Chicana/o and Latinx Studies
Academic Department
Chicana/o and Latinx studies program allows for students to explore culture, history, and community. In small and supportive classes, students from professors who help them connect their studies to real-world opportunities and leadership.
Explore Identity and Culture in Chicana/o and Latinx Studies
Discover Culture, Community, and Opportunity in Chicana/o and Latinx Studies
In Chicana/o and Latinx studies, you’ll explore the rich history, culture, and experiences that shape our communities. Learn how family, language, traditions, and social issues influence who we are. Use knowledge to make a difference in your future, your community, and the world.
What We Offer
UNC offers programs in Chicana/o and Latinx for undergraduate students.
As an undergraduate student, you can major in Mexican American Studies – Liberal Arts, Mexican American Studies – K-12 Teaching, and minor in Mexican American Studies.
These programs help you learn about history, culture, and the experience of Chicana/o and Latinx communities -and prepares you to make a difference.
Recognizing Excellence
HSS Honored Scholars Convocation 2025
Congratulations to Natalia Fuentes and Yosi Melendez (not pictured) who were recognized for her excellence in the Chicana/o and Latinx program!
HACU Announces 2025-2026 Leaders Academy Fellows to Advance Higher Education Diversity
Congratulations to Jonathan for being chosen as a 2025-26 Leadership Academy Fellow by the Hispanic Association of College and Universities! This is a big honor that shows his hard work and dedication to making colleges more diverse and welcoming for everyone. Click the title for more info.
Program News
The Life and Times of Dr. Martin Candelaria
The mural on the three walls of the north stairwell of Candelaria Hall on the University of Northern Colorado campus in Greeley, Colorado reflects the life of Dr. Martin Candelaria. On the stairwell tower are scenes reflecting the culture and heritage of Dr. Candelaria’s Hispanic Colorado and New Mexico heritage, beginning from lower left.
Mexican American Society
The Mexican American Society is a student group at UNC that talks about issues that affect Mexican American, Xicanx, and Latinx communities in the US. They plan fun cultural events, help students connect, and encourage everyone to speak up and take part.
Chicana and Latine Society
Chicane and Latine Studies Society CLSS is a group that supports Chicana and Latine students at UNC and in the community. We celebrate and share the beauty of our cultures, traditions, and languages. Our goal is to build pride, awareness, and unit across the University of Northern Colorado.
Empower Your Future with a Chicana/o and Latinx Degree
Put your degree in Chicana/o and Latinx Studies to work by pursuing a career that interests and challenges you.
- K-12 Education
- Higher Education
- Government Administration
- Journalism, Media, and Publishing
- Nonprofits
- Hospital and Health Care
- Legal
The U.S. Census Bureau said that by 2020, half of all people under 18 in the U.S. would be from racial or ethnic minority groups. With your education, you can learn about race, ethnicity, class, gender, and different types of families. This knowledge can help you support this fast-growing group of young people. You could work in places like youth programs, juvenile centers, newcomer programs, probation offices, and more.
As more people move across the world, students in the Globalization, Borders, Migration, and program will learn about the complex issues related to migration today. Students can also get internships in different local and state non-profit organizations to gain real-world experience.
UNC’s reputation as a teacher-training university is unparallel in the start of Colorado. People who finish this program learn a lot about history, geography, government, and culture Mexican American communities.
Día de los Muertos
Meet Our Faculty
Jonathan Alcantar
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Dennis Aguirre
Associate Professor
David Barillas-Chon
Assistant Professor