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Program Overview
Race and Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary certificate in which students explore U.S. race and ethnic relations through the varied lenses of literature, history, anthropology, and sociology. Completing a sequence of Race and Ethnic Studies courses will challenge students to think critically about the roles that race and ethnicity have played in their own lives and in the development of the United States. As such, students will broaden their appreciation and knowledge of the diversity of peoples, identities, aesthetics, and cultural traditions that make up the mosaic of the United States. Students will develop an understanding of the cultural, social, and political experiences of people of color in the U.S., explore structural inequalities and forms of resistance, and study how race and ethnicity are connected to issues that at first may seem unrelated.
Program Details
Students earning the Race and Ethnic Studies Certificate can attend full or part time.
Race and Ethnic Studies classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
- Madison - South
For more information, email Michael Billeaux at mdbilleaux@madisoncollege.edu.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Required Course20-809-252Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.
Explores how social constructions of race and ethnicity shape U.S. society. Emphasis on sociohistorical origins of racial/ethnic inequities and common experiences of black, indigenous, and other racialized and marginalized groups. Assesses systemic racism and whiteness across social institutions. Examines structural inequalities, intersectionality, power relations, forms of racism, discrimination, privilege, and resistance. Discusses current policy debates and possible solutions to inequities.3 creditsAdditional RequirementComplete nine credits from the listed courses20-801-207World Indigenous Literatures
World Indigenous Literatures compares Native American Literature with the literatures of Indigenous peoples around the world (e.g. Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands). The selection of oral and written materials represents the culture and art of Indigenous groups that originally inhabited any geographical area prior to the arrival of settler-colonial peoples with a central focus on how these materials place US Ethnic issues within a global context.3 credits20-801-212Ethnic Literature
Students will read dramas, essays, novels, poetry, or short stories through the lens of race, ethnicity, language, and identity in a multicultural society. Texts include authors identifying as African American, Arab American, Asian American, Jewish American, Latinx, Native American, or multiracial. Readings will represent multiple ethnic groups, but specific authors and genres will vary by instructor.3 credits20-801-213Indigenous American History
Introduces students to the rich, complex and varied literary traditions reflected in the works of contemporary Native American storytellers in fiction, poetry, drama, and film. Issues of language, cultural identity, historical witness, and current social and political experiences are reflected in these genres. The works are discussed in terms of specific cultural and universal themes, and their place in the emerging Native American literary canon.3 credits20-801-214African American Literature
African American Literature introduces students to the rich, complex, and varied literary traditions reflected in the works of African American writers. Studies developments and achievements in voice, genre, and style and explores issues of language, cultural identity, historical witness, and social and political experience. Individual sections may focus on a particular theme, genre, or period for emphasis.3 credits20-801-222U.S. Latino Literature
Explores U.S. Latinx literature through reading and analysis of texts, including poetry, fiction, drama, and autobiography written by a variety of Latinx groups. Students analyze Latinx literature through the lens of genre, cultural identity, social and political experiences, as well as important historical events. Classes are conducted in English. All required texts were originally written in English or are offered in English translation.3 credits20-803-214Native American History
After an overview of indigenous civilizations before 1500, this course focuses on the 500+ years of European colonization of the indigenous peoples of North America. It studies how Spanish, French, English, and American societies tried to shape indigenous cultures, with an eye toward indigenous cultural survival and resistance.3 credits20-803-238US Latino History
US Latino history explores the histories of people who came from the Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas to the United States, including the people who suddenly became American through wars and colonization. The course also examines the diverse and unifying experiences of people who are classified as and define themselves as Latino/Latina/Latinx.3 credits20-803-240African American History
Broad introductory survey of significant experiences that have shaped U.S. race relations, beginning with the west coast of Africa during the Middle Ages and moving through the last 30 years of this century in the United States. Special attention is given to slavery, family, politics, education and civil rights.3 credits20-803-244Asian American History
This course covers the history of Asian Americans from the mid-19th century to the contemporary Asian America. The course examines major historical experiences, events, and trends. Course themes include the immigrant experience, resistance movements and present-day successes and problems.3 credits20-805-229Blues to Hip-Hop: Black American Music
This course explores how African American communities moved America away from European traditions, leading the way in creating music that is uniquely American. We will examine historical recordings to develop listening skills and identify specific musical characteristics among a variety of Black American musical styles, including blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, funk and hip-hop. Previous musical experience is not necessary.3 credits10-809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies
This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.3 credits20-809-215Education in a Pluralistic Society
Students will engage and explore diverse educations of people in the United States, and beyond through lenses of privilege, oppression, and opportunity. With self-analysis, reflection, historical investigation, contemporary school programming, schools and society, and communication-skill building, students learn how to be culturally responsive to contexts of communities.3 credits20-809-282Introduction to Hmong American Studies
This course will explore a wide range of topics related to the understanding of Hmong history, culture and diaspora studies. It will include discussion of the historical and cultural experiences in Southeast Asia and the experience of Hmong immigrants in Wisconsin and the USA. Students will develop critical thinking related to Hmong history, language, storytelling, art, religion, foods and other social and cultural issues.3 credits20-809-283Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity
This course introduces the discipline of cultural anthropology and provides ideas and skills that can be used to understand the diversity of human cultural expression and practices. It examines both the historical particularism of unique cultures and commonalities shared by all human beings. Students develop and practice tools and methodologies for anthropological research and explore key topics of the field. This course will focus on the cultural complexity of modern urbanized societies such as that of the United States and how anthropology can help students understand their own culture.3 credits20-809-908Honors-Ethnic Studies (3cr)
Allows a qualified Honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an Honors Project Contract. Credits 3. May be taken more than once. Pre-requisite: 1) minimum of 12 credits at Madison College, a 3.5 or higher GPA, and a previous or concurrent course with Honors Instructor; or 2) High School GPA of 3.5 or higher, and permission of Honors Instructor.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Race and Ethnic Studies career.
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Career Outcomes
Critical Job Skills. By understanding diverse life experiences, students not only gain perspectives relevant to their personal lives but also develop critical and employer-sought skills they can utilize in the 21st century workforce.
Transfer Pathways. Many courses offer a direct one-to-one transfer to University of Wisconsin schools. Direct transferability varies according to major and college of choice. Check with your advisor and transfer school for verification of qualified courses. This certificate also serves as a gateway to many related majors, such as Social Work, History, English, and Sociology.
Academic and Professional Development. Interested students may choose to pursue opportunities for service learning, internships, conference presentations and undergraduate publishing. Consult your instructor or certificate coordinators for more information.
Honors Program Participation. Interested students may choose to participate in the Honors Program, working one-on-one on an Honors Project in Ethnic Studies with a supervising faculty member who teaches one of the certificate courses.
Earn Credits toward an Associate Degree. Most Race and Ethnic Studies Certificate courses count towards the University Transfer Ethnic Studies requirement. In addition, credits may be used as electives for the University Transfer associate degree. The certificate includes courses across several disciplines, including english, history, anthropology, and sociology.
Address six of the eight Madison College Core Abilities. Core abilities are identified by Madison College as the critical skills graduates gain during the course of their studies and use as lifelong learners on the job, at home and in the community. The Race and Ethnic Studies Certificate curriculum contributes to the following core abilities: communication, critical thinking, ethics, global and cultural perspectives, self-management, and social interaction.
