MA Ethnic Studies at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

The MA in Ethnic Studies develops critical analysis of how race, power, culture and identity shape the world.

Faculty: College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences | Department: Department of Ethnic Studies | Duration: 6 quarters (normative time) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Three required courses: theory (ETST 200 and 201) and methodology (ETST 203), plus at least 24 additional 200-series units (at least 12 in ethnic studies), for at least 36 units and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. A written MA exam is required by the end of the second year.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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