Ethnic Studies (AA)
Program Overview:
Break Ethnic Barriers in the Workplace
Become a community advocate. Help first-generation students access higher education. Support minority employees at a large tech business. Pursue a career in law to represent marginalized communities, Become a grass-roots advocate for access to quality education for all. With a degree in ethnic studies, you can become an activist for an inclusive multicultural democracy.
Ethnic studies will allow you to dialogue about race, justice, and democracy in our multicultural society. You will study the relationship between power and knowledge, and focus on dismantling the hierarchies of race.
| Contact |
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| Dean/Chairperson Maisha Jones |
| Phone (323) 241-5513 |
| Email |
| Office Location Student Services Education Center, Room 216 |
| Office Hours Mondays to Fridays: 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
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Department |
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Pathway |
Careers in Ethnic Studies
With a degree in Ethnic studies, you can work in education, human resources, community outreach, diversity and inclusion (training and development specialist), or law. You will have the opportunity to work closely others to promote inclusion and social justice.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with an Ethnic Studies degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov November 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $61,240/year | $29.44/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 12% increase (much faster than average) | 33,390 |
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $81,280/year | $39.08/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 2% increase (little or no change) | 8,160 |
Recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also handle employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $75,010/year | $36.06/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 5% increase (faster than average) | 152,100 |
Coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $55,320/year | $31.41/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 13% increase (faster than average) | 168,800 |
Direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $141,990/year | $68.26/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| 5 years or more | 8% increase (faster than average) | 8,330 |
Oversee staff and plan and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $132,910/year | $63.90/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| 5 years or more | 12% increase (much faster than average) | 4,330 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Ethnic Studies
New! You now can get an Associate in Arts (AA) in LASC’s Ethnic Studies program where you will refine your awareness of and respect for human diversity:
- Develop an understanding of the historical construction of race in influencing the current political landscape in the United States.
- Build leadership and teamwork skills through group and research projects, expand your objectivity skills to make measured and rational decisions within your research, and enhance your curiosity and observation skills to find different ways to look at people and their interactions.
- Discover the social, political, and social dimensions of race and ethnicity and the ways in which power permeates these connections.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? An Associate in Arts (AA) in LASC’s Ethnic Studies program will prepare you to pursue a bachelor’s degree where you’ll save money on your first two years of college learning from engaging, knowledgeable faculty. See your academic counselor for details.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review the LASC Associate in Arts in Ethnic Studies (AA) degree below along with our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Total Units Required: 60
As a student, upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
- Analyze the important contributions of different cultures to the development of America as a unique entity that has global and international implications.
- Analyze the globalization process in social, political, historical, economic and cultural areas.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| HISTORY 5 Latin American History I | 3 |
| HISTORY 41 The African-American in the History of the United States I | 3 |
| HISTORY 42 The African-American in the History of the United States II | 3 |
| HISTORY 43 The Mexican-American in the History of the United States | 3 |
| HISTORY 52 The Role of Women in the History of the United States | 3 |
| POL SCI 7 Contemporary World Affairs | 3 |
| SOC 11 Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 21 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Before your first class begins at LASC, you can start preparing for your future career:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, develop your Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss your career goals and even see if getting a bachelor’s degree would benefit your future plans.
- Still in high school? Search for opportunities to volunteer with afterschool programs or libraries. Talk with your high school counselor to find out if there are opportunities to intern at institutions like these and shadow someone for the day. Ask about summer opportunities in your local community where you can learn more, and gain more experience in your chosen career.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, become a student ambassador, or run for student body government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to strengthening your writing, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
- Analyze the important contributions of different cultures to the development of America as a unique entity that has global and international implications.
- Analyze the globalization process in social, political, historical, economic and cultural areas.