RACE AND ETHNIC STUDIES

UW-Whitewater is proud to be home to one of the oldest collegiate Race and Ethnic Studies programs in the nation. The program was founded more than 50 years ago.

In the modern, highly diverse labor force, employers in the private and public sectors will find these minors particularly attractive.

When you start your journey at UW-Whitewater, you’ll receive a solid foundation in the field of your choice. You’ll pair one of the Race and Ethnic Studies minors below with a major that best suits your educational and career goals.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which path to take. UW-Whitewater's Career Services office offers many opportunities for students to explore their academic and career interests, including career counseling, career courses, testing, computer information/guidance programs and an alumni network of professionals to contact.

Race and Ethnic Studies

The Race and Ethnic Studies minor uses a multicultural and multidisciplinary approach to deepen your understanding of race and ethnicity within the United States. Courses encompass African American, First Nations and Indigenous peoples, Asian American, and Latinx perspectives.

African American Studies

Learn about the unique history, rich culture and racial realities of African Americans, the second-largest minority group in the United States. Courses highlight the distinct systemic struggles of African Americans from economic and political perspectives and analyze the adaptation strategies that illuminate the resilience of African Americans as well as their contributions to equality and prosperity in the United States.

First Nations and Indigenous Studies

First Nations peoples make up about 1% of the population of the United States. Though small in numbers, their presence in the United States as sovereign entities-nations-help us understand and define the historic and contemporary condition of American democracy. Courses in this minor reveal the rich and diverse cultural, political, economic, and social experience of First Nations peoples, then and now.

Asian/Asian American Studies

The Asian/Asian American Studies minor combines Asian Studies and Asian American Studies into a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary minor that focuses on the rich histories, cultures, and literary traditions of both groups, examining their commonalities and differences.

Latinx/Latin American Studies

Study the largest population in the Americas– Latinx and Latin Americans. This minor examines issues of Latinidad (or being/living Latinx) within the U.S. and Latin America through a multidisciplinary, domestic and transnational lens.

King/Chávez Scholars
The King/Chávez Scholars Program is a scholarship program designed to champion exceptional undergraduate students in their first year at UW-Whitewater. Students come from diverse backgrounds, live and study together on campus, and engage in experiences that will prepare them to be leaders that inspire, engage, and transform the UW-Whitewater campus community and beyond.

King/Chavez has a history of producing a pool of potential prospects for the McNair Scholars Program and University Honors Program.

You apply while still in high school. Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now open and will remain open until all spots are filled.

Learn more about the application process »

Research opportunities
Unlike some universities, UW-Whitewater not only allows — but encourages — students to get involved in actual research early in their college experience.

The Research Apprentice Program is a wonderful opportunity for freshman-and-sophomore-level students to get their feet wet in research and get paid for it! Students can learn new skills and connect with STEM faculty in the earlier stages of their schooling.

We are nationally known for our Undergraduate Research Program — which gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom and dive deeper into their field of interest. You can work alongside a faculty mentor as a student researcher, or create an independent, student-led project with a mentor's help.

Internships
Students will have the opportunity to apply for internships at reputable organizations throughout southern Wisconsin and beyond. Our faculty are well connected with other professionals who work to help others understand people from diverse backgrounds and make a positive impact on their communities.

Community-Based Learning
The Community-Based Learning program provides opportunities that both help students succeed in their academic programs and promote civic responsibility. You can engage in research, data collection and analysis, problem solving, and evaluation of community initiatives.

The Race and Ethnic Studies program collaborates with the following student organizations:

• Black Student Union (BSU)
• Latinos Unidos (LU)
• Native American Cultural Awareness Association (NACAA)
• Southeast Asian Organization (SAO)

UW-Whitewater is a welcoming, safe and inclusive place where students, faculty and staff champion one another. The following on-campus and community facilities support the university family and the Race and Ethnic Studies program:

• Laurentide Hall
  • DuBois Library
  • Comfortable study spaces on the third and fourth floors
• Warhawk Connection Center

After earning their degree with a minor in Race and Ethnic Studies, UW-Whitewater graduates find a variety of positions in various sectors. Our alumni work as social workers, psychologists, police officers, marketers, teachers, politicians, inclusivity leaders and healthcare professionals.

Here’s just a sample of companies where our alumni have gone on to work:

• RRCC-Fort Atkinson Community Clinic
• Madison School District
• Illinois State University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of World Languages and Cultures
• UW Credit Union
• Peace Corps
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Want to learn more about minors in Race and Ethnic Studies?
262-472-5269 | lebensc@uww.edu