Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies provides post-baccalaureate training on inequality, activism and self-determination relevant to communities of color and indigenous peoples to empower professionals in social services, urban planning, public health, education, law enforcement and related fields to better serve racially marginalized populations.
Teacher Training in Ethnic Studies
Teachers currently employed with a school district may be eligible for a special course rate. Find out more about how to qualify for the special rate.
About the Graduate Certificate
What You Will Learn
The program provides instruction in the following courses:
- Theories and Issues in Ethnic Studies
- Ethnic Studies Community Practicum
- And any two upper division undergraduate or graduate level courses from the College of Ethnic Studies, including courses in the areas of: Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latina/Latino Studies and Race and Resistance Studies
As a student in the program you will:
- Learn to identify, analyze and critically review American history and contemporary issues through the experiences of people of color.
- Focus on the theory/practice of resistance and social movements.
- Receive hands-on experience using community studies philosophies, strategies and methods.
Ethnic Studies Certificate Curriculum - 12 units
Required Classes (6 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ETHS 710 | Theories and Issues in Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS 750 | Ethnic Studies Community Practicum | 3 |
Select Two from the Following (6 Units):
- Any one course from AAS that is upper division or graduate level
- Any one course from AFRS that is upper division or graduate level
- Any one course from AIS that is upper division or graduate level
- Any one course from LTNS that is upper division or graduate level
- Any one course from RRS that is upper division or graduate level
- Any one course from ETHS that is upper division or graduate level
Please Note: On-campus attendance is not a requirement for the certificate. About one-third of classes are online courses and are available every term.
Cost
$395/unit | $1,185/class | $4,740/certificate
Teachers may be eligible for a special rate. Find out more on the Teacher Training page.
Length of Study
The program consists of four courses that can be taken over one to two semesters. Individual academic planning is available for students interested in developing a long-term plan to earn a M.A. in Ethnic Studies after the program.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
Matriculated Graduate Students
Applicants who are already enrolled in an SF State graduate program can apply to the certificate program by sending application materials directly to the College of Ethnic Studies at ethnicst@sfsu.edu.
Application materials include:
- Statement of purpose that describes your background in Ethnic Studies and identifies the community-based agency, school or organization where you will be completing the Community Practicum
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
Statement of purpose must include your SF State Login, name of your graduate program and name of your advisor in the graduate program. Current SF State students accepted into the certificate program should consult with their advisor immediately to find out how best to sequence their coursework to satisfy both home department requirements and certificate requirements.
Acceptance into the program is with the approval of the certificate program coordinator and consent of the admissions committee following the review of the application materials listed above.
Teacher Training in Ethnic Studies
Teachers currently employed with a school district may be eligible for a special course rate. Find out how to enroll on the Teacher Training page.
Non-Matriculated Students
Applicants who are not currently matriculated in any SF State graduate degree must apply (via Cal State Apply) and be admitted to the University and the graduate certificate program. Acceptance into the program is with the approval of the certificate program coordinator and consent of the admissions committee following the review of the application materials listed above. Individuals interested in admission to the certificate program need not have completed undergraduate degree programs in Ethnic Studies or a related field.
Admission to the certificate program does not mean automatic admission to any other M.A. program at SF State. Certificate program students must still apply to their desired M.A. program if they seek to earn an additional M.A. while they are in the certificate program. Some units from the certificate may be transferable to SF State M.A. programs at the discretion of the graduate coordinator of the M.A. program.
If you are admitted to the certificate program you will be contacted with enrollment instructions.
Grade Requirements and Writing Proficiency
All coursework used to satisfy the requirements for the certificate must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and only courses completed with a grade of B- or better may be included to meet graduate certificate requirements. While taking courses for the graduate certificate, students will have demonstrated appropriate writing proficiency through written assignments in designated courses by the achieving the minimum GPA to complete the certificate.
College of Ethnic Studies
The College of Professional & Global Education offers this certificate in partnership with the College of Ethnic Studies.
The College of Ethnic Studies was established in fall 1969 through the efforts of dedicated students, faculty and community members.
The five departments — Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Latina/Latino Studies and Race & Resistance Studies— offer over 175 courses each semester to meet the needs of 6,000 students. The curriculum helps students to complete their general education; pursue a personal interest in ethnic studies; teach subjects in elementary, secondary, community and college level institutions; or critically inform their professional and vocational skills in areas such as business, social welfare, law and medicine.
The ethnic studies field is unique as an educational experience that redefines the lives of people of color from their own perspectives. This is implemented through the cooperative efforts of students, faculty and members of the community invested in meaningful education who provide resources and curricula to the university and the community at large.
The curriculum fosters a comprehensive understanding of the unique experiences of African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Latinas/Latinos in the United States, as well as an intersectional analysis amongst the different communities.
Contact
Katynka Z Martinez
Interim Associate Dean, College of Ethnic Studies
(415) 338-1693
ethnicst@sfsu.edu