Frequently Asked Questions

What courses am I required to take to earn a Mexican American Studies Associate in Arts degree at Del Mar College?

In addition to the Core Curriculum, the Major Requirements for the degree are:

1. HUMA 1305 Introduction to Mexican American Studies
2. HUMA 1311 Mexican American Fine Arts Appreciation
3. HIST 2327 Mexican American History I
4. HIST 2328 Mexican American History II
5. GOVT 2311 Mexican American Politics
6. ENGL 2351 Mexican American Literature
7. Any Spanish course
8. Any approved elective

view a suggested degree plan

What knowledge will I gain by majoring in Mexican American Studies?

Graduates in Mexican American Studies will:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the historical, political, and contemporary experiences of Mexican Americans in the United States, specifically in the region of South Texas.
2. summarize demographic trends in the Unites States of the past, present, and future.
3. recognize the main elements of the Mexican American aesthetics as displayed in literature, language, and cultural practices.
4. recognize the main elements of the the Mexican American aesthetics as displayed in music, visual arts, and cultural practices.
5. practice and demonstrate oral, written, and research skills.

Are Mexican American Studies courses transferable to other colleges and universities?

The Texas Coordinating Board has designated the Mexican American Studies courses in the degree as "fully transferable" to Texas public colleges and universities. A student planning on transferring to a private or out-of-state college or university should address all transfer questions to that institution.

I'm interested in Mexican American Studies courses, but I would like to major in another field. Will Mexican American Studies courses also count towards other degrees at Del Mar?

Students seeking a variety of degrees take Mexican American Studies courses to meet their core requirements. Below are four Mexican American Studies courses and the core requirements they fulfill.

1. HUMA 1305 and HUMA 1311 (Creative Arts)
2. ENGL 2351 ( Language, Philosophy and Culture)
3. GOVT 2311 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)
4. HIST 2327 and HIST 2328 (American History)

Check with your adviser to see if these Mexican American Studies courses meet the core requirements for your degree.

I would like to eventually transfer to a university and major or minor in Mexican American Studies there. What are some universities I could choose from?

Below are some Texas universities that offer a major or a minor in Mexican American Studies:

• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• University of Texas-San Antonio
• Our Lady of the Lake University
• University of Texas-Austin
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Interested in out-of-state universities? For information, please call the office of the Dean of Arts of Sciences (698-1218).

What are potential careers for students who study Mexican American Studies?

Are there organizations I could join at Del Mar that will help me learn more about Mexican American culture and higher education opportunities?

An excellent organization open to all Del Mar students, faculty, and staff is the Foreign Languages Club. This club sponsors a variety of educational and entertaining campus activities, including Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos observances, and also engages students in community activities.

Another excellent organization is the Del Mar chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). TACHE Del Mar sponsors public forums and brown bags, holds fundraisers, and works actively in support of the Mexican American Studies Program at Del Mar. A major community project sponsored by TACHE Del Mar is preparing Saturday breakfasts ​each year for families staying at the local Ronald McDonald House.

How do I apply for admission to Del Mar College?

Visit the Becoming a Viking page for answers to your admissions questions.

Who do I contact at Del Mar to learn about financial aid, scholarships and work study opportunities?

Visit the Financial Aid page for more information.

How do I find out more information about Mexican American Studies at Del Mar College? 

Contact Dr. Isabel Araiza, MAS Program Coordinator, at iaraiza2@delmar.edu. Also, visit the Mexican American Studies page.