Online Ethnic Studies Degree Programs

In this increasingly diverse world, ethnic studies professionals play an integral role with respect to assimilation and tolerance. Whether it is in the adult education classroom or on the front lines of international conflict, career training in ethnic studies can empower you to influence civic development, policy-making, and interracial relations.

Available Ethnic Studies Degrees and Career Options

Ethnic studies degrees exist at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. However, most entry-level positions in the field require at least a master's degree and some form of hands-on research experience. This liberal arts-based education offers a wide variety of opportunities for international study and cooperative career training.

With a college degree in ethnic studies, you can qualify for a number of careers, including nonprofit work, event organization or activism, journalism, politics, teaching, history, social work, museum work, or, with postgraduate study, social science. Many students find that career training in this field leads them to positions in education and research at postsecondary institutions.

Employment Outlook and Potential Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social scientists held about 18,000 jobs in 2006, primarily as researchers, administrators, and counselors for a wide range of employers and industries. Overall employment of social scientists is projected to increase by 10 percent over the decade through 2016; that's about as fast as the average for all occupations. Not surprisingly, the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industries will provide the most career opportunities.

With respect to salary, in 2007, first-year social scientists with a bachelor's degree often started at a yearly income range between $28,862 and $35,572, depending on discipline and collegiate performance. Those graduates with a master's degree had the potential to earn $43,731, while those with a doctoral degree earned around $52,912. Geography and specialty both have an influence on potential salary.

Typical Ethnic Studies Coursework and Online Study Options

An ethnic studies program highlights the politics, economics, history, religion, psychology, arts, and philosophies of various minorities in North America--particularly African-Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Latinos. Such online degrees include a wide range of liberal arts courses that give you an understanding of the experience of ethnicity in our society. Not only do you get career training as you conduct extensive research, you learn to communicate effectively to a variety of important audiences as well as to get involved in community service or advocacy projects.

The online study options available for ethnic studies degrees encourage professionals to earn their credentials while balancing personal and professional commitments. The benefits of distance education over the traditional campus route are well-documented--the convenience of self-paced class work, a network of academic and personal support, and a growing number of financial aid options just to name a few.

• Liberal Arts & Humanities Programs