Explore factors that bear on the lives and experiences, both past and present, of ethnically diverse peoples. As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, you have the opportunity to complete an interdisciplinary, comparative, integrative program of studies focused on race and ethnicity including international origins and connections. You will enroll in courses from multiple disciplines to examine the world through the lens of social justice and human rights.
Options
- Multi-Ethnic Studies
- African and African American Studies
- Latinx and Latin American Studies
- Indigenous Studies
Academics + Experience = Opportunities
Complement academic preparation with experiential learning, creating more opportunities after graduation. Talk to an academic advisor and a career coach about making the most of your time at Nebraska.
Four-year success plan
What to do each year
Catalog
Major requirements and courses
Printable summary
With sample four-year schedule
Transferrable Career Skills
- Advocate for marginalized or underrepresented groups
- Contextualize political, social, and historical events
- Defend and discuss complex issues from multiple angles
- Develop a strong awareness of self and others
- Examine and address social problems, and implement creative solutions
- Analyze and interpret difficult texts
- Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
- Examine problems from multiple perspectives
- Gain global perspective and high levels of intercultural awareness
- Perform analysis of social and cultural issues
Experience
Experience is valuable and goes beyond the classroom. We strive to help you connect your academics with research, internships, education abroad, service learning and leadership experiences in ethnic studies, such as:
- Interning with North Star High School
- Learn more about internships
- Researching pregnancy in Indigenous teenagers
- Learn more about undergraduate research
- Studying abroad in Benin studying culture and agriculture
- Learn more about education abroad
- Serving as the Ethnic Studies Student Association president
- Learn more about getting involved in student organizations
- Volunteering with Nebraska Appleseed
- Learn more about service learning
Opportunities
Your major in ethnic studies prepares you for numerous career opportunities in business, government, nonprofit organizations, education and other fields involving work with diverse populations. Work in politics, journalism, public relations, community agencies, civil service, urban planning or the legal and justice systems.
Examples of Alumni Careers
- Account Manager, Omaha Marketing Solutions
- Bilingual Education Teacher, Teach for America
- Legislative Page to the Unicameral, Nebraska State Legislature
- Loan Advisor/Collector, Nelnet
- Primary Education Teacher Trainer, Peace Corps
- Professional Development Lead, Lincoln Financial Group
- Recruiting, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Training Specialist, Election Systems and Software
Examples of Graduate Schools Attended by Alumni
- Juris Doctorate, Arizona State University
- Master's Degree, Social Work, Ohio State University
- Master's Degree, International Business, University of Oregon
- Master's Degree, Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Master's Degree, Ethnic Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Ph.D., Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Master's Degree, Public Health, University of Arizona
“The class that has made the biggest impact on me was Introduction to Native American Literature, [which] allowed me to not only discover my passion for learning about different people and cultures, but it also allowed me to progress as a writer, reader, and student.”
Kate Vermilyea
Ethnic Studies at Nebraska
Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Our liberal arts degrees provide a broad education across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for a variety of careers.
Let curiosity move you.
Contact Us
Academic and Career Advising Center
107 Oldfather Hall
402-472-4190
casadvising@unl.edu