


Mexican American Studies
About Mexican American Studies
The MAS curricula address the structural and historical context of the life, history, and culture of Mexican-origin people in the United States. Indeed, this content is grounded in research that recognizes that the positive affirmation of a racial, ethnic, and/or cultural identity role ethnic studies courses provide functions to increase the retention, persistence, and graduation rates of students of color. As such, MAS courses helped to cultivate a new generation of educated public citizens empowered to improve the quality of life of Mexican-American and Chicana/o communities in San Antonio, Texas, and across the nation.
In addition, a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Mexican American Studies (MAS) enhances all fields of study and professions by providing cultural affirmation, appreciation for diversity, and an understanding of systemic inequities.
What You Can Achieve
Approximately 80% of MAS majors graduate with dual degrees; one in MAS and the second in the field of their choice.
MAS majors can choose from eight areas of concentration:
- Anthropology
- Literary and cultural studies
- History
- Families, communities, and children
- Non-profit management
- Political science
- Sociology
MAS alumni work in the following areas
- Health, non-profit and administrative careers;
- Business-owners and entrepreneurs;
- Teachers/educators in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities; and
- Completed or are pursuing professional degrees, graduate degrees, or law degrees.
Mexican American Studies (MAS) is an interdisciplinary academic field focused on the Chicana/o, Mexican American and Latina/o immigrant experience across historical, social, political, educational, and cultural dimensions. For a majority of UTSA's Mexican-American and Chicana/o students, MAS courses help them develop a foundational affirmation of their ethnic and cultural heritage, which, according to recent research, increases retention, persistence, and graduation rates of students of color. However, the MAS program offers all students the opportunity to learn about the Mexican American experience, while focusing on a discipline of their choice, including, but not limited to the following discipline areas:
- Anthropology
- Communities, families and children (BBL)
- Cultural (literary, media, music) studies
- History
- Nonprofit management
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Spanish
Students enrolled in Mexican American Studies obtain theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to working with diverse populations, as well as research skills for developing, analyzing, and evaluating policies and practices impacting the Mexican American community. The program prepares students to become insightful, intellectual, and innovative thinkers and leaders who can work effectively in diverse and challenging contexts, with the following skills: problem solving, interpersonal skills, public speaking, teamwork, leadership abilities, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity/awareness, flexibility and adaptability.
Contact Us
College of Education and Human Development
Main Building | One UTSA Circle | San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: 210-458-4370 | education@utsa.edu