Chicana Studies

You'll investigate the multi-dimensional culture of the Chicana/o and Latino/a community in the U.S., closely examining current and past experiences of Chicanas/os and Latina/os whose origins exist south of the U.S./Mexican and U.S./Caribbean border, and gain a solid and critical understanding of the history, socio-cultural issues, transborder processes, and political economic forces affecting Chicano/a-/Latino/a communities.

CI is known for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and our Chicana/o Studies program is no exception. You will take courses across a broad range of disciplines, subjects, enjoy opportunities for international study, and apply your knowledge to meaningful community service-learning projects that benefit local Mexican-origin and Latino/a communities.

Your future

You'll be prepared for a variety of career paths in the private sector, education, government, or nonprofit organizations that serve communities with a significant population of people with origins from Mexico and other nations of Latin America. Chicano/a Studies majors go on to successful careers in education, health, social service, government, business, law, arts and mass media, community advocacy and much more.

Demonstrate knowledge of the history and culture of people of Mexican and Latin American origins in the United States, specifically within the region of Southern California.

Analyze the literary, performative, and visual expressions of Chicanas/os and Latinas/os.

Distinguish variations within Chicana/o communities in respect to class, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality.

Identify and discuss the major theoretical and conceptual questions informing Chicana/o Studies over time.

Summarize, explain, and apply social science methods for analyzing social, political, and economic phenomena relevant to the multicultural populations such as demographic trends, public policy, judicial systems, segregation, business practices, public health concerns, etc.

Effectively demonstrate competence in oral, written, and/or visual media to present research findings.

 International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

*Transfer students: It’s not necessary to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if you have completed the required Freshman Composition Class at your community college.