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Race and Ethnic Studies

Bachelor of Arts

At UD, the study of race and ethnic studies focuses on developing you intercultural competencies through the lens of race, ethnicity and social justice. By giving you the awareness, context and theory necessary to engage racial issues in a thoughtful and respectful manner, you'll develop an understanding of the systemic impact of race on American life, as well as the way race functions as a social construct, one directly connected to systems of power and privilege.

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Race and Ethnic Studies and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

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Fast Facts

40 courses

offered across academic disciplines

Flexibility

you can obtain a double major or one or more minors
Program Overview

Why Study Race and Ethnic Studies at UD?

Students pursuing a B.A. in Race and Ethnic Studies can obtain a double major, or one or more minors.

Through this program, we cultivate the intersectional thinking necessary to address systemic differences in power in order to pursue the work of equity and inclusion in conjunction with experiential learning as a means to forward the University's anti-racist mission of serving the common good. This knowledge will enable students to more effectively integrate race into the broader social justice mission of the Marianist charism, and to appreciate the diversity of cultural experiences that comprise American life.

Students gain experience in integrating research with social action and applying academic knowledge to on-campus communities beyond the University.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about race and ethnic studies at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
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Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • RCE 200 – Introduction to Race and Ethnic Studies
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Language 141
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • RCE Major Course
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • B.A. Math or B.A. Natural Science
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs (other than RCE)
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • RCE Major Course
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • Studies Theories and Methods
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • RCE Major Course
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • RCE 380 – Experiential Learning and/or Independent Study
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • RCE Major Courses
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • RCE 490 – Capstone in Race and Ethnic Studies
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • RCE Major Course
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • B.A. Humanities
    3
  • RCE Major Course
    3
  • General Electives
    10
  • Total Credit Hours 16
* RCE Majors will complete 21 credit hours in one of three tracks: Africana Studies, Latinx and Latin American Studies, or Race and Social Justice. Courses that fulfill RCE major requirements may also fulfill CAP requirements.
** Choose from RCE 301, RCE 303, RCE 305 or GLC 303.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for Race and Ethnic Studies

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Additional 3+3 J.D. Program Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Design Your Academic Path

Learn by Doing

Through service learning, race and ethnic studies students gain hands-on experience integrating research with social action and the application of academic knowledge to communities on campus and beyond.

Explore Opportunities and Activities

Native People of the Americas Colloquium

The Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is an annual gathering that shines light on Indigenous Peoples' history, culture and spirituality.

Learn More About the Colloquium

Dean's Summer Fellowship

The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.

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Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Explore the Stander Symposium
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Ready to Study Race and Ethnic Studies?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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