Mexican American Studies BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Liberal Arts
- Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12)
4 Years
Program Overview
At UNC, you’ll explore the rich history, culture, and contemporary experiences of Chicana/o and Latinx communities through an interdisciplinary lens. Our BA offers two distinct paths – a flexible liberal arts concentration or a secondary education track. Both prepare you to make a meaningful impact in law, business, public service, education or graduate studies.
What you’ll do as a Mexican American Studies major:
- Choose between two concentrations: liberal arts or secondary education teaching
- Learn in small, discussion-based classes with personalized attention from expert faculty
- Engage with the community through cultural celebrations and festivals
- Complete a capstone research project in your area of interest
- If pursuing teaching, you’ll gain real classroom experience through UNC’s partner schools
To earn your Mexican American Studies BA at UNC, you’ll complete 47–90 credits of coursework, depending on your chosen concentration:
- Liberal Arts Concentration: 47 credits of major coursework and specialized track studies
Degree requirements – Liberal Arts Concentration
- Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12): 90 credits of major coursework, supporting content, and professional teacher education coursework
Degree requirements – Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12) Concentration
If you’re passionate about understanding and serving Chicana/o and Latinx communities, this program gives you the tools to make a difference. You’ll explore history, literature, politics and cultural theory while choosing a path that matches your career goals, whether that’s law, public service, education, or community advocacy.
- Mexican American Studies Minor
To earn your Mexican American Studies minor at UNC, you’ll complete 18 credits of coursework focused on the core areas of the discipline.
The Mexican American Studies minor complements any major by developing your cultural competency and understanding of one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. You’ll take foundational courses in Chicana/o history, literature, politics and contemporary issues. This minor provides valuable preparation for careers in education, healthcare, business or public service.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Mexican American Studies BA – Liberal Arts Concentration
Four-Year Plan – Liberal Arts Concentration
Mexican American Studies – Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12)
Four-Year Plan – Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12) Concentration
Concentrations
Customize your Mexican American Studies BA by choosing one of two concentrations that fits your career goals.
- Chicana/o and Latinx Studies BA – Liberal Arts Concentration
Want to explore Chicana/o and Latinx cultures while keeping your career options open? This path combines deep cultural understanding with the flexibility to pursue law, business, public service or nonprofit work.
Examine contemporary Mexican American life through the lens of history, literature, sociology, political science, gender studies and psychology. Choose from five specialized tracks – Community Health & Nutrition, Globalization & Migration, Social Justice & Public Policy, TESL/Bilingualism or Youth Advocacy. This concentration will help you gain real-world experience through internships and a capstone research project.
You’ll learn to:
- Understand the real challenges and opportunities facing Chicana/o and Latinx communities today
- Develop critical thinking and writing skills essential for professional success
- Get real work experience through internships in your field of interest
- Focus on a specialty track that matches what you want to do after graduation
Perfect for students interested in law, public policy, community organizing, healthcare administration, social services or any field where understanding diverse populations is essential.
Join community celebrations, complete hands-on internships, learn from faculty who know your name and graduate with experience in real communities, preparing for real careers.
Why This Degree Matters
Growing Job Market
High demand for your skills
- Latino population will triple by 2050, the fastest U.S. growth
- Every sector needs professionals who understand these communities
- Bilingual skills increasingly required in healthcare, education, business
- Cultural competency now essential for public service roles
- Colorado actively recruiting for these skill sets
Two Clear Paths
Choose your direction:
Liberal Arts track leads to:
- Law school and legal advocacy
- Public service and policy work
- Nonprofit leadership
- Business and corporate diversity roles
- Graduate programs in social work or public health
Teaching track offers:
- Immediate employment with full Colorado licensure
- Grades 6-12 social studies certification
- Option to add TESOL endorsement (12 credits)
Skills Employers Want
What you’ll bring to any workplace:
- Communicate effectively across cultural and language differences
- Research and analyze complex social issues
- Write compelling reports and proposals
- Design culturally responsive programs and services
- Navigate Spanish-language professional settings
- Manage projects through your internship or student teaching experience
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Chicana/o and Latinx Studies
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.
- CLAS@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2707
- Candeleria Hall, Room 0140