Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies for Teachers

Plan Description

The Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies for Teachers is specifically designed for pre- and in-service PK-12 teachers who are or will be teaching in the United States, especially in highly racially and ethnically diverse public school communities; accordingly, the certificate provides curricular and pedagogical scaffolding in Ethnic Studies that is uniquely geared to the work of PK-12 teachers across subject areas and grade levels.  

The certificate provides unique support for teachers to build, continuously grow, and sustain teaching dispositions that center:

• students and their families and communities as partners in the reciprocal process of teaching and learning; and,
• teachers’ commitment to evidence-based praxis, critical self-reflection, listening to understand, and problem-posing pedagogies.

The certificate is built on a collaborative academic partnership, thus students will have access to coursework in, and faculty with expertise related to, Ethnic Studies situated in: Cultural Studies, International Education, Multicultural Education, African American and African Diaspora Studies, American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Latinx and Latin American Studies, Asian and Asian American Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, North and Latin America History, World History (Africa/Asia/Middle East/Europe), Sociology, and English.  

This certificate is designed for those interested in enhancing their curricular and pedagogical knowledge in Ethnic Studies. It does not lead to licensure. 

For more information about this and other graduate certificate and degree programs, including program handbooks and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee.
2. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
3. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits). 
4. All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
   1. Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

Department Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit: 

1. current résumé/vita;
2. 250-750 word personal statement detailing their interest in the Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies.

Students are accepted into a certificate program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits: 21

Certificate Requirements

Complete all 21 required and elective course credits with a B or better.

Plan Certificate Completion Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies will be awarded upon the student’s successful completion of all certificate requirements and application for graduation.

Students may apply for graduation up to one semester prior to completing all of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies. Students must submit all forms required for graduation through the Grad Rebel Gateway system.