Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies University of Oregon

Overview

The Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies programme at the University of Oregon provides a transformative academic environment dedicated to examining the lived experiences of diverse communities. Students engage with critical scholarship to understand the complex histories and contemporary realities of racial and ethnic groups.

This curriculum is designed for those who wish to develop the analytical tools necessary for creating a more equitable society. By focusing on the intersections of identity, power, and resistance, the department prepares scholars to become active participants in shaping a just future through creative expression and community building.

Instruction is delivered by a distinguished faculty, including members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Why Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies at University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon hosts the first and only ethnic studies PhD programme in the Pacific Northwest, marking it as a regional leader in the field. Students benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that integrates gender studies, sexuality, and class analysis into the core study of race and ethnicity.

The institution provides exceptional facilities and support services through Tykeson Hall, where students can access dedicated academic and career advising. Furthermore, the university is situated on Kalapuya Ilihi, the traditional homeland of the Kalapuya people, providing a profound geographical context for indigenous research.

Distinctive teaching features include experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programmes to Sāmoa and local community engagement projects. These initiatives allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world advocacy, fostering deep connections across racial and gender lines.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 46077 per year
• National fee: USD 46077 per year
• Local fee: USD 16755 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum pays close attention to systems of domination and acts of resistance. Modules may include:

• Ethnic Studies
• Native American and Indigenous Studies
• Black Studies
• Latinx Studies
• Gender and Sexuality
• Heteropatriarchy
• Sexism
• Classism
• Settler Colonialism
• Genocide
• Race and Ethnicity
• White Supremacy
• Migration
• Colonialism
• Imperialism
• Globalization

Careers with Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies

Graduates from this programme are equipped with versatile skills that are increasingly relevant as global institutions reevaluate their practices. Alumni often pursue transformative roles in public education, tribal governance, and social justice advocacy across various sectors.

Common career paths for graduates include:

• Teachers
• Tribal Council Members
• Professors
• Educational Administrators
• Nonprofit Directors
• Organisers
• Media Producers
• Social Workers
• Lawyers

The training provided ensures that graduates can lead positive change in urban and rural settings, serving as voices of advocacy for underrepresented populations. Many alumni find success in legal professions, community organising, and international media production.