Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ethnic Studies Pedagogies

Are you interested in gaining foundational content and pedagogical knowledge in Ethnic Studies? Would you like to teach Ethnic Studies in K-12 contexts?

Program Description

two students in conversation

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ethnic Studies Pedagogies is housed in the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA, the second such college in the nation. Courses are taught by experts in the field. The certificate prepares pre-service/credential candidates and in-service teachers for teaching Ethnic Studies in K-12 contexts.

Core Courses

The certificate is a four-course program of study (12.0 units) that includes specialization in the areas of: (a) Ethnic Studies hxstory, (b) Ethnic Studies literature, (c) Ethnic Studies intersectionality, and (d) Ethnic Studies pedagogies.

Ethnic Studies - Literature

Complete ONE course from the following:
 

PAS 3810 Literary Explorations of Racism and JusticePAS 3810
PAS 4220 Themes in Black Literature
AAAS 3000 Methods of Research & Writing for Asian/Asian American Studies
CLS 4020 Literatures of Resistance: Chicanx & Latinx Voices
AIIS 3870

American Indian Literature and Theater

 

Ethnic Studies - History

Complete ONE course from the following:

PAS 3550 Literary Explorations of Racism and Justice
Race and Culture in the Americas, Race Culture Americas
PAS 4010 Topics on Education and African American Advancement
PAS 4000 Psychology and African Americans
CLS 4200 History of the Chicano People in California
AAS 4520 Advanced Seminar in Asian and Asian-American Studies- Cultural Competency
AIIS 4000 Indigenous Peoples of Mexico & Central America: Land, History, Culture
AIIS 4400 California Indian Studies

 

Ethnic Studies - Intersectionality

Complete ONE course from the following:
 

PAS 3050 Black Feminism and Womanism
PAS 3070 Black Manhood and Masculinity
PAS 3480 Race, Class, and Gender
CLS 3300 Race, Class, & Gender
CLS 4290 Chicana Feminisms: History, Theory, Praxis
CLS 4400 Joteria Expressions in Las Americas
AAAS 3480 Race, Class, and Gender
WGSS 3600 Comparative Analysis of Indigenous Women Experiences in the Americas

 

Ethnic Studies Pedagogies

EDCI 5070 Research and Methods in Ethnic Studies Pedagogies in P-12
ULRN 5000 Methods in Ethnic Studies Teaching: Decolonial Pedagogies in K-12 Schools

 

Admissions Requirements

Current Cal State LA Students:

  • Eligible to begin enrolling in Fall 2023 courses
  • Apply to the Certificate Program through CSU Apply by May 31, 2023.

Non-Cal State LA Students:

  • Spring 2024 semester application window opens August 1, 2023 for new students

Students pursuing Bachelor's Degree:

  • All prospective students should apply through CSU Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a course in Summer 2023 and get a head start on the certificate?

Yes! Cal State LA students can enroll in courses for Summer 2023 through regular Summer Session.

Non-Cal State LA students can enroll in Summer 2023 courses through Open University.
 

What Summer 2023 courses can I take?

This Summer 2023 we will be offering:

•    ULRN 5000 Methods in Ethnic Studies Teaching: Decolonial Pedagogies in K-12 Schools
•    CLS 3300 Race, Class, and Gender
•    AAAS 480 Race, Class, and Gender
•    PAS 3480 Race, Class, and Gender

 

When can I enroll in Summer 2023 courses?

Summer session takes place from May 30 to August 16, 2023, with various sessions. More information about the Summer Session is available on the Summer Session website. S

 

Can I take courses online?

Some courses will be offered online synchronous, some hybrid, and other face-to-face. We offer various options to meet student preferences.
 
Note: Given the design of a program rooted in the apprenticeship to learning to teach Ethnic Studies, this program is not a 100% online distance program. Some courses, especially the ULRN 5000 and EDCI 5070 methods/pedagogies courses need to have a face-t0-face component.

 

What is the cost of the program (taking all 4 courses)?

The University student fees summary lists the costs infromation. Please note that cost varies whether you complete all four courses in one semester versus two semesters.

Can out of state students enroll in the program and take online courses? What would the cost be for out-of-state students?

Yes, but they have to pay non-resident tuition fees.  Non-resident tuition incurs as an additional cost.

Does this post bac certificate meet requirements to teach Ethnic Studies at the Community College level?

This certificate is aimed at K-12 teaching in schools. Please check with your community college campus to see if these courses can count toward your requirements.

Where can I find the courses listed in the post-bac certificate?

The Schedule of Classes includes the course listings.

Can students double count ULRN 5000/ULRN 4160 for both Urban Learning BA (or any other ITEP at Cal State LA) and the post bac certificate?

Students should be able to “transfer in” one course.  It cannot double count toward a graduate degree but you can get credit for the certificate.

Can students earn a minor who take the post-bac certificate?

No. Only students enrolled as undergraduates can add minors.  By definition, undergraduates cannot enroll in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Can Cal State LA students receive credit for courses listed in the certificate that they took for their BA?

Students should not expect to use more than 3 out of 12 units that were taken prior to enrollment in the certificate program.  They need to take at least 75% of the coursework in residence.

Contact Information:
Miguel Zavala, Ph.D., Certficate Coordinator