Mexican-American Studies

Building Bridges and Social Transformation

Mexican American Studies (Chicano/a/x Studies) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary program that examines the experiences, identities, and contributions of people of Mexican origin within the broader context of the American experience. Drawing from the humanities, arts, and social sciences, this field interrogates US economics, education, history, law, politics, religion, and systemic conditions in society, to illuminate the vital role Mexican Americans have played—and continue to play—in shaping the United States.

At its core, Mexican American Studies (Chicano/a/x Studies) seeks to cultivate a critical consciousness, challenging students to engage deeply with issues of identity, power, and social justice. The discipline emphasizes the social and political realities of Mexican Americans, exploring how historical systems of inequality and oppression continue to influence contemporary life. Course subject matter will serve as a basis for students to critically examine how enduring structures impact communities today, fostering awareness and action toward equity and empowerment.

Through this lens, Mexican American Studies students not only enhances understanding of American economics, education, history, laws, politics, and culture, but also equips students with the analytical tools and ethical commitment needed to address systemic injustice to advocate for transformative change.

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
Associate in Arts Degree Transfer Preparation: Mexican American Studies	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associated Degree for Transfer (ADT): Chicano/a/x Studies	Coming Soon 2027!

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the Mexican American studies (Chicano/a/x Studies) major. A few of these require an associate in arts degree, but most require a bachelor’s degree, or a graduate-level degree: high school or college/university professor, counselor, historian, researcher, research assistant, urban planner, lawyer, politician, policy analyst, political scientist, civil rights advocate, legislative aid, international trade specialist, foreign service officer, government employee, city/county official, nonprofit program director, business administrator, human resources, community development officer, publisher, librarian, library technician, philosopher, cultural arts director, social service worker, case manager, museum curator, journalist, artistic director for community arts programs, and consultant.

To name a few, the average starting base salary in California in these fields are:

• $132 for a California State Legislator;
• $105,520 for a professor in Ethnic Studies;
• $95,160 for an Immigration Attorney;
• $86,979 for a Policy Analyst (immigration, labor, education equity);
• $75K - $96K for a High School Teacher;
• $72,790 - $150k+ for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist (Director/Dean);
• $60k - $80K for a Nonprofit Program Director/Coordinator;
• Up to $113,000 for a role at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

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.