Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2017-2018 
    
University Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mexican-American Studies, M.A.


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The Master of Arts degree in Mexican American Studies is designed for graduate students who wish to pursue advanced study toward the Ph.D. degree; teach in community colleges, secondary, or elementary schools; or work as professionals in private agencies or government service.

Admission to the Program

Prerequisites to admission are a baccalaureate in Mexican American, Chicana/o, or Latina/o Studies or a related field, with at least 15 upper division units in Chicano Studies and a grade point average of 2.75 or above in the last 60 semester units of work attempted at an accredited institution. Students who lack prerequisite courses must complete them with a B (3.0) average or better.  In addition to submitting a University Admissions Application through Cal State Apply, applicants must also apply separately to the Department.  Application forms are available on the Department’s website (http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/chs). Completed applications, statement of purpose, three recommendation letters (at least one academic reference and additional letters may include employment supervisors) and transcripts (from accredited degree granting institution) must be received by the Department by the deadline stipulated on the Graduate Studies Office website (http://www.calstatela.edu/graduateadmissions). Official transcripts must also be sent to Student Affairs 101 before the set deadline.

Requirements for the Degree (30 units)


A total of 30 units are required, with at least 15 units in 5000-level courses.

Language Requirement


Candidates for the master’s degree in Mexican-American Studies must demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language before beginning thesis work or attempting the comprehensive examination by one of the following methods:

  • Passing the Foreign Language Reading Examination (ML 9010 ) in Spanish as offered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and in accordance with the practices of that department or
  • Passing a 4000-level, three-unit Spanish course with a grade of C or better. This course may not be used as an elective for the master’s degree.

Required Courses (15 units)


Electives (12-15 units)


Remaining course work may include 4000- and 5000-level courses in Chicano Studies and appropriate related fields selected with departmental consultation and approval. Students taking the Comprehensive Examination will take 15 units of electives. Students taking the thesis will take 12 units of electives and 3 units of thesis.

Select from the following:

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis (0, 3 units)


A comprehensive examination or a thesis is required for the master’s degree. Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (CHS 5960) the semester they complete all course work on their program and must comply with college and departmental requirements.

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