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Ethnic Studies, Certificate

Are you passionate about better understanding the ethnic and cultural history and divisions in our society? Gain insight into the dynamics among and between disparate communities through this program.

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A cultural illustration celebrates diverse identities and perspectives central to ASU's Ethnic Studies certificate.

Quick facts

Additional facts

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Certificate description

Ethnic Studies undergraduate certificate description

Through the certificate program in ethnic studies, you explore the changing political, social, economic and cultural realities of racial, ethnic and Indigenous communities in the United States and the Americas.

The coursework combines topics in the humanities, arts and social sciences, and you receive instruction on methods to critically analyze racial, ethnic, gender and sexual identities; transnational movements; and diverse forms of cultural, literary and political expression.

If you are a degree-seeking or nondegree-seeking graduate student, or are majoring in professional programs, the certificate in ethnic studies is for you.

Why earn an ethnic studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?

This program's flexibility allows you to add a specialized credential that strengthens cultural competency, critical thinking and communication skills. These career-ready skills are highly valued across industries and help prepare you to work effectively in diverse professional and community settings.

Dig into community-rooted research through the West Valley Voices: Oral History, Storytelling and Ethnography Lab.

Courses

This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:

2026-2027 Catalog Year

The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Requirement Minimum grade Credit hours

The certificate in ethnic studies consists of 18 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the certificate must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.

ETH 100 Ethnic and Indigenous Lives (GCSI)
3 credit hours
Minimum grade:C
C 3
HRC 200 Introduction to Social and Cultural Analysis (CIVI)
3 credit hours
Minimum grade:C
C 3
12 credit hours
Minimum grade:C
C 12
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
View curriculum archive (prior years)

Enrollment requirements

This certificate program is open to students in any major. Students who wish to pursue this certificate should consult an academic advisor in the School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies to ensure that the appropriate set of courses is taken.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Here are the admission and application details

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this ethnic studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for

This program prepares students for graduate study or for careers in a variety of fields, including business, health care, criminal justice, social services, education, public relations, community development, public policy and government. Potential careers include community health worker, social and community service manager, secondary and high school teacher, and journalist.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.

School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies | FAB N101
harcsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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