Overview

The Comparative Ethnic Studies program at California Polytechnic State University prepares you to understand the social, cultural, political, historical and economic factors that have shaped meanings of race, class, gender and sexuality.

You will study how cultures form and express themselves and conduct independent analyses of historical and contemporary texts, the arts, popular culture, and social and occupational interactions. You will learn the history and impact of racism and discrimination and how groups gain and use power over others, as well as how we can use the lessons of the past to build a more just and equitable future.

This knowledge prepares you to work, collaborate and interact more effectively in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. The department comprises one of the most diverse, yet cohesive, student populations on campus. The program places a special emphasis on community and value individual students for the variety of talents and interests they bring.

Learn by doing

Through coordination with communities across California, you will gain first-hand knowledge about the lived realities of social inequality as well as the tools to critically analyze the practices that maintain them. You will explore cultural, social, political, and economic self-determination and self-representation of underrepresented groups and how to expand human rights in a national and global context. This could mean organizing events celebrating underrepresented cultural traditions or holding workshops to cultivate community advocacy.

Careers

Ethnic studies majors are prepared for careers in education, government and community organizations. Many of our graduates go on to professional schools in areas such as law, social work and health or into graduate studies in all areas of the arts and sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Race, Culture and Politics in the United States

American Indian Studies

African American Studies

African Americans in Popular Culture

Native Americans in Popular Culture

Queer Ethnic Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Ethnic Studies View 205 other Bachelors in Ethnic Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Comparative Ethnic Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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