Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Mexican American Studies (MAIS)
Overview
The MAIS in Mexican American Studies is a culturally relevant program designed to offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in research, experiential learning, and community engagement related to Mexican American and Latina/o/x communities in South Texas and nationally. Students will undertake an 18-hour concentrated study in the transdisciplinary field of Mexican American Studies, including Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x studies. Students pursuing a thesis will also complete 6 hours of thesis coursework and 12 hours of free electives. Students on the non-thesis option will complete 18 hours of free electives. Students must use free elective credit hours to complete coursework outside of Mexican American Studies and are permitted to use the credits towards pursuing an approved graduate certificate.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in Mexican American Studies, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources.
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Resume including educational background and work experience.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 18 Hours
Required:
| MASC 6300 | Research Methods and Theories in Latinx Studies | 3 |
| MASC 6330 | Chicana/Latina Feminist Epistermology | 3 |
Choose four from the following:
| MASC 6315 | Mexican American Pedagogies | 3 |
| MASC 6320 | Studies in Chicanx/Laitnx Schooling | 3 |
| MASC 6325 | Studies in Critical Race Theories | 3 |
| MASC 6335 | Chicanx/Latinx Langauge and Identity | 3 |
| MASC 6340 | Directed Readings in Chicana/o Studies | 3 |
| MASC 6345 | Studies in Critical Latinx Decolonial Theory | 3 |
| MASC 6350 | Learning and Reflective Experience: The Mexican American Experience | 3 |
| MASC 6355 | Studies in Gloria Anzaldua | 3 |
| MASC 6390 | Special Topics in Chicana/o Studies | 3 |
Non-Thesis Option
Free Electives – 18 Hours
Choose courses from any disciplines other than Mexican American Studies. Students may use free electives to pursue an approved UTRGV graduate certificate.
Capstone Requirement
Statement of Philosophy and Praxis, Revision of Seminar Paper and Reflection Paper, and Oral Examination
Thesis Option
Free Electives – 12 Hours
Choose courses from any disciplines other than Mexican American Studies. Students may use free electives to pursue an approved UTRGV graduate certificate.
Thesis – 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36