Ethnic Studies
Ethnic StudiesM.A. in Ethnic Studies
The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to increase a student's knowledge and understanding of the experiences of people of color. The program provides training in techniques for the analysis of contemporary social problems which impinge on these experiences; and the program develops in the student a sound capacity to plan and evaluate policies aimed at the resolution of these problems. The focus is upon Asian Americans, Blacks, La Raza, and American Indian people, cultures, and societies.
The program is designed to prepare individuals for advanced graduate work leading to the doctorate, for 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 within the framework of a third world perspective. The program applies this approach to instruction, research, and community involvement. Interaction occurs with the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area communities of color and with students throughout the program.
The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to be a very versatile degree; one that is inclusive rather than exclusive of employment opportunities. These possibilities range from ethnic oriented teaching and research, or community and multicultural resource development to practical application in the business and technical fields. Program graduates also are eligible to apply for teaching positions at the California community colleges in ethnic studies and related fields.
San Francisco State University is the only higher education institution in the nation to offer the Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies. Thus, the campus is clearly in the forefront of colleges and universities in the area of ethnic and multicultural studies. Although the graduate program only has been in existence since 1988, alumni of the M.A. in Ethnic Studies have gone on to doctoral programs at such institutions as University of California campuses, Temple University, the University of San Francisco, Stanford, Yale, and the University of Michigan.
A student must meet the general university requirements:
Applicants interested in the graduate program in ethnic studies must file a general university application with the graduate admissions office. In addition, a separate program application form must be completed and returned to the Ethnic Studies graduate program office. Applicants must submit to the graduate coordinator of the College of Ethnic Studies (on behalf of the College of Ethnic Studies Graduate Admissions Committee) the following information:
Applications are accepted for fall semester admissions only. Contact the Ethnic Studies Graduate Office for program information, application form, and deadline.
A student who does not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted on a conditionally classified status (space permitting) whereby he/she would have to make-up deficiencies within a prescribed time period.
Level One: this first level must be met through satisfactorily meeting the writing requirements in ETHS 700. Level Two: in addition, students must indicate a method of demonstrating their further competency in English at the time of filing the Graduate Approved Program. The latter assessment of competence is evidenced by the writing of a field study or a master's thesis.
In addition to fulfilling all the university requirements, the student must file a Graduate Approved Program after having completed no less than twelve units, but no more than twenty-four units, of work applicable to the M.A. in Ethnic Studies, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Before filing the Graduate Approved Program, the student must demonstrate proficiency in written English. The proposed course of study when approved by the dean of the Graduate Division means the student has been advanced to candidacy.
Online course descriptions are available.
NOTE: Program requirements are currently under revision and may differ from those listed for students admitted for Fall 1998.
| Program | Units | |
| ETHS 700 | History of U.S. People of Color | 3 |
| ETHS 710 | Theories and Concepts in Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS 720 | Research Methods in Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS 750 | Ethnic Community Practicum | 3 |
| ETHS 880 | Issues in Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS 895 | Field Study or | 3 |
| ETHS 898 | Master's Thesis | |
| Area Emphasis—units on advisement | 12 | |
| Minimum total | 30 | |
Students are required to focus on an area of emphasis in Black Studies, La Raza Studies, Asian American Studies, American Indian Studies, or Ethnic Studies. Upon advisement, upper division/graduate course work in the College of Ethnic Studies and other departments on campus may be used.