Ethnic Studies Minor

The ethnic studies minor at APU enhances students’ understanding of the experiences of U.S. immigrant populations and communities of color. The program also enables students to analyze contemporary social problems that affect these populations, and to evaluate public policy related to the areas of immigration, education, criminal justice, health care, and economic development. The primary curricular focuses are the experiences of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Chicano/Latino peoples within the United States. Students learn how scholars in different fields (e.g., history, art, literature, communications, anthropology, education, political science, psychology, and sociology) approach the study and expression of race and ethnicity through interdisciplinary research.

The ethnic studies minor supports two overarching goals:

1. To allow APU students to develop a greater understanding of racial and ethnic diversity in the United States as a basis for:
   • enhanced effectiveness in multicultural workplaces, and
   • a critical appraisal of contemporary intergroup relations, both stateside and abroad.
2. To provide students of culturally diverse backgrounds at APU with an academic program that addresses their heritage and enhances their self-awareness.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog: