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The Division of Ethnic Studies is the only degree and tenure-granting Ethnic Studies division in the Intermountain West, giving us a newly gained national prominence across the country. At the University of Utah, the first programs encompassing Black Studies, Chicano/a Studies and Native American Studies began coalescing in 1968 as separate entities. In 1973, the Ethnic Studies Program was officially established on an interdisciplinary/interdepartmental basis with separate programs for Black, Chicano/a, and Native American Studies.

The Ethnic Studies program began offering a minor degree in 1982 and in order to continue to grow and raise its visibility, the Ethnic Studies Program in 1983 was moved under the supervision of the Office for Equity and Diversity. An Asian Pacific American Studies program was added in 1989, an Ethnic Studies major degree was approved in 2011, and in 2016, the Ethnic Studies Program became the Division of Ethnic Studies now housed within the School for Cultural and Social Transformation. These changes have continued to reflect student-driven needs and the dedicated labor over decades of community partners, staff, and faculty at the U.

Transform Your Degree


Whether you want to take a broad approach or focus on a specific community, we’ve got you covered! Our major and five minor options allow you to expand your understanding of issues affecting underrepresented communities. From building a sustainable environment to crafting policies that shape communities to elevating the understanding of the human condition, our majors add a unique perspective to your future endeavors.

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Apply for a Transform scholarship!

We are accepting applications from November 6 through December 1.

William A. Smith receives civil rights award from the NAACP Salt Lake chapter

William A. Smith will receive the 2023 Albert B. Fritz Civil Rights Worker of the Year Award on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, from the NAACP Salt Lake Branch Life Membership and Freedom Fund.

people marching while holding the Brazilian, Mexican, and American national flags

Historic 2006 “Invisible No More” march subject of exhibit

Professor Armando Solórzano collected the speeches made by city officials, religious leaders and community members at the march and created an archive of interviews, newspaper clippings and analysis surrounding the event.

the Block U installation on the University of Utah campus

Celebrating the first African and second woman in the British colonies to publish a book of poetry

On Sept. 14, 2023, join us at the Black Cultural Center to engage with Phillis Wheatley Peters’ complex life and even more complex legacy as the second Colonial American woman—and the first of African descent—to publish a book of poetry.

“Majoring in Ethnic Studies has been amazing. I don’t know exactly what my plans are, but I plan to use my degree in everyday life. Ethnic Studies is a degree everyone needs.
Stephanie Ponce, Class of 2021