Overview
A minor in Mexican American Studies (MAS) can indeed offer a strong complement to undergraduate students across various disciplines, including, but not limited to, Liberal Arts, Education, Social Work, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Medicine, and Research. Here’s how:
1. Cultural Competency
Understanding Mexican American and Latina/o Studies provides students with crucial insights into the history, culture, and experiences of a significant population in the United States. This cultural competency is valuable across disciplines, particularly in fields like Education, Social Work, Health Sciences, and even STEM, where professionals often work with diverse populations.
2. Interdisciplinary Perspective
MAS minors often involve interdisciplinary coursework, incorporating elements of history, sociology, literature, anthropology, and more. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking and a broader perspective, which can be beneficial in any field, including STEM and research, where innovative solutions often arise from diverse perspectives.
3. Social Justice and Advocacy
Many students majoring in Liberal Arts, Education, and Political Science and Social Work have a strong interest in social justice and advocacy. A minor in MAS provides them with a deeper understanding of issues related to race, ethnicity, immigration, and social inequality, empowering them to advocate for marginalized communities in their respective fields.
4. Addressing Health Disparities
Mexican American and Latina/o communities in the United States often face unique health disparities due to factors such as socioeconomic status, language barriers, and access to healthcare. A minor in MAS can provide students with a deeper understanding of these disparities and equip them with the knowledge and skills to address them effectively in their future healthcare careers.
5. Diversity in STEM and Research
In STEM fields and Research, diversity is increasingly recognized as a key factor in driving innovation and problem-solving. Understanding the perspectives and experiences of Mexican American and Latina/o communities can enrich research projects and contribute to more inclusive outcomes.
6. Community Engagement
MAS minors often involve opportunities for community engagement, such as internships, service-learning projects, or fieldwork. These experiences can help students develop practical skills, build networks, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, which is valuable regardless of their major.
7. Global Perspectives
Studying Mexican American and Latina/o Studies can also provide students with global perspectives, as it often involves exploring transnational connections, diaspora communities, and cross-cultural interactions. This broader worldview can enhance students’ understanding of global issues and their interconnectedness, which is increasingly important in our interconnected world.
Overall, a minor in Mexican American Studies can enrich the educational experience of undergraduate students in various majors, offering them valuable skills, perspectives, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a MAS Minor, you can gain insight into the fastest-growing ethnic group in Texas and the United States. You can also apply your MAS knowledge to a variety of fields and network with professionals who have done the same.
MAS Minor Careers
When pursuing advanced degrees in the United States and abroad, MAS Minor graduates developed skills, abilities, and interests transferable to various careers and fields, including:
Education
Administration
Research
Journalism
Lecturing
Paralegal Studies
Diplomacy
Global Economics
Art
Nursing
Global Health
Linguistics
Anthropology
History
Non-Profit Management
Business
Sociology
Political Science
Immigration Law
Music
Engineer
Architecture
Language Services
Tourism
Notable Latino Studies Graduates
Ray Casas
Mexican American & Latino Studies Minor, University of Texas at Arlington. Director of Community Impact for The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation & member of the 2023 World Champion, Texas Rangers Baseball Club.
Eva Longoria
Chicano Studies, MA California State University. Actress, Producer, & Chicana Activist. Longoria works closely with the United Farm Workers, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and the National Council of La Raza. In 2012, she launched the Eva Longoria Foundation to help close the achievement gap and empower Latinas to reach their fullest potential. In 2023, Longoria hosted and was one of the producers of CNN’s travel documentary series Searching for México.