Why study ethnic studies at BGSU in Ohio?
- A nationally recognized program. Ethnic Studies at BGSU grew from one of the nation’s earliest interdisciplinary programs focused on race and remains rooted in the Civil Rights movement. The program has built a national reputation through its work in race and ethnic studies, interdisciplinary scholarship and community service.
- Study race and ethnicity from more than one perspective. The ethnic studies specialization explores the histories, cultures and experiences of racial and ethnic groups in local, national and global contexts. Interdisciplinary coursework will help you examine these topics from multiple viewpoints and understand how race and ethnicity shape societies.
- Learn through research and discussion. You’ll learn from faculty with interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary expertise and engage in original research, critical inquiry, advocacy and high-profile events. The program provides opportunities to connect academic study with conversations about diversity, race and ethnic identity.
- The skills employers are looking for. Develop skills that are highly valued by employers and useful across a wide range of careers.
- Build critical thinking skills and learn to analyze diverse sources.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
- Communicate through clear writing and public speaking.
- Engage in community service-learning.
- Close-knit community. You’ll take core classes in your junior and senior years with other specializations across the cultural and critical studies major (including popular culture, American culture studies, and women's, gender and sexuality studies). This provides an opportunity to develop a stronger sense of community at BGSU.
- Get involved. Gain leadership skills, network and broaden your knowledge by joining:
- Finding Your Voice in Social Justice Learning Community, designed to help students connect studies with social issues and work with campus activist peers
- Chapman Learning Community, designed to teach students how to collaboratively work with local nonprofits
- Dr. Robert Perry Scholarship. This annual award is for undergraduate students specializing or minoring in ethnic studies and who demonstrate a commitment to the mission and goals of ethnic studies.
Ethnic studies at BGSU is one of the nation’s oldest programs exploring race from multiple academic perspectives.
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Career - what can you do with an ethnic studies degree?
An ethnic studies degree prepares you to understand people, cultures and communities and how race and ethnicity shape society. This knowledge applies to a variety of career fields, especially those that involve working with diverse communities and organizations.
Graduates of the ethnic studies degree program develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and communication. They learn to examine complex issues, understand different perspectives, evaluate information and communicate ideas clearly through writing and presentations.
Ethnic studies graduates have pursued careers in human resources, law, media, education, community organizing, marketing, government, international relations and politics. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies or law school.
Career paths
- Corporate consultant
- Journalist
- Community advocate
- City planner
- Human resources specialist
- Government worker
- Diversity, equity and inclusion consultant
- Marketing coordinator
- Nonprofit administrator
- Educator
Curriculum
The curriculum for the B.A. program in cultural and critical studies with a specialization in ethnic studies includes:
- Cultural and critical studies core and elective courses
- Ethnic studies specialization courses
- Advanced upper division topics courses
- Senior capstone
- Selection of a minor that supports your career goals and interests
We encourage cultural and critical studies majors to pursue internships. Students often choose internships at nonprofit organizations, advocacy centers, community service agencies, media outlets and health organizations.
Have questions about the program or the curriculum? Contact 419-372-8886 or ccs@bgsu.edu.
Sample courses
- Africa and World Politics
- Latina/o Gender and Sexuality
- Race, Representation, and Culture
- Introduction to Native American Studies
- Cultural Pluralism in the United States
- Women of Color in the United States
- Contemporary U.S. Immigration
- Ethnicity and Social Movements
- Intersections of Race, Gender, and Culture
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Frequently asked questions
You may hear students saying they’re majoring in ethnic studies. But at BGSU, ethnic studies is technically a specialization within the cultural and critical studies program. This means that the degree you receive at graduation will be a Bachelor of Arts in cultural and critical studies.
Think of cultural and critical studies as the broader degree program and ethnic studies as the area you choose to focus your studies.
You can also pursue ethnic studies as a minor to complement a different major.
Ethnic studies examines how race and ethnicity shape people, cultures and societies.
You may hear the word interdisciplinary when exploring ethnic studies programs. It means studying a topic through ideas and methods from different academic fields to help you understand how it all connects.
At BGSU, you’ll examine race and ethnicity through areas such as history, culture, politics and society. Coursework explores topics such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, slavery and colonialism, immigration, globalization and social movements.
You’ll build skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and communication. You’ll learn to evaluate information, examine complex issues, understand different perspectives and communicate your ideas clearly through writing and presentations. You’ll also gain experience with qualitative and quantitative research and community service-learning.
An ethnic studies degree can prepare you for careers in human resources, law, media, education, community organizing, marketing, government, international relations and politics. Graduates can also continue their education in graduate or law school.
You can gain hands-on experience through research, internships, community service-learning, student organizations and campus learning communities. Internships may be available with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government offices, media outlets and other community organizations. You will also complete a senior capstone project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned.
The ethnic studies specialization of the cultural and critical studies program is offered through the School of Cultural and Critical Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 10/05/2026 03:50PM