About Ethnic Studies at CSUSB
If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and want to be part of a movement for justice, the bachelor of arts in ethnic studies at Cal State San Bernardino can be your launchpad.
This program is designed for students like you — curious, courageous and committed to equity. Through a deep and critical exploration of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, disability and citizenship, you’ll learn how systems of power and oppression intersect and evolve.
At CSUSB, our ethnic studies program centers the voices and experiences of historically racialized groups in the U.S. You’ll engage with foundational frameworks such as:
- Critical Race Theory
- Intersectionality
- Queer of Color Critique
- Settler Colonialism
- Transnational Feminisms
This is more than a degree — it’s a transformative experience. You’ll develop strong writing, research and multimedia communication skills, contribute to community-based work, and learn how to turn knowledge into action.
By the time you graduate, you’ll not only have the tools to critically examine the world — you’ll be equipped to help change it.
CSUSB is ranked No. 2 in the nation for social mobility, proving that students like you don’t just dream of a better future — you define it.
Careers in Ethnic Studies
Wondering where a degree in ethnic studies can take you? The answer: anywhere change is needed.
CSUSB prepares you to be life and career ready, whether your path leads to graduate school or directly into the workforce. Graduates of the program bring valuable cultural knowledge, critical thinking and advocacy skills to a wide range of fields, including:
- Community organizing and activism
- Public policy and advocacy
- Social work and social services
- Law and government
- K–12 and higher education
- Healthcare and medicine
- Nonprofits and community development
- Media, arts and public storytelling
Wherever your future takes you, the foundation you build here will support a career focused on justice, empowerment and real-world impact.
Sample Courses
Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality
Grounded in intersectionality, this introductory course examines the axes of identities that shape lived experiences of people of color -- Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinx Americans -- in the United States.
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Students will be introduced to histories of structural and systemic oppressions, including but not limited to white supremacy, antiblack racism and settler colonialism, as well as the histories of resistance that characterize communities and movements led by people of color, in particular Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinx Americans.
Research Methods in Ethnic Studies
Development and implementation of research that explores in depth one or more facets of ethnic experience.
Meet Professor Annika Anderson, Ph.D.
Opportunities for Students
At CSUSB, ethnic studies goes beyond the classroom.
You’ll have access to hands-on opportunities like:
- Interdisciplinary research with faculty
- Internships on campus and in the community
- Study abroad programs that expand your global perspective
These experiences help you apply what you learn, build your resume, and make a real impact—locally and beyond.
At CSUSB, you don’t just study change — you lead it.
Similar to Ethnic Studies
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.