Chicano/Latino Studies
B.A. Department of Chicano/Latino Studies · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Department of Chicano/Latino Studies at UCI is a nationally top-ranked, multidisciplinary program of research, teaching, and social service. The department provides UC Irvine students with the opportunity to explore the histories, cultures, and ethnic diversity of the Chicano/Latino diaspora, equipping them with the tools to develop projects that help us better understand and serve these communities.
The mission of the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the historical and contemporary experiences of Chicanos/as and Latina/o/é heritage people in the U.S. and around the globe. Through a variety of scholarly approaches, students are well-prepared to work with and give back to these communities in meaningful ways. The department achieves this mission by designing curricula that highlight Latina/o/é contributions to American society and by conducting research across various fields in the Humanities (history, language, film, music, art, dance, and literature), Social Sciences (education, politics, sociology, culture, immigration, and law), and Latina/o Health (psychology, public health, and medicine).
The undergraduate major is built on a strong foundation of three interdisciplinary pillars:
- History
- Literature, arts, and media
- Contemporary inequalities and social issues
Requirements
All students must meet the University Requirements. All students must meet the School Requirements.
Departmental Requirements for the Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Complete the following five core courses: | ||
| CHC/LAT 61 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies I | |
| CHC/LAT 62 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies II | |
| CHC/LAT 63 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies III | |
| CHC/LAT 101 | Research in the Latino Community | |
| CHC/LAT 102W | Chicano/Latino Research Seminar | |
| B. Complete the following: | ||
| SPANISH 2A | Intermediate Spanish (or equivalent) 1 | |
| C. Complete one comparative ethnic studies course selected from African American Studies, Asian American Studies, or | ||
| CHC/LAT 183 | Multicultural Education in K-12 Schools | |
| D. Select three upper-division electives, one from each of the following categories: | ||
| Literature, Arts, and Media (CHC/LAT 110–129) | ||
| History (CHC/LAT 130–139) | ||
| Inequalities and Social Context (CHC/LAT 140–189) | ||
| E. Select four additional elective courses, three of which must be upper-division, selected from CHC/LAT courses. | ||
- May be fulfilled by AP Spanish credit or placement above SPANISH 2A through the UCI Academic Testing Center. You can also satisfy this requirement via Study Abroad opportunities offering Spanish Language courses. Students are encouraged to continue their Spanish language education through SPANISH 2C
- Course must focus on the study of African American or Asian American communities in the United States.
- Electives may include Independent Study courses (CHC/LAT 199). Or, if accepted into the Honors Program, CHC/LAT H190A-CHC/LAT H190B-CHC/LAT H190C can be used for three of the four elective courses needed to fulfill this requirement.
- Students may obtain credit for one of these three upper-division courses through participation in a study abroad program in Mexico. Students must consult with the Department office for additional information regarding this option.
Residence Requirement for the Major: A minimum of five upper-division courses required for the major must be completed successfully at UCI. Courses taken through the UC Education Abroad Program will be counted toward satisfaction of the residence requirement.
Research
Students are encouraged to pursue field research and write a substantial research paper on topics of their choice under the guidance of Chicano/Latino faculty members. Often, this project will grow out of issues examined in CHC/LAT 102W. Research projects typically involve a combination of library research and fieldwork in the Chicano/Latino community. Methods and analytical frameworks vary depending on the student and faculty advisors. Interested students should enroll in CHC/LAT 199.
Honors Program
The Honors Program in Chicano/Latino Studies is designed to allow undergraduates to pursue independent research and write an honors thesis on topics of their choice under the guidance of Chicano/ Latino Studies faculty members. Research Projects typically involve a combination of library research, data analysis, and field research.
Eligibility
- The program is open to all senior level Chicano/Latino Studies majors.
- Grade point average of 3.3 or better overall, with a 3.5 average in Chicano/ Latino Studies courses (at least five courses).
- Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in the following courses is strongly recommended:
- CHC/LAT 101 (Research in the Latino Community)
- CHC/LAT 102W (Chicano/Latino Research Seminar)
Requirements
- Enrollment in CHC/LAT H190A, CHC/LAT H190B, and CHC/LAT H190C
- Completion of an honors thesis with a Chicano/Latino Studies Faculty member.
Program Incentives
- You can apply CHC/LAT H190A, CHC/LAT H190B, and CHC/LAT H190C to the major upper-division electives
- A thesis provides a competitive edge for graduate school applications
- Opportunity to connect with department faculty and develop analytical research skills that are transferable to many career options
- Receive a gold Honors cord to wear at Commencement
- Graduate with Honors in Chicano/Latino Studies