The United States, California and the Santa Barbara area have a great variety of peoples of different ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. All of these groups make up the American mosaic. The American Ethnic Studies Department examines the heritage, contributions and problems of these communities.

Current emphasis is placed on the Asian-American, African-American, Mexican-American and Native American communities. It is the department's belief that, through an, examination of the heritage of others, one can appreciate one's own heritage.

Support courses are offered to students in the Early Childhood Education Program, as well as in various medical programs. The department also offers courses which fulfill the Multicultural/ Gender requirement and General Education requirements in the Social Sciences and Humanities.