Program Overview
The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies is committed to the interdisciplinary study of Chicana and Chicano experiences, perspectives, and thought. The graduate program centers on several teaching and research specializations including creating cultural expressions, communication, language and culture, community-based studies, Chicano/Latino public policy, transnational and hemispheric migration studies, and internationalism of race, gender, and sexuality.
By providing strong analytical, communication, collaborative, problem-solving, and leadership skills, a degree in Chicana and Chicano Studies prepares students to work in diverse employment areas including:
- Arts
- Business
- Community Organizations
- Government
- Education
- Journalism
- Media
- Medicine
- Politics
Disclosures
All online and distance education is protected by federal regulations and policies. For details on how, refer to the following resources: State Authorization, Disclosures, Accreditation and Complaint Resolution.Admissions
Tuition and Fees
Regular UNM tuition and fees apply
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Arts programs in Chicana and Chicano Studies should hold a bachelor's degree and/or a strong background in Chicana and Chicano Studies or a related field such as Anthropology, American Studies, Art History, Economics, Education, English, Ethnic Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, or Women Studies. When applying to the programs, candidates are expected to submit a substantive letter of intent with a clear statement of research interests and goals in pursuing such investigations at the master's level.
Applicants to the Graduate program must complete and submit an online application, available on the Graduate Studies Web site. Additional required documentation includes:
- A substantive letter of intent (3-5 double-spaced pages) that summarizes prior academic training and explains current academic and professional objectives. This letter should focus on scholarly and research interests and how they relate to the field of Chicana and Chicano Studies.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A sample of recent written work, preferably academic work, not to exceed 30 pages.
- One unofficial copy of transcript(s) from the university where the student received their B.A. and/or M.A. degree(s).
- One official copy of transcript(s) from all post-secondary work. Transcripts must be sent directly to The University of New Mexico, either by your previous school's Registrar or a third-party transcript service such as Parchment.
- Paper transcripts should be mailed to: The University of New Mexico, Office of Admissions, Attn: Graduate Admissions, PO Box 4895, Albuquerque NM 87196-4895.
- Electronic transcripts can be sent to apply@unm.edu. Visit Apply to UNM! for more about the application process.
Application Process
Applicants to the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department graduate program will submit all required application materials, except for official transcripts, through the online application process. The faculty Admissions Committee meets to evaluate applications three times per year. The deadlines for receipt of all application materials are as follows:
- Spring admission, applications are due by August 15
- Fall admission, applications are due by January 15
- Summer admission, applications are due by November 15
Applicants should complete and submit an online application at the Office of Graduate Studies' Apply Now page.
Application Fee: $50.00. Information on requesting an application fee waiver can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies' website or by directly accessing the Application Fee Waiver Request Form.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in Chicana and Chicano Studies is offered under a coursework-only option, according to regulations outlined in the Graduate Program section of the University of New Mexico course catalog. This requires the completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework.
All students in the program must take the following four core courses (12 credits):
| Course Number | Core Course Name | Credits |
| CCS 551 | Cultural Expressions in Chicana and Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CCS 552 | Research Methods and Data Analysis | 3 |
| CCS 580 | New Approaches in Chicana and Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CCS 590 | Advanced Seminar in Chicana and Chicano Studies | 3 |
Students choose seven classes based on their specific research focus area or electives (21 credits):
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| CCS 364 | Raza Genders and Sexualities | 3 |
| CCST 510 | Immigration and Assimilation | 3 |
| CCST 530 | Transnational Feminisms | 3 |
| CCST 536 | Chicana Studies | 3 |
| CCS 455/555 | Chicanas and Chicanos in Education | 3 |
| CCS 586 | Chicanos and Latinos in a Global Society | 3 |
| CCS 597 | Independent Study | 3 |
| CCS 620 | Practicum in Chicana and Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CCS 670 | Culture and Communication | 3 |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will draw on various gendered, social, historical, economic, and cultural perspectives to evaluate the historical and contemporary conditions, issues, and challenges facing diverse Mexican-descent populations.
- Students will analyze intersectionality so as to understand the impact of the social construction of race, class, gender, and sexuality as related to diverse Chicana/o, and Latina/o communities in national and transnational contexts
- Students will evaluate the applicability and relevance of theories and approaches to Chicana/o experiences and to the discipline.
