Social Justice Studies-Ethnic Studies

The Social Justice Studies-Ethnic Studies: AA-T degree will provide a comprehensive foundation in ethnic studies in preparation for transfer to baccalaureate programs in the California State University system. Students will gain a critical understanding of the complex and diverse experiences and contributions of major ethnic groups in the United States including African Americans, Chicanx/Latinx Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans, and Arab Americans.

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies-Ethnic Studies for Transfer is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Equity and Social Justice. California Community College students who are awarded an Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies-Ethnic Studies for Transfer are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU institution or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or institutions.

To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses in the area of emphasis and Cal-GETC pattern requirements totaling no more than 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

Additional NVC graduation requirements do not apply to this degree. Students must successfully pass all courses in the area of emphasis with a minimum of “C” (or “P”) and maintain an overall minimum 2.0 GPA. Additionally, students pursuing this degree option must work with a counselor and faculty advisor to ensure appropriate elective course selections for their intended area of emphasis for the baccalaureate degree.

Career Opportunities

The Social Justice Studies-Ethnic Studies: AA-T degree prepares students for a major in Ethnic Studies (and/or any of its constituent disciplines such as African American Studies, Native American Studies, Chicanx/Latinx American Studies, and Asian Pacific Islander American Studies) at a 4-year institution. With a Bachelor's of the Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies, one can obtain a teacher's credential or obtain a Master's of the Arts Degree or Doctorate in Ethnic Studies. With a Bachelor's of the Arts and/or an advanced degree in Ethnic Studies, one can pursue a profession as: an educator in the disciplines of Humanities, Social Sciences, English, or specifically Ethnic Studies; an administrator at the K-12, community college, or university level; or a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. One can also work for corporations, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies with a mission to serve, centralize, and/or work in partnership with underrepresented communities. In addition to the above, an educational background in Ethnic Studies is instrumental within industries including but not restricted to: law, healthcare, community organizing, housing and development, STEAM, public health and human services, visual/performing/literary arts, journalism, and entertainment.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the intersection of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, class and sexual orientation within major ethnic groups in the United States.
2. Critically assess the artistic, religious, philosophical, social, and historical influences of diverse ethnic groups on the development of society in the United States.
3. Compare and contrast the struggles for social justice of diverse ethnic groups in the United States.

Degree Requirements

To receive an Associate Degree for Transfer, students must complete 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0, and the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) beginning fall 2025. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.