Ethnic Studies, M.A.
Master of Arts
About this program
The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies explores the histories, cultures, and social issues affecting communities of color. You will study race, identity, resistance, and social movements while developing research and policy analysis skills. The program connects theory with real-world activism, preparing you for careers in education, research, and community leadership. With an interdisciplinary approach, you will examine issues like diaspora, mixed race studies, and racial formation, gaining the tools to drive meaningful change.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the experiences of people of color. The program provides training in techniques for the analysis of historical and contemporary social issues related to these experiences and the curriculum develops students’ capacity to structurally assess, plan and evaluate social policies aimed at the resolution of these issues. Although the focus remains primarily on the condition of Asian Americans, African Americans, Latinas/os/x and American Indians, the program is increasingly concerned with mixed race studies, human sexuality studies, diaspora studies, postcolonial criticism, theories of racial formation, the experiences of multiple communities of color and theory/practice of resistance and social movements.
The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to prepare individuals for advanced graduate work leading to the doctorate or professional roles in teaching, research and administration within both the public and private sectors. The theoretical and conceptual tools of several disciplines are critically utilized and analyzed. The program applies cutting edge analyses, such as cultural studies, postcolonial, feminist and queer perspectives, to instruction, research and community involvement. Both scholarly and activist engagements with the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area communities of color are encouraged and expected.
The Master of Arts Program in Ethnic Studies is an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary graduate research that empowers students to continue their commitment to social justice through both scholarship and community engagement.
For more information about the M.A. in Ethnic Studies program, please contact Graduate Coordinator Jason Ferreira at cheo@sfsu.edu.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will interrelate the foundations of American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Africana Studies and Latina/Latino Studies by developing annotated bibliographies that critically assess legacies of colonization and empire.
- Students will apply Ethnic Studies methodologies to preparing a research proposal.
- Students will design and conduct a culminating research project (thesis or field of study) that employs the research skills necessary to access Ph.D. programs or enter professional roles in teaching, research, and administration within both the public and private sectors.
Admissions Information
The Ethnic Studies M.A. program does not require GRE scores as part of the application process. The following application materials must be submitted online via Cal State Apply.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to provide more information to the admissions committee regarding your interest in SF State’s Master’s Program in Ethnic Studies. You should include information on your particular research interest area and identify two tenured or tenure-track faculty that you hope to work with while at SFSU (see list of faculty). Please explain how your undergraduate degree relates to the M.A. in Ethnic Studies and address your background in Ethnic Studies. You can do this by referencing one of the following: a.) Twelve semester (or 16 quarter) units of Ethnic Studies related coursework that you’ve taken; b.) a combination of coursework and experience; or c.) experience comparable to 12 semester units of coursework in Ethnic Studies. The statement of purpose should provide information on your background including experiences and involvement with communities of color. Please also describe your career objective and how the M.A. in Ethnic Studies will assist you in achieving your goals. The statement of purpose should have a word count of approximately 2,000 to 4,000 words.
CV/Resume
Please submit a current curriculum vitae/resume that outlines your academic history, teaching or relevant job experience, conference presentations, publications, community service, etc.
Writing Sample
Please submit a research paper (10-15 pages) that best reflects your proposed area of graduate study. If applicants have not yet written a research paper in their proposed area of graduate study, they should submit a research paper that demonstrates how they structure ideas, present arguments, and write in a persuasive and sophisticated manner relevant to Ethnic Studies.
Two Letters of Recommendation
The two letters of recommendation should be submitted by individuals who have direct knowledge of your academic abilities.
Transcripts
A complete set of unofficial college transcripts must be submitted by the applicant's previous institutions of higher education (including transfer institutions). The Division of Graduate Studies may request official transcripts after applicants have been offered admission into the program.
Note to current SFSU student applicants and alumni: Students admitted after Spring 1985 can access their unofficial SFSU transcripts through the Student Center.
Applications are accepted for fall semester admissions only. The application deadline is February 15.
Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.
We’re Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Michael Muniz
- Associate Professor
- Graduate Coordinator