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Bachelor of Arts in Race and Ethnic Studies
Explore the complexities of race, ethnicity, and social justice with a Bachelor of Arts in Race and Ethnic Studies degree from the University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Race and Ethnic StudiesSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a race and ethnic studies degree?
A race and ethnic studies degree focuses on exploring the complex issues related to race, ethnicity, and racism from different viewpoints. You will explore topics such as immigration law, criminal justice reform, tribal government, public health policies, and educational justice issues.
Why should you major in race and ethnic studies at Redlands?
Majoring in race and ethnic Studies at Redlands will equip you with skills to champion social justice and tackle our nation’s biggest challenges. With the option to double major in psychology, business, sociology anthropology, or public policy, your education will set you apart from your peers and place you on a path towards a successful career. Through hands-on experiences including the opportunity for internships with partnering community organizations and agencies, you will be poised to make a positive impact on your community and society, driving global change as you choose from a variety of careers including education, social work, law, public policy advocacy, and nonprofit leadership.
Classes you'll take
The major requires 36 credits and spans various disciplines. You'll take REST courses along with cross-listed, concentration, and negotiable courses from other departments. The program structure is flexible, allowing you to dig deep into your area of interest while also gaining a broad understanding. Plus, there's a capstone experience where you'll bring it all together.
To view specific program requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Core Requirements
All students are required to take both courses.
- REST 120 Introduction to Race and Ethnic Studies (4) – An overview of the field, looking at the experiences of major race and ethnic groups in the United States through interdisciplinary lenses.
- REST 351 Race Theory (4) – Examines key theoretical perspectives in REST, with the goal of helping students develop the reading, analytic and writing skills needed to understand theory and how it can be applied to issues of race and ethnicity
Area of Emphasis - 5 courses minimum
- Majors must construct, in consultation with faculty and the director, an area of emphasis designed to develop depth and concentration of knowledge. At least one course must be a REST methods course or other methods course appropriate to the area of emphasis. All areas of emphasis and their course lists must be approved by the director.
Breadth of Courses - 4 courses minimum
- Majors, in consultation with faculty and the director, must take four courses selected to complement the area of emphasis.
Capstone Courses
- REST 401 (2 credits), 402 (2-4 credits)
- Students should enroll in REST 401 in the first semester of their senior year. This 2-credit course will bring together all graduating majors and will be an opportunity to develop both common understanding of REST and individual senior projects tied to areas of emphases. In the second semester, students will enroll in REST 402 and work independently under the supervision of seminar faculty and faculty advisors to complete their senior project.
Why should you minor in race and ethnic studies at Redlands?
Minoring in race and ethnic studies at Redlands expands your understanding of diverse cultures and equips you with critical thinking and cultural competency skills. It complements any major and enhances your ability to be an empathetic and informed leader in any career. To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
- REST120 - Introduction to Race and Ethnic Studies
- REST130 - Introduction to Native American Studies
- REST140 - Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
- REST238 - Literary Approaches to Gender, Race, and Ethnicity
Complete at least 4 minor electives
- For the full list of courses view the current university catalog.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Spring 2025
November 1, 2024*
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
You will learn to thoroughly analyze how racism and settler colonialism are embedded in social systems and institutions, impacting people's daily lives.
You will learn the history and study of how race is socially constructed and changes over time.
You will learn to examine in detail how racism and settler colonialism function as oppressive forces that intersect with other power structures in a dynamic way.
You will learn how to evaluate the significance of activism and cultural resources in promoting social change and racial justice.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
As a teacher you will work with students to help them master subjects in a classroom setting and prepare them for their careers.
As a social worker you will work with community members in need for the betterment of their lives.
As a lawyer or judge, you will deliver justice with expert legal insight and unwavering advocacy.
As a public policy advocate you will work with various organizations for the betterment of society and your community.
Graduates pursue careers as
A faculty of mentors
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing.
Lawrence W. Gross
Associate Professor, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Endowed Chair of Native American Studies
Jennifer Tilton
Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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