Why Mexican American Studies?

The rapidly changing demographics of the United States make knowledge of Latino culture a vital asset for any college graduate today. The minor in Mexican American Studies is a dynamic and interdisciplinary program that offers a strong complement to any undergraduate major and is especially practical for students majoring in Liberal Arts, Education, Business, Social Work, and Nursing. Through research, teaching, and service, the MAS minor enables the student to explore issues that are critical to understanding the Mexican American and Latino experience.

Mexican American Studies (MAS) Minor

In addition, as private and government employers are increasingly requiring professionals with intercultural and international competence, the MAS Minor provides students a unique opportunity to be prepared for the challenges of a competitive global society. Minoring in MAS can help you better prepare to work and live in a society in which Latinos continue to become visible neighbors, fellow citizens, clients, and co-workers. Besides learning about Latino culture, you will also be awarded a MAS Certification after program completion.

MAS Minor Requirements

  • 12 Total Credits Hours
  • 1 Required Core Course
  • 3 Electives

Check out the MAS Minor Brochure for more details.

Students with professors on stage with their certificates of MAS minor. Students are wearing sarape stoles.
MAS Minor Graduates Spring 2023

Mexican American Studies (MAS) Graduate Certificate

Through the Office of the Provost, CMAS offers an undergraduate minor and a graduate certificate in Mexican American Studies to all UTA students. The programs consist of courses from an interdisciplinary curriculum that examines the experiences of people of Mexican and other Latino descent in the United States. As a solid base for understanding the Latino heritage and its prominent future in the U.S., the MAS curriculum prepares students for success in contemporary society.

MAS Graduate Certificate Requirements

  • 12 Total Credits Hours
  • 1 Required Core Course
  • 3 Electives

Check out the MAS Graduate Certificate Brochure for more details.

Dr. Xavier Medina Vidal places hood on Ms. Reséndiz for her Masters in Political Science at the COLA's Master's Hooding Ceremony.
CMAS Director with the first MAS Graduate Recipient América Reséndiz

Benefits of a MAS Minor and Graduate Certificate

  • Qualify for our annual Manuel Gamio, Brandenburg, and MAS Scholarships.
  • Gain work experience with our unique internship opportunities.
  • Strengthen your leadership capabilities.
  • Engage in great community service and research opportunities.
  • Obtain valuable intercultural and international competence.
  • Network with students of similar interests.
  • Develop and strengthen important skills in research, analysis, and writing.
Rep. Romero with Texas legislative interns of 2025 in the state capital.
Representative Romero with Spring 2024 TX Legislative interns at the Texas State Capital.

Current MAS Graduate Certificate Candidates

Image of Current CMAS Graduate Certificate Candidate, Margarita Esparza.
Margarita Esparza
PhD in Structural Engineering
Image of Current CMAS Graduate Certificate Candidate, Claudia Monreal-Torrez
Claudia Monreal-Torres
MED Instructional & Learning Design Technology
Image of Current CMAS Graduate Certificate Candidate, Omar Mendez
Omar Mendez
PhD in English

Advising

Our staff and faculty are here to help you, feel free to visit our department located in the Swift Center. We do recommend that you make an appointment with the CMAS Advisor before your visit. The Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) is here to support you every step of the way!

UTA Admissions

Basic university admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted into the MAS undergraduate program. Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions. Once all application steps (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) are completed, a student may be enrolled in MAS.

After admission to the University of Texas at Arlington, our Academic Advisors will be available for you to enroll in the MAS program. Students should review the degree plan program-specific requirements which are listed on this page.