COURSE CURRICULUM

The Ethnic Studies Track within the Master of Humanities or Master of Social Science program at University of Colorado Denver is an interdisciplinary graduate pathway that combines core interdisciplinary training with specialized coursework focused on race, ethnicity, power, and social justice. All students begin with three foundational core courses in interdisciplinary studies: Foundations and Theories of Interdisciplinary Studies, Methods and Practices of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Research Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies. These courses build essential theoretical, methodological, and research skills for graduate-level interdisciplinary work. In addition to the core requirements, students complete a minimum of 36 total credit hours for the degree, which includes specialized Ethnic Studies training. This includes at least one required 3-credit course in Ethnic Studies methods or theory, specifically ETST 5000 Research Methods in Ethnic Studies, along with a minimum of 12 additional credit hours in Ethnic Studies–related graduate coursework. Students also complete a final project or thesis focused on an Ethnic Studies topic, which serves as the capstone experience of the program and demonstrates their ability to conduct advanced interdisciplinary research. The curriculum is further enriched through a wide selection of suggested elective courses drawn from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, communication, education, English, history, political science, sociology, Spanish, and social sciences. These electives allow students to explore themes such as globalization, intercultural communication, education inequality, African American literature, border studies, immigration politics, Indigenous governance, health disparities, and social movements, among many others. The program is designed to remain flexible, and students are encouraged to consult advisors to tailor their coursework to evolving academic offerings and personal interests. Overall, the Ethnic Studies track integrates interdisciplinary theory, critical analysis, and applied research to prepare graduates for careers in education, public policy, community leadership, social advocacy, and further academic study focused on race, ethnicity, and structural inequality.