Master of Humanities or Social Science in Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary track for completing the Master of Humanities (MH) or Master of Social Science (MSS) degree that equips students with the tools and resources to critically analyze the structural basis of historical and contemporary social problems related to the experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups. Students pursuing the Ethnic Studies track explore the construction of race and ethnicity by governments and communities through the intersection of popular culture and public policy in both the historical and contemporary contexts. Students further construct understandings of self and ethnic identifications as they apply through the individualization of social and cultural identity. Courses in the track explore how students' can learn to evaluate and develop social policies aimed at the resolution of the social and political problems associated with race and ethnicity as well as establish strategies for beginning alliances across all social groups and working toward progressive social change.

Total required credit hours for the track in conjunction with earning the MSS Degree: 36 credit hours to include 9 hours of Social Science (SSCI) or Humanities (HUMN) core courses, 15 credit hours of Ethnic Studies related courses, and 3-6 credit hours dedicated to a culminating project or thesis on an ethnic studies theme. The remaining credit hours are to be divided between electives and (where possible) an internship. Students admitted for the track will meet the same admissions standards as those admitted to the Master of Humanities or Master of Social Science Program.