There are many reasons you should consider a major or minor in one of these areas. The following table outlines the majors and minors offered from each department.

Department	Undergrad Major	Concentration(s)	Undergrad Minor	Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization
African American and African Studies		-African American -African -Diaspora
Comparative Studies		-Comparative Cultural Studies -Comparative Ethnic & American Studies -4 others		(PhD only for Comparative Cultural Studies)
Women’s Studies		-Difference & Diversity -Culture & Representation -Political Context & Social Change		(same concentrations as undergrad)
American Indian Studies
Asian American Studies
Disability Studies
Latino/a Studies
Sexuality Studies

There are many reasons to consider a major or minor in one of these areas. Currently, minorities comprise roughly one-third of the US population. The United State Census projects that by the year 2042, non-Whites will become the majority group within the country (US Census Bureau News, 2008). Numbers regarding the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population are more difficult to obtain and are purely anecdotal. The Williams Institute at the UCLA Schools of Law estimates that there are 8.8 million gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons within the United States based on the 2005/2006 American Community Survey (The Williams Institute, 2007).

 

With this ever-growing, diverse population, college graduates are increasingly expected to enter the workforce with an understanding of and ability to work with members of under-represented groups. Pursuing a major, minor, or graduate interdisciplinary specialization (GIS) in one of areas represented by DISCO is a great way to gain this knowledge and skill necessary to be successful after graduation. Graduates leave with an understanding of a multicultural world and a better understanding of how identity and diversity plays a role in individuals lives.

 

More specifically, these subjects allow you to develop analytical and writing skills, including researching and problem-solving while exploring creative outlets in areas such as art, literature, history, and theory. Majors and minors also learn about the meaning of advocacy and the difference they can make in their lives and in the lives of others. Students also gain awareness about the issues affecting them and in those around them and often become empowered to make changes for the better. 

Finally, because of the interdisciplinary nature of many of these programs, students have the flexibility to take courses that emphasize their particular interests. Students can choose courses that allow them to focus on specific fields such as law or medicine or focus on areas of study such as political theory or philosophy. As a result, student can use these courses to start careers in fields such as law, medicine, or education.

 

Minors can be added to any major (graduate or undergraduate) for as few as 20 credit hours. Depending on your program, some of these courses could overlap with either your major or general education requirements. If you are interested in learning more, please contact your advisor or use the “Contact Us” section of this website.

 

References

 

US Census Bureau. (2008, August 14). An Older and More Diverse Nation by Midcentury. Retrieved July 19, 2009 from http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/012496.html.

 

The Williams Institute.(2007, December). Census Snapshot: United States. Retrieved July 19, 2009 from http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/publications/USCensusSnapshot.pdf.