Graduate Degrees in Critical Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies

The Department of Ethnic Studies (DES) at the �鶹��Ƶ is dedicated to centering the epistemologies, histories and lived experiences of marginalized communities of color and Indigenous nations to challenge and critique all forms of oppression and to advance emancipatory, self-determining futures for all people.

The PhD program in critical ethnic studies offers an innovative path to provide students with broad training to enable them to research and analyze the intersectional and relational workings of race, ethnicity, culture, indigeneity, gender, class, sexuality, religion, dis/ability and legal status in local, regional and global contexts. It provides students the flexibility to pursue their individual research interests while ensuring that they are grounded in both the foundational and cutting-edge theories in ethnic studies.

Degree Types

PhD

DES strives to offer robust funding packages for our incoming graduate students.

DES is one of only four departments nationally that offer a PhD in ethnic studies, along with the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, San Diego; and the University of California, Riverside.

Our Ethnic Studies Circles for Active Learning and Research program brings together students, faculty, staff and community to engage in meaningful and impactful scholarship.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Critical Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies

The PhD program is comprised of three basic components: coursework, a comprehensive examination and the dissertation.
30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework
30 dissertation credits
A master's degree in ethnic studies or a related field is required for all applicants.
Research experience is highly recommended.
Writing skills (as demonstrated in the statement of purpose and writing sample) are highly valued.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the .

Research Areas

Native American & Indigenous Studies
Africana Studies
Asian American Studies
Chicanx/Latinx Studies
Criminology

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations