Ethnic Studies

Earn a Degree that Can Lead to a Career or University Transfer

Many students want to start their career right after earning a degree; others choose to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree and beyond. We can help you discover the best path for you.

Ethnic Studies Associate in Arts (AA) Degree

Be a part of the current dialogue on culture and diversity. This degree takes you on an exploration of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity through the viewpoints of people of color in the United States. Create your own future while learning about the history, struggle, and success of others, both past and present. Learn to analyze socioeconomic and political factors that confront ethnic minorities as they interact with the majority society.

• Earn a degree in a single subject category or in the combined American Cultures Option:
  
  • African American Studies Option
  • American Cultures Option
  • Asian American Studies Option
  • Chicano Studies Option
  • Native American Studies Option
• Customize your education and take courses covering topics such as race, ethnicity, existentialism, and social problems, as well as the history, art, and literature of different cultures.
• Study and research across disciplines to learn how and where subjects connect and intersect.
• Meet transfer requirements and continue your education at a university.

Pursue an Entry-Level Job in the Public or Private Sector or Further Your Education

Once you graduate, you can choose to work right after earning a degree, or transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree and beyond. We’re here to help you identify career options and decide on the best step after graduation.

• Work in a broad range of job positions, such as analyst, group counselor, advocate, social justice consultant, teacher, writer, researcher, and more!
• Explore the many career opportunities with government agencies and nonprofit organizations that are available to ethnic studies majors in our increasingly diverse and cross-cultural world.
• Make an impact on the lives of others through social justice and educational democracy.
• Find additional career opportunities available with advanced education: lawyer, counselor, social worker, professor, and more.
• Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $41,000 to $181,000 with an average salary of $78,000.

Participate in Academic and Career Opportunities

Take your education outside of the classroom. El Camino has connections with other academic institutions and research facilities that translate into valuable real-world experience.

• Check out the many campus clubs in your area of interest, or start a new club.
• Attend some of the many cultural events, guest speakers and enrichment activities planned throughout the year.
• Take advantage of an internship or paraprofessional opportunity.
• Expand your horizons and study abroad.