Mexican American Studies

Studies That Lead to Social Change

Housed under the History and Ethnic Studies department, Mexican American Studies is a unique interdisciplinary course of learning that provides an introduction to the Hispanic community within the context of the American experience. This field of study explores its history, culture, society, politics, religion, economics, art, and major contributions to the development of the United States. Essentially, Mexican American studies is part of American history, nationality, and race that utilizes knowledge from the humanities, arts, and social sciences to explore issues and experiences unique to Hispanics.

Program Awards

Our Mexican American Studies programs are included in the Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Degree/Certificate Options Degree/Certificate Options Major Code Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the Mexican American studies major. A few of these require an associate in arts degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: high school or college instructor, historian, researcher, research assistant, urban planner, lawyer, politician, political scientist, international trade specialist, foreign service officer, government employee, business administrator, publisher, librarian, library technician, philosopher, cultural arts director, social service worker, business manager, and consultant.

The average annual salary in this field is $105,520 for occupations like Area, Ethnic, & Cultural Teachers.

Typical Duties

• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.