Coursework may include:

• African American History  
• Social History of Asian Americans 
• History of the American Indian  
• Chicano/a and Latino/a History 
• Research Methods in Ethnic Studies  
• Media and Ethnic Studies 
• Capstone in Ethnic Studies 

Core courses

Additionally you will have core courses to give you a well rounded CU Denver education. These courses give you a better understanding of the issues and skills you need to succeed.

CU Denver Core: 34 Hours 

You’ll be educated in:

• English and mathematics
• international and cultural diversity perspectives
• arts and humanities
• behavioral, physical, and social sciences

College of Liberal Arts and Science Core:15 Hours 

These courses give you a better understanding of the issues and skills you need to succeed.

Topics include:  

• Writing & presenting 
• Literature & culture 
• Behavioral science 
• Social sciences 
• Natural and physical sciences
• Mathematics

Electives and/or foreign language proficiency 

Foreign language coursework may be satisfied if you’ve taken a certain number of classes in high school. These electives give you the freedom to dive deeper into topics or courses that interest you.

Get a Dual Degree or add a certificate to your degree

Our program allows you to customize your college experience by getting a dual degree with your BA in Ethnic Studies or adding a certificate to another degree.

Popular dual degrees include Ethnic Studies with:

• Education
• Public Health
• Criminal Justice  
• Communications 
• Political Science 
• Sociology 
• Psychology—major or minor 
• International Studies

Get a Certificate in Ethnic Studies while working on your degree

• African American Studies Certificate 
• American Indian Studies Certificate 
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies Certificate 
• Cultural Diversity Certificate 
• LatinX Studies Certificate 

Other suggested combinations include:

• Education with an Ethnic Studies endorsement. Consider the Culturally Diverse Learners’ Program. This certificate is also offered at the graduate level through the School of Education
• Ethnic Studies major with a minor in Social Justice 
• Ethnic Studies major with an Immigration Studies Certificate 
• Ethnics Studies major with Environmental Stewardship of Indigenous Lands Certificate (Scholarships available!) 
• Ethnic Studies major with Women and Gender Studies

Upon completion of the Ethnic Studies BA, students will be able to  

• Explain theories and histories of marginalization and discrimination. Discuss the implications of biased treatment on contemporary events 
• Identify diverse social positions. Analyze how social position affects access  
• Describe the evolution and social construction of collective identities 
• Be aware of one’s own attitudes and identities in the context of cultural diversity. Recognize the connection between one’s own attitudes and identities and personal and professional interactions 
• Summarize the contributions and impact by diverse groups to institutions and society 

To learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes for this program, please visit our Ethnic Studies Learning Outcomes page. 

The cost of tuition for the BA in Ethnic Studies is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states may qualify for reduced tuition rates. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program requires students to maintain current residency in WICHE state until degree completion. 

Learn about the WUE program 

Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver undergraduate students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply here. 

Other opportunities

Many departments and offices at CU Denver offer student employment (including work-study, student hourly positions) through LynxConnect. Learn more here.

Admission Requirements 

If you are an incoming freshman to CU Denver (in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants), you can apply through either the Common Application or the Milo Application. Transfer students will need to submit the Milo Application.  

Incoming first-year students 

CU Denver requires that students complete the Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR). You will not have to meet all Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for admission, but you will need to complete CU Denver coursework by graduation. 

Transfer Students 

We have strong connections with other four-year and community colleges. If you have completed more than 24 credits of transferable coursework, you will be evaluated for admission on the basis of your college GPA without regard to your high school performance. If you have fewer than 24 credits, you will be evaluated based on both your high school and college GPAs. For more information and to plan your transfer, see transfer admissions in the admissions office. 

International Students 

You will need to begin your application through the Office of International Affairs. They will help you manage your application process. 

Apply to CU Denver

Spring

Domestic Application: January 1 
International Applications: Priority is September 15, and Final is October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications: May 15 
International Applications: Priority is January 15, and 
Final is March 15 

Fall

Domestic Applications: August 1
International Applications: Priority is March 15, and
 Final is May 15