2021 Ethnic Studies Degree Guide
Students who major in Ethnic, Cultural Minority or Group Studies usually choose a topic to focus on such as African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic-Americans, women, gay/lesbian culture, and more. The program will include a combination of courses delving into the history, politics, literature and modern development of these ethnicities, cultures or groups.
A major in ethnic studies will give students a broad set of knowledge in various minority groups, what challenges they have faced throughout time and what their culture is about by studying literature, learning about their history and political leanings.
Because a major in ethnic studies is so wide-ranging, this major can lay the groundwork for you to start a career in many fields including business, teaching, sociology, diplomacy, public policy, and others. For example, you may work in business to help the company understand a cultural impact of a product you are developing. You could opt to become a high school or college-level teacher specializing in a certain area of history.
To work in a post-secondary position, you will need to have a bachelor's and possibly a master's degree or Ph.D. in ethnic studies. Other careers that can utilize your ethnic studies education will vary by the industry you work in.
Featured schools near , edit
A Spike in Ethnic Studies Degrees
In 2018-2019, ethnic studies was the 102nd most popular major nationwide with 9,432 degrees awarded. This represents a 18.1% increase in ethnic studies degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 7,727.
There are 466 schools offering degrees in ethnic studies in the United States. Explore this or one of our many other custom ethnic studies rankings further below.
Ethnic Studies Degree Requirements
For most careers in this field, interpersonal skills, written and oral communication and critical thinking will be important. In any position, it is critical to be able to effectively communicate with others both verbally and via written communication. The type of positions utilizing a person who studied ethnic studies will also likely need critical thinking skills. They will need to be able to evaluate cultural norms and decide for themselves what they think.
Ethnic Studies Degree Program Entry Requirements
ethnic studies degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic ethnic studies program qualifications, to serve in some ethnic studies careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Ethnic Studies Degree Types
There are many different ethnic studies degree levels. Ethnic Studies programs offered by schools range from a associate's to a research/scholarship based doctorate, which is the highest ethnic studies degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a ethnic studies degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree (research / scholarship) is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to ethnic studies, with approximately 30.3% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for ethnic studies workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 41.5% |
| Master’s Degree | 29.6% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 17.0% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 5.1% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 3.7% |
Most workers in ethnic studies have at least a master's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in ethnic studies careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the ethnic studies career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Ethnic Studies Majors
High Growth Projected for Ethnic Studies Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your ethnic studies degree? Ethnic Studies careers are expected to grow 16.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to ethnic studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | 12,700 | 10.4% |
Ethnic Studies Degree Salary Potential
Recently graduated ethnic studies students earned an average of $27,585 in 2017-2018. Earnings can range from as low as $19,800 to as high as $41,600. As you might expect, salaries for ethnic studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Ethnic Studies Majors
Salaries for ethnic studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers ethnic studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | $85,450 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,230 |
Getting Your Ethnic Studies Degree
With over 1,803 different ethnic studies degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased ethnic studies school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Ethnic Studies
Majors Related to Ethnic Studies
One of 1 majors within the Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies area of study, Ethnic Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Area Studies | 7,160 |
View All Ethnic Studies Related Majors >
References
-
Image Credit: By G. MГјtzel under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Purdue University
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Colorado Technical University (CTU)
CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology ... Learn More > |
College Factual provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© College Factual – All Rights Reserved.
