COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Chicana and Chicano Studies program requires the completion of 30 units and is structured to provide a strong foundation in theory, history, research, and applied knowledge related to Chicanx and Latinx communities. The core curriculum consists of 18 units, including courses such as CCS 200 (Ideology and the Chicana/o Experience), which fulfills the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), along with CCS 205 (Chicana/o History), CCS 210 (Foundations in Chicana/o Studies), CCS 225 (Impact of American Institutions), CCS 240 (Applied Seminar), and CCS 275 (Research Methods). These courses build critical analytical, historical, and methodological skills.The remaining 12 units are completed within one of three specializations: Comparative Ethnic Studies, Education, or Policy Studies. Each specialization allows students to tailor their academic path based on career goals while maintaining interdisciplinary flexibility. Within each specialization, students must choose between Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project).In Plan A, students complete specialized coursework, independent study (CCS 297), and a master’s thesis (CCS 299), which involves original research and in-depth academic analysis. In Plan B, students complete a set of required courses across education, policy, and comparative studies along with a project (CCS 298), focusing on practical application of knowledge.Each specialization includes a combination of courses such as CCS 215 (Education), CCS 230 (Policy Analysis), and CCS 252 (Comparative Ethnic Studies), depending on the chosen track. The thesis option is more research-oriented and suitable for students planning doctoral studies, while the project option emphasizes applied skills for professional careers.Overall, the program integrates theory, research, and practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles, community engagement, policy development, or further academic pursuits.