Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ethnic groups in society. As an Ethnic Studies major, you gain knowledge of a broad range of ethnic groups and develop important skills in research, writing, analysis, critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Representative Job Titles and Area of Specialization

Administrative Analysts
Advertising Agent
Bank Officer
Bilingual Education Consultant
City Planner *
Claims Adjuster
Community Organization Worker
Customs/Immigration Inspector
Foreign Service Officer
Grant/Proposal Writer
Group Counselor
Industrial Relations Specialist
Intelligence Analyst
Lawyer *
Management Trainee

Museum Curator *
Personnel Analyst
Probation Officer
Professor/Instructor/Teacher *
Psychologist *
Public Administrator
Public Relations
Rehabilitation Counselor *
Researcher
Revenue Agent
Social Worker *
Staff Analyst
Substance Abuse Counselor
Writer/Editor

* See Training section

Nature of the Work

Many career opportunities with government agencies and non-profit organizations are available to Ethnic Studies majors. Here is a brief summary of the type of work you might perform:

Administrative assistants collect, compile and analyze information, review policies and procedures and prepare written reports, grant applications, correspondence, resolutions, and proclamations.
Human services workers are employed in group homes and halfway houses; correctional and community mental health centers; family, child, and youth service agencies; and programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, and aging.
Human service workers in social service agencies interview clients, assess their needs, and establish their eligibility for services.
Social workers assist individuals and families with management of health, social, emotional and economic problems.
Group counselors are responsible for supervising the activities, safety and care of juveniles in county detention or correctional facilities.
Probation officers helps individuals abide by the terms and conditions of probation.

Places of Employment

Advertising agencies
Banks
City, county, state government
Federal government:
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of State
- Immigration and Naturalization Services
- Internal Revenue Service
- Office of Personnel Management
- Social Security Administration

Hospitals
Insurance companies
Museums
Publishing companies
Research and educational institutes
Retailers
School districts
Social service agencies
Universities and colleges

Training

Many of the jobs listed above may be obtained with a bachelor's degree depending on the type of coursework you completed and experience you gained as an undergrad.

Those job titles designated by an asterisk generally require specific education and/or experience beyond the bachelor's degree.

A master's degree in social work is required for many positions in the mental health field and is almost always necessary for supervisory, administrative or research positions.

If you are considering a career in teaching and research at a university, you will need to pursue a Ph.D.

For further information and/or career counseling contact the UCR Career Center, (951) 827-3631.