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Studies & Degrees in Ethnicity, Race & First Nation Studies

Ethnicity, race and First Nation studies examine how ethnic and racial groups are formed, how they relate to each other and how Indigenous peoples have lived, been governed and represented. The field is interdisciplinary. It draws on history, sociology, political science, anthropology, literature and law, and compares the experience of different groups.

The name of the programme changes from one university to another: ethnic studies, race and ethnicity studies, Indigenous studies, Native American studies or First Nations studies. "First Nations" is a Canadian term. The Government of Canada describes First Nations as one of three recognised Indigenous peoples in Canada, along with Inuit and Métis. In the United States the usual terms are American Indian and Native American.

What students learn

The United States classification of study programmes (CIP) defines ethnic studies as the interdisciplinary and comparative study of the history, sociology, politics, culture and economics of North American racial and ethnic groups. A separate category covers American Indian and Native American studies, focused on the native peoples of the Americas from the earliest times to the present.

University descriptions show the range of the field:

  • Yale University describes its programme in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration as an interdisciplinary, comparative study of the forces that have created a multicultural, multiethnic and multiracial world.
  • Brown University states that its Ethnic Studies concentration examines the construction of race and ethnicity in social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts. Typical areas of focus include inequality, education and health, the representation of racial groups, diaspora, and the history of particular groups.
  • Illinois State University presents ethnic studies as the study of race and ethnicity in United States and transnational contexts, including the First Nations of the Americas.

Students usually take an introductory course, a course on research methods, and a set of courses around a chosen theme or group. A language related to that theme is often recommended, and many programmes end with a research essay or project.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's level (major or concentration). In the United States the subject is studied as a major within a Bachelor of Arts. At Yale, the major requires twelve course credits, including a senior essay or project, and each student defines an area of interest of six courses. At Brown, the concentration consists of 10 courses, or 12 with an honours thesis. Duke University offers a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in African and African American Studies.
  • Minor or certificate. The subject is often combined with another main subject. Illinois State University offers ethnic studies as a minor, which only its current students can declare. Duke also offers a graduate certificate for students enrolled in its master's and doctoral programmes.
  • Master's degree. In the Netherlands, Utrecht University offers the research master's programme Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism (MSc). It is taught in English, full-time, and lasts two years. For 2026-2027 the university lists tuition fees of €2,694 for Dutch and other EU/EEA students and €21,342 for non-EU/EEA students. The programme is accredited by the NVAO, the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 8 schools for this subject: 7 in the United States and 1 in the Netherlands. The schools in the United States include Yale University in New Haven, Brown University in Providence, Duke University in Durham, Illinois State University in Normal, Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and Bellevue College in Bellevue. Teaching is in English at all of them, including Utrecht University.

Programmes with a First Nations focus are found mainly in Canada. According to the Government of Canada, the 2021 Census counted 1,127,010 First Nations people, and there are over 630 First Nations communities, representing more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages. Students interested in a particular people or region should check which groups and languages a department covers.

Careers

The degree does not lead to one profession. Graduates work in education, public administration, community and social services, law, media, museums and non-governmental organisations, and many continue to postgraduate study.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes data for the wider field of culture and group studies, which includes area, ethnic and civilisation studies. In 2023, 344,780 people with a degree in this field were employed in the United States, and 51% of them held an advanced degree, compared with 38% for all fields. The largest occupational groups were management (19%), education and library occupations (16%), business and financial operations (12%), office and administrative support (8%) and legal occupations (7%). Lawyers were the largest single occupation, with 6% of degree holders.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ethnic studies and First Nations studies?

Ethnic studies compares the history and situation of several racial and ethnic groups. First Nations, Indigenous or Native American studies focus on the native peoples of the Americas. "First Nations" is the term used in Canada.

Can the subject be studied as a full degree?

Yes, usually as a major within a Bachelor of Arts in the United States. Yale requires twelve course credits for its major and Brown 10 courses for its concentration. Many universities also offer it as a minor.

Is there a master's degree in this field in Europe?

Yes. Utrecht University offers a two-year research master's programme in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism, taught in English.

What do graduates do afterwards?

They work in many sectors. According to BLS data for 2023 on culture and group studies, management, education, business and legal occupations are the most common, and about half of degree holders have an advanced degree.