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Ethnic Studies

Graduate Certificate

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies helps professionals understand inequality, activism, and self-determination in communities of color and Indigenous populations. The program is designed for those in social services, public health, education, law enforcement, and related fields. Students explore American history and current issues, study resistance and social movements, and gain hands-on experience with community-based methods. This training prepares graduates to serve diverse communities with knowledge and purpose.

Program Curriculum and Requirements

Certificate

What you can do

Employment Opportunities

A Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies prepares you for careers such as:

Community outreach, Cultural research, Education, Journalism, Law, Public service, Social work

Program Scope

In this program, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to teach Ethnic Studies with confidence and purpose. You’ll learn to connect classroom lessons to community experiences and social justice movements.

As a student, you will:

  • Examine U.S. history and current issues through the experiences of people of color
  • Study theories of race, resistance and self-determination
  • Explore strategies for equity and inclusion in education
  • Gain hands-on experience through a community-based practicum

You’ll take core courses in Theories and Issues in Ethnic Studies and Ethnic Studies Community Practicum, plus two upper-division or graduate-level electives in areas such as Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Latina/Latino Studies or Race and Resistance Studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will interrelate the foundations of American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Africana Studies and Latina/Latino Studies by developing annotated bibliographies that critically assess legacies of colonization and empire.
  2. Students will apply Ethnic Studies methodologies to preparing a community practicum.
  3. Students will design and conduct a culminating research project (community practicum) that employs the research skills necessary to access Ph.D. programs or enter professional roles in teaching, research and administration within both the public and private sectors.

Admissions Information

Application Guidelines for Current MA Students

  • Statement of purpose that describes your background in Ethnic Studies and identifies the community-based agency, school, or organization where you will be completing the Community Practicum
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts

Applicants who are already enrolled in an SF State graduate program can apply to the certificate program by sending application materials directly to the College of Ethnic Studies at ethnicst@sfsu.edu. Statement of purpose must include your SFSU ID, name of your graduate program, and name of your advisor in the graduate program. Current SF State students accepted into the certificate program should consult with their advisor immediately to find out how best to sequence their coursework to satisfy both home department requirements and certificate requirements.

Application Guidelines for K-12 Teachers

Send the following application materials to ethnicst@sfsu.edu:

  • Statement of purpose that describes your background in Ethnic Studies and identifies the community-based agency, school, or organization where you will be completing the Community Practicum
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts

Applicants who are K-12 teachers may apply through the College of Professional & Global Education by following the steps outlined on the Teacher Training in Ethnic Studies page.

Application Guidelines for All Other Applicants

Send the following application materials to ethnicst@sfsu.edu:

  • Statement of purpose that describes your background in Ethnic Studies and identifies the community-based agency, school, or organization where you will be completing the Community Practicum
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree.

All Applicants

Acceptance into the program is with the approval of the certificate program coordinator and consent of the admissions committee following the review of the application materials listed above.

Application deadline for Fall admission: February 1

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.

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Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

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