What can I do with this degree?
Ethnic Studies

Afro-Ethnic Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicana/Chicano Studies, Latin American Studies

Careers

  • Political Analyst
  • Officer of Federal Agency
  • Campaign Director
  • Lobbyist
  • Local/National Politician
  • Federal Program Director
  • Official Appointee
  • Judge
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Analyst
  • Law Clerk
  • Elementary Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • University Professor
  • Curriculum Writer
  • Researcher
  • Librarian
  • Economist
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Marketing Agent
  • Stockbroker
  • Writer
  • Newspaper Columnist
  • News reporter
  • Speech writer
  • Paralegal

AREAS

EDUCATION
  • Elementary, middle school, high school and college professors
EMPLOYERS
  • School districts seeking multiple subject elementary and junior high teachers
  • High Schools who are seeking history or government teachers
  • Universities who need full time or part American studies/ American History/ American Government Professors.
STRATEGIES
  • In order to teach, you must pursue a teaching credential for the K-12 sector
  • At the university level, you must obtain a PhD in a specific discipline and attempt to publish your research.
LAW
  • Clerking
  • Researching
  • Policy writing
  • Lawyer Judge
  • Paralegal
EMPLOYERS
  • U.S National courts
  • Private law firms
  • Public interest lobby groups
  • Non-profit organizations
STRATEGIES
  • In order to practice, you must have a J.D from an accredited ABA school and take the Bar exam
  • In order to become a paralegal you must complete courses for a paralegal certificate.  
GOVERNMENT
  • Speechwriting
  • Campaigning
  • Assisting political officials with agenda items, national security, political lobbying.
EMPLOYERS
  • Federal Agencies such as the CIA, FBI or any other security branch
  • Offices of local or national officials such as congressmen, representatives or the President
  • Non-profit public interest groups.
STRATEGIES
  • Intern
  • Research application deadlines
  • Attend any information sessions that the agencies hold for recruitment.
MEDIA
  • News reporting
  • News writing
  • Speech writing.
EMPLOYERS
  • News and television stations
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Political officials.
STRATEGIES
  • Become an intern
  • In order to apply for a position as a news anchor you must submit a demo tape for an audition
  • In regard to print media, you should create a writing portfolio to submit for employment.
BUSINESS
  • Marketing
  • Brokering
  • Financial planning
  • Public relations
EMPLOYERS
  • Corporate business companies (private and public)
STRATEGIES
  • Secure some type of business experience through class assignments, or part time work
  • Build a strong resume that highlights your transferable skills.
Student Clubs/National Organizations

HOTLINKS

GRADUATE SCHOOLS
MEDIA
BUSINESS
GOVERNMENT
EDUCATION

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2007)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer