Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Ethnic Studies
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Ethnic Studies at Saint Mary's College is a rigorous program that provides students with a nuanced understanding of race, ethnicity, and their impact on society. It emphasizes a comparative framework, allowing students to analyze the unique and shared experiences of diverse racialized communities. The program is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing insights from history, sociology, political science, literature, and cultural studies. A key tenet is intersectionality, which examines how race, gender, class, sexuality, and religion intersect to create systems of oppression and inform struggles for change. This comprehensive approach aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable about racial and ethnic discrimination but also equipped with the analytical frameworks to advocate for social justice in local and global contexts.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Ethnic Studies is designed to provide a broad foundation while allowing for in-depth exploration of specific racial and ethnic experiences. Required lower-division courses typically include "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" and "Creating Community." Upper-division coursework delves into critical theories and methodologies, such as "Critical Race Theory" and various "Methods" courses (e.g., Qualitative Methods, Sociological Research Methods, Feminist and Gender Theories). Students also select from a range of elective courses that focus on specific communities and topics, such as "Chicana/o/x Experiences," "Asian American History Through Pop Culture," "Youth Cultures, Identities and New Ethnicities," and "Women, Race, and Class." The program encourages community-engaged scholarship and culminates in a "Senior Thesis Research" project, allowing students to conduct original research on topics related to race and identity.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Ethnic Studies at Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on critical inquiry and research, particularly concerning race-related social problems and movements for justice. Students are trained to utilize comparative, relational, interdisciplinary, and intersectional analytical approaches. They learn to "describe historical, cultural, economic, and comparative approaches to the study of race, class, gender, nation, and sexuality" and to "analyze social movements in the contestation of social hierarchies." The curriculum integrates methods courses that equip students with the skills to conduct rigorous research. The culminating "Senior Thesis Research" project is a significant component, requiring students to undertake in-depth investigation and contribute scholarly work that builds upon existing knowledge about communities of color.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College's Ethnic Studies program fosters industry engagement by equipping students with highly sought-after skills in diversity competence, communication, and critical thinking—assets vital in an increasingly diverse and cross-cultural world. The program includes an "Ethnic Studies Internship" (ES 495) as an upper-division requirement, providing students with practical experience in community-engaged scholarship and opportunities to work with disenfranchised communities. This hands-on experience, combined with the theoretical grounding, prepares graduates for impactful roles in various sectors. Faculty members, with their diverse expertise, contribute to building connections within non-profit organizations, social justice initiatives, and educational institutions where Ethnic Studies graduates often find meaningful work.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Ethnic Studies at Saint Mary's College inherently integrates a strong global perspective by examining "various forms of oppression and struggles for change both in the US and transnationally." The analytical framework of the program encourages students to compare and contrast the experiences of different racialized communities not only within the U.S. but also recognizing that communities do not exist in isolation and that race itself is a mutually constitutive process across borders. Courses may explore global dimensions of race, colonialism, and resistance. The program also aims to produce "socially engaged students who will use their analytic frameworks to build upon existing service and organizing work among disenfranchised communities of color in the U.S. and abroad," indicating a commitment to global issues of social justice and equity. In 2021, 3% of the total undergraduate population at Saint Mary's identified as international students, contributing to a diverse campus environment that naturally fosters global understanding.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
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 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in Ethnic Studies are exceptionally well-equipped with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, particularly in navigating complex issues of identity, power, and social justice.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist/Manager: Works within organizations to develop and implement strategies, training, and policies that promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
Community Organizer/Advocate: Works with community groups to identify social issues, mobilize resources, and advocate for policy changes or programs that address systemic inequalities and promote social justice.
Social Worker (often requires MSW): Provides support and resources to individuals, families, and communities facing various challenges, advocating for their well-being and connecting them to necessary services.
Non-profit Program Coordinator/Manager: Designs, implements, and oversees programs for non-profit organizations, often those focused on social justice, human rights, cultural preservation, or community development.
Human Resources Specialist: Focuses on recruitment, employee relations, and training within organizations, with an emphasis on creating fair and equitable practices and fostering an inclusive environment.
Educator/Teacher (K-12 or Higher Education): Teaches subjects related to history, social studies, literature, or ethnic studies, fostering critical thinking about race, culture, and society. (Requires additional certification for K-12 and graduate degrees for higher education).
Public Policy Analyst: Researches and evaluates public policies, with a focus on how they impact diverse communities, and proposes policy recommendations to address issues of equity and social welfare.
Journalist/Writer (Specializing in Social Justice/Cultural Issues): Reports on news, current events, and features related to race, ethnicity, culture, and social movements for various media outlets.
Counselor (e.g., Academic, Career, Mental Health – often requires graduate degree): Provides guidance and support, particularly to diverse student populations or individuals from marginalized backgrounds, requiring strong cultural competence and communication skills.
Lawyer/Paralegal (requires J.D. for lawyer): Applies knowledge of social justice, civil rights, and systemic inequalities to legal cases, particularly in areas like civil rights law, immigration law, or public interest law. Ethnic Studies provides an excellent foundation for understanding the societal contexts of legal issues.
