Ethnic Studies
The Ethnic Studies program offers an interdisciplinary program that is academically committed to promoting multicultural and ethnic knowledge, skills and values. Students and faculty are involved in cultural activities outside the classroom environment including professional conferences, internship research, cultural events, student organizations, and short-term study abroad tours.
Careers in Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies programs equip students with valuable skills making them competitive for entry-level positions in government and business, and excellent preparation for doctoral programs in the social sciences and professional programs like Law (J.D.) and Business (MBA).- Case Manager
- Community Organizer
- Consultant
- Counselor
- Crisis Intervention
- Human Resources
Potential Salary
Median Salary $58,000
Ethnic Studies Degrees at MSU
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Business Corporate
Business Corporate: The Business/Corporate emphasis prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities where they can apply diversity and inclusion skills in business/corporate contexts, including recruiting, corporate sales management, and customer services. Students acquire knowledge in business, economics, accounting, and computer skills which can enrich any company.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–International Community and Human Services
This degree prepares students to work in diverse international settings, providing essential skills in diversity, inclusion, and human services. Graduates serve in public outreach organizations like UN refugee camps and civic groups, working alongside social workers, doctors, and specialists. They help individuals address challenges such as substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, and access to education.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Local Community and Human Services
The Local Community and Human Services emphasis prepares students for delivering services people in the community need. The field strives to help people from diverse backgrounds find the services and programs they need to better their communities, therefore the diversity and inclusion skills acquired are invaluable. Students are prepared for the following positions: community service manager, probation officer, mental health counselor, and other related positions.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Public/Government
The Public/Government emphasis offers comprehensive education and training for individuals interested in careers where they apply skills in public sector administration. The employment opportunities include administrative positions in public and private schools. The public sector provides public goods and governmental services in areas such as the military, police departments, public education, and healthcare, and therefore positions in these areas as well as within the government itself.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Racial/Ethnic Communities in the United States
The Racial/Ethnic Communities in the United States emphasis provides students with an understanding of the histories and contemporary economic, social and political challenges faced by members of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States, as well as the opportunities afforded them. The curriculum reflects Ethnic Studies commitment to social change and social justice through education that affords members in every community equal opportunity.
Ethnic Studies, Minor
The Ethnic Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that deepens students' understanding of racial and ethnic experiences in the U.S., focusing on race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Graduates gain essential knowledge and skills for thriving in multicultural environments and the globalized economy.
Ethnic and Multi-Cultural Studies, Master of Science
The Master of Science in Ethnic and Multicultural Studies focuses on diverse theories of race and ethnicity alongside rigorous research methods. It distinguishes itself as a leading program in the Midwest, uniquely offering specialized academic insights into historical and contemporary race and ethnic relations at national and global levels.
Cultural Diversity, Graduate Certificate
The 18 credit-hour Graduate Diversity Certificate Program provides graduate students/professionals who earned a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to acquire cross-cultural competency skills and expertise. The courses focus on the intersections of race/ethnicity, social class, and gender.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Business Corporate
Business Corporate: The Business/Corporate emphasis prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities where they can apply diversity and inclusion skills in business/corporate contexts, including recruiting, corporate sales management, and customer services. Students acquire knowledge in business, economics, accounting, and computer skills which can enrich any company.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–International Community and Human Services
This degree prepares students to work in diverse international settings, providing essential skills in diversity, inclusion, and human services. Graduates serve in public outreach organizations like UN refugee camps and civic groups, working alongside social workers, doctors, and specialists. They help individuals address challenges such as substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, and access to education.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Local Community and Human Services
The Local Community and Human Services emphasis prepares students for delivering services people in the community need. The field strives to help people from diverse backgrounds find the services and programs they need to better their communities, therefore the diversity and inclusion skills acquired are invaluable. Students are prepared for the following positions: community service manager, probation officer, mental health counselor, and other related positions.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Public/Government
The Public/Government emphasis offers comprehensive education and training for individuals interested in careers where they apply skills in public sector administration. The employment opportunities include administrative positions in public and private schools. The public sector provides public goods and governmental services in areas such as the military, police departments, public education, and healthcare, and therefore positions in these areas as well as within the government itself.
Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Science–Racial/Ethnic Communities in the United States
The Racial/Ethnic Communities in the United States emphasis provides students with an understanding of the histories and contemporary economic, social and political challenges faced by members of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States, as well as the opportunities afforded them. The curriculum reflects Ethnic Studies commitment to social change and social justice through education that affords members in every community equal opportunity.
Ethnic Studies, Minor
The Ethnic Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that deepens students' understanding of racial and ethnic experiences in the U.S., focusing on race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Graduates gain essential knowledge and skills for thriving in multicultural environments and the globalized economy.
Ethnic and Multi-Cultural Studies, Master of Science
The Master of Science in Ethnic and Multicultural Studies focuses on diverse theories of race and ethnicity alongside rigorous research methods. It distinguishes itself as a leading program in the Midwest, uniquely offering specialized academic insights into historical and contemporary race and ethnic relations at national and global levels.
Cultural Diversity, Graduate Certificate
The 18 credit-hour Graduate Diversity Certificate Program provides graduate students/professionals who earned a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to acquire cross-cultural competency skills and expertise. The courses focus on the intersections of race/ethnicity, social class, and gender.
Related Programs
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Sociology
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Anthropology
Anthropology explores the interaction of human biology and culture, offering insights through its four subdivisions: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. The major provides training in all areas of anthropology for the liberal arts major with an interest in global awareness, cultural diversity, human adaptation, and an understanding of human behavior.
History
The History program fosters diverse communities and multicultural connections while equipping students with critical analysis, information literacy, and writing skills for careers in various fields such as education, law, museums, public service, and more.
Department of Ethnic Studies
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences