Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate Studies in Race, Gender, and Ethnic Studies
Knowledge is Power
Welcome to Race, Gender, and Ethnic Studies at CSU! When you join our department, you’re not just picking a major — you’re joining a community. Our students and professors care deeply about making a difference. You’ll learn in classrooms, work on real-world projects, and connect with communities to create change.
We are academics and activists, scholars and practitioners. We work to undo the differences between these labels. academics and activists, scholars and practitioners working to undo the differences between these labels.
B.A. in Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies critically examines the impact of race, gender, class, sexuality, and other forms of identities and categorization that shape the histories and experiences of groups. As an Ethnic Studies major, you will explore these ideas, structures and systems, how they shape identities and worldviews, and how they reproduce inequalities.
Concentrations
Students can also specialize in one of three optional concentrations to prepare for career tracks:
- Community Organizing and Institutional Change
Study the history and methods diverse communities use for civil rights - Global Race, Power, & Resistance
Explore the impacts of transnationalism, diaspora, and migration - Social Studies Teaching
Learn to teach middle and high school with a focus on the histories and experiences of marginalized people
B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies
Women’s and Gender Studies examines social construction of gender. We explore the history, experiences, and contributions of women and gender in society with a special focus on how gender influences all aspects of our lives. Students in the major analyze historic and contemporary contributions of women of all cultures, understand feminist and intersectional perspectives, and prepare to be advocates, practitioners, leaders, and educators.
Why Study RGES?
The Department of Race, Gender, and Ethnic Studies believes that Knowledge is Power.
Through interdisciplinary courses and community-engaged learning, you will explore how race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and identity shape people’s lives, opportunities, and experiences across the world. Our faculty help students tackle big questions about power, justice, culture, and social change while building strong skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and civic engagement. Graduates leave prepared to make meaningful contributions in careers ranging from education, public service, and nonprofits to law, policy, advocacy, media, and community leadership.
Careers
Majors in our programs gain theoretical understandings and practical experiences with cross-cultural, inter-ethnic and intersectional relations that are highly valued in today’s world. In addition to pursuing advanced degrees, our graduates work in fields and occupations including:
- Social services;
- Healthcare;
- Counseling;
- Civil service and government administration;
- K-12 and adult education;
- Refugee and immigrant services;
- Natural resources management;
- Legal services and social work;
- Communications; and
- Nonprofit agencies and community organizing.
Minors
In addition to our majors, our department offers four minors in Ethnic Studies, Indigenous Studies, Women’s & Gender Studies, and Queer Studies. These programs are excellent complements to other programs and career pathways.
Next Steps
Are you interested in joining our community?