Mexican American Studies

Mexican American Studies at St. Mary’s

Mexican American Studies is an interdisciplinary, undergraduate academic minor and certificate program focusing on the U.S. Mexican American experience. 

The goal of the minor and certificate is to prepare students for culturally competent professional lives attentive to local, state and national issues, and increase awareness of the importance of Mexican American representation within in-demand fields, such as education, policy analysis, public administration, governance, economic development, and the arts and humanities. 

• Degree Plans

  The Minor in Mexican American Studies is an 18-credit-hour program. Students choose five courses from a list of required core options and an additional course, such as an independent study or internship. Funded research and travel opportunities are also available. 

  Minor in Mexican American Studies

  The Certificate in Mexican American Studies is a 15-credit-hour program for current undergraduate students. Students choose three courses from a list of required core options, one research-oriented course and an independent study. 

  Certificate in Mexican American Studies

• Courses

  Students choose courses from a variety of disciplines, including:

  Political Science
  Chicano Literature
  Language
  Economics
  Theology

  Example courses include:

  U.S. Civil Rights: The Latino Experience
  U. S. Immigration and Ethnic History
  Theology in the Southwest

• In the News

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  “[Belinda Roman, Ph.D.] said the certification in Mexican-American Studies is useful in professional development, especially with the increased emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in the business world.”

  In October 2022, KSAT News spotlighted the Mexican American Studies program at St. Mary’s University. Read the full story to hear what faculty and students about their experience with the certificate.

  Read the story

What can I do with a minor or certificate in Mexican American Studies?

The Mexican American Studies courses build knowledge and research skills of Mexican Americans—their politics, histories, communities and customs, and behaviors. It prepares students to be culturally informed and relevant in careers in education, economic and community development, community leadership, elective office, law school and graduate education.  

Career Opportunities

Community development 
Health-related fields 
Human resources 
International relations 
Law 
Marketing 
Policing 
Public administration 

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