MSc in Critical Ethnic and Community Studies in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Boston

The Critical Ethnic and Community Studies program at UMass Boston (previously known as Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies or TCCS) offers a graduate-level comparative ethnic studies curriculum with distinctive features highlighting transdisciplinary approaches and global-local interconnections. This program focuses on examining race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and other social hierarchies that shape the lived realities of both native-born and immigrant populations within racialized U.S. communities. Through its transdisciplinary framework, the program combines academic inquiry, artistic expression, and community collaborations to explore the historical and contemporary experiences of marginalized groups in America, their transnational diaspora connections, and their struggles for self-determination. Students critically examine how migration patterns—whether to, from, or within the United States—fundamentally influence the lives of racially and economically disadvantaged populations.

Our transdisciplinary methodology prioritizes applying knowledge toward advancing social justice. This approach involves synthesizing insights from multiple academic fields to tackle complex societal challenges affecting real-world communities. As an innovative, adaptable, and cooperative framework, transdisciplinarity perfectly aligns with the social justice objectives of both the Critical Ethnic and Community Studies program and UMass Boston's institutional mission.

The program cultivates analytical thinking and practical skills among students with varied professional aspirations, offering foundational knowledge while allowing customization based on individual interests. Through personalized mentorship within a supportive academic community, students engage in collaborative learning and community-based initiatives that enhance their success while contributing to the socioeconomic, political, and cultural advancement of diverse racial communities.