In the spirit of Third World Studies, the graduate program utilizes a comparative, relational, transnational approach to Ethnic Studies as a field of inquiry that emerged from twentieth-century decolonial liberation struggles. We focus on creative, community-accountable research that integrates theory and practice. We are especially engaged with political movements, legal analysis, public policy, education, cultural politics, artistic expression, indigenous epistemologies, identity formation, community self-determination, radical political thought, and activist intellectual work. We examine how historical manifestations of resistance, persistence, and oppositional knowledge production both confront and transform exploitative, oppressive conditions and create new possibilities for social change.
Earn a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies
Year One
During your first year, you must take:
ETST 200: History of Ideas in Ethnic Studies (Fall)
ETST 405: Professionalization Proseminar (Fall)
ETST 201: Sociocultural Theories in Ethnic Studies (Winter)
ETST 203: Research Methodologies in Ethnic Studies (Spring)
ETST 289: Colloquium in Ethnic Studies (each quarter of the first two years)
Year Two
During your second year, you will choose courses that are relevant to one or more of the following three areas of specialization:
- Theories of Race and Power
- Cultural Politics and Production
- The State, Law, and Social Transformation
You must also take the Master’s Written Qualifying Examination by the end of the spring quarter of your second year.
Year Three
You must take the Doctoral Oral Qualifying Examination by the end of the spring quarter of your third year.
Year Four
You must submit, no later than the fall quarter of your fourth year, a written prospectus outlining the topic, thesis, methods, resources, and timeline for completion of the dissertation.
Years Five and Six
Under the direction of a Dissertation Committee, if you have advanced to candidacy, you will research and write a dissertation focusing on a specific aspect of your field of study, conforming to the format prescribed by the Graduate Council.
After your Dissertation Committee approves your completed dissertation, you must formally present your dissertation as part of the Departmental Colloquium series.
The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is six years.
Customize Your Curriculum
Individualize your course of study by taking group reading courses with appropriate faculty (ETST 290s, etc.) or with cooperating faculty in other CHASS departments. We also encourage you to take a course in quantitative or qualitative methodology (in addition to ETST 203).
How to Apply
To see admission requirements and find out how to apply, please visit the Graduate Division.