Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Ethnic Studies? 

Students in the Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies have a unique opportunity to concentrate on how their education can help create greater social justice in our world. The field of ethnic studies began as a student-led movement for curriculum uncovering the problems of racism, with the goal of reconnecting to our own communities and to traditions that are erased in white supremacist learning.


Faculty member Ernesto Martinez teaching students

Major in Ethnic Studies

Ethnic studies majors can earn either a BA or a BS while studying a broad spectrum of topics such as social movements, immigration, sports, sexualities, incarceration, and law. We also offer an interdisciplinary minor, constructed in consultation with an IRES faculty adviser.


Group of students at an immigration rights rally

Get Real-World Experience

IRES students sharpen their professional skills through internships, traveling the world, and participating in vibrant student communities.

Experiential Learning


Student graduating at the IRES commencement ceremony

What You Can Do with an Ethnic Studies Degree

An ethnic studies major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms, and get your questions answered. 

Departmental Advising and Support


Ethnic studies major tabitha joaquin with her child

Gain a Fresh Perspective

“After a 15-year hiatus, I embarked on my college journey while my son was in preschool. Since then, I've secured an internship with Unite Oregon's Anti-Displacement Coalition, earned acceptance into an accelerated UO master's program, and proudly received a DucksRISE Research Fellowship to examine the recent trend of Black and Brown women becoming expats. Through my studies in IRES, I've acquired a transformative perspective that empowers me to navigate intricate systems and view our world through a fresh and insightful lens.”

—Tabitha Joaquín, ethnic studies major


Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Support for Dreamers

All first-year students can apply to UO through Common App or directly through the university. For funding, undocumented and deferred action students can apply for the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).

UO Dreamers


Events

Linguistics Society of America Summer Institute
Jul7
Linguistics Society of America Summer Institute Jul 7 Straub Hall
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair
Sep23
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair Sep 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event
Oct23
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event Oct 23
What is Research? (2026)
Apr23
What is Research? (2026) Apr 23 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr24
What is Research? (2026) Apr 24 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr25
What is Research? (2026) Apr 25 University of Oregon Portland