Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Chicana/Chicano Studies

College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies     

Program Description

Undergraduate

The Chicana and Chicano Studies (CHS) major is an interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies major that investigates Chicana/o historical/social, political, and cultural experiences. The BA degree and minor program emphasize a theoretical and empirical foundation preparing students to pursue diverse career tracks, graduate school, and post-baccalaureate studies and training in a variety of related fields. The focus of the program provides students training in pre-colonial history, identity formations, literature, contemporary politics, education, the arts, theory, and more.

Student Organizations, Programs, and Activities

The Chicana and Chicano Studies Department sponsors an extensive activities calendar throughout the academic year. The department faculty collaborate with university areas such as the Affinity and Cultural Centers including the Latinx Cultural Resource Center, the Toro Dreamers Success Center, and the Queer Culture Resource Center to foster community awareness on anti-racism, social justice, and equity. The department also co-sponsors and supports campus-wide programs and events such as the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration and the Dolores Huerta graduation celebration. In support of student organizations, department faculty members serve as advisors and work closely with campus Chicana/e/o, Latina/e/o student organizations. 

Academic Advisement

All majors and minors in Chicana and Chicano Studies receive academic advisement from a faculty advisor. Students select an advisor, or have one assigned to them. Students will work closely with faculty to prepare them or academic success and potential career choices. 

Preparation

Although not required, both high school and community college students wishing to major or minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies are encouraged to take Ethnic Studies courses that relate to Chicana/e/o and Latina/e/o experiences. 

Graduation with Honors

An undergraduate student may graduate with Honors in Chicana/o Studies provided that the following criteria are met:

1.    A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills.

2.    A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper-division requirements in the major.