B.A. in Ethnic and Race Studies

The B.A. in Ethnic and Race Studies at California Lutheran University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding race, ethnicity, and social justice. This interdisciplinary program explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of race and ethnicity in the United States and globally. Students engage in critical discussions about identity, power, and inequality, equipping them with the analytical tools needed to understand and address systemic issues related to race and ethnicity.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Ethnic and Race Studies includes core courses that cover key theoretical frameworks and methodologies in the field. Students are required to take foundational courses in areas such as the history of racial and ethnic groups, cultural studies, and social movements. Electives allow for further exploration of specific topics such as immigration, intersectionality, and representation in media. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and community engagement, ensuring students can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Research Focus: Faculty members in the Ethnic and Race Studies program actively engage in research that addresses contemporary issues related to race and ethnicity. This includes examining the impact of policies on marginalized communities, exploring cultural expressions of identity, and analyzing social movements advocating for racial justice. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, fostering their skills in data analysis and critical inquiry, which are essential for understanding complex social dynamics.

Industry Engagement: California Lutheran University emphasizes the importance of industry engagement, providing students with opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The program collaborates with community organizations, non-profits, and governmental agencies to facilitate internships and service-learning experiences. These partnerships enable students to gain hands-on experience in addressing social justice issues and understanding the implications of racial and ethnic dynamics in various sectors.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Ethnic and Race Studies incorporates a global perspective by examining the experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups across the world. Courses include comparative studies of race relations, transnational movements, and the impact of globalization on identity. This approach helps students understand the interconnectedness of racial issues and prepares them to engage with global challenges related to ethnicity and race in an increasingly diverse world.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.

California Lutheran University is dedicated to making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to support the academic pursuits of international students. 

International Student Scholarship: CLU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. The International Student Scholarship is competitive and varies in amount based on the applicant's academic profile.

Presidential Scholarship: The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award offered to high-achieving students, including international students. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and is renewable for each year of a student's undergraduate studies, provided they maintain the required GPA.

CLU International Grant: The CLU International Grant is another form of financial assistance available to international students. This grant is based on financial need and is designed to supplement other forms of aid to help students meet the cost of attending CLU.

Community College Transfer Scholarship: CLU values the contributions of transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is available to eligible international transfer students, providing financial support to ease the transition to CLU.

CLU Endowed Scholarships: The university administers various endowed scholarships, and international students may be eligible for some of these awards. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership, or involvement in particular fields of study.

External Scholarships: CLU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

Graduates with a B.A. in Ethnic and Race Studies from California Lutheran University have a diverse range of career options that leverage their understanding of social justice, cultural dynamics, and community engagement. 

Social Services: Many graduates pursue roles in social services, working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community-based programs. They may focus on advocacy, case management, or community outreach, helping marginalized populations access resources and support.

Education: Graduates often become educators or administrators in schools and universities, teaching subjects related to race, ethnicity, and social justice. They can also work in curriculum development, focusing on inclusive practices that promote diversity in educational settings.

Public Policy: With a strong foundation in social justice issues, graduates can work in public policy, analyzing and developing policies that address racial and ethnic disparities. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to influence policy change.

Community Organizing: Graduates frequently engage in community organizing, mobilizing individuals and groups to advocate for social change. They may work with local organizations to address issues such as racial inequality, immigration reform, or community health.

Research and Analysis: Some graduates pursue careers in research, working for academic institutions, research organizations, or governmental agencies. They may focus on data analysis related to racial and ethnic trends, contributing to studies that inform public understanding and policy.

Media and Communication: Graduates can enter the field of media and communication, working as journalists, public relations specialists, or social media managers. They may focus on representing diverse voices and narratives in various media platforms.

International Relations: With a global perspective on race and ethnicity, graduates may work in international relations, focusing on human rights, international development, or diplomatic services. They may work with NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations.

Health Services: Graduates can also find opportunities in health services, focusing on public health initiatives that address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. They may work in health education, policy advocacy, or community health programs.