Ethnic Studies is a multidisciplinary program/minor encompassing, among others, anthropology, the arts, economics, history, politics, psychology, communications, and sociology. Its focus is on the United States with particular attention paid to the major underrepresented groups: African American, Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native American. It addresses issues of social justice, Catholic social teaching, discrimination, immigration and globalization as well as the contributions that each ethnic group has made to American society. The Ethnic Studies minor complements the College’s commitment to social justice, to recognizing the human dignity and social worth of each person, and to fostering a diverse community respectful and appreciative of cultural difference. 

Student Testimonial

"Perhaps the most influential aspects of my coursework that helped to develop my interests in graduate school were the courses I took for my Ethnic Studies minor. I stumbled upon ethnic studies on accident and it became a deep passion for me. I found that my interests in psychology, specifically in social psychology, and Ethnic Studies merged together quite nicely. As I began to take advanced courses in both the Ethnic Studies department and the Psychology department, my work started to encompass elements from both disciplines. The pivotal point in my undergraduate academic career was my senior thesis for my Ethnic Studies minor, which motivated me to pursue a graduate degree. For my thesis I took a psychological approach to an ethnic studies question and investigated the “Relationship of Ethnic Identity to Unconscious Race Biases.” Having been able to conduct my own research was invigorating and an experience that I would not have traded for anything. Despite the difficulties; hard work; and time that it took to write my thesis, it turned out to be the one piece of writing that I am the most proud of. In addition to discovering my admiration for research, my thesis helped me to find the kind of research questions that interest me and that I am wholeheartedly passionate about. "

Rachel Matsumoto '11
Psychology Major, Ethnic Studies Minor