Introduction to the Major
Chicanx and Latinx Studies is grounded in the decolonization and liberation projects of U.S. Latina/os and their allies in the civil rights, gender, and sexual liberation movements of the 1960s that continue through the present in new forms that address new conditions. We take seriously the knowledges, epistemologies and critical thinking produced by racially and sexually oppressed subjects, and endeavor to examine the entangled intersectionality of racialized sexuality, gender, and class in complex socio-historical processes.
The Chicanx Latinx Studies major and minor are offered by the Department of Ethnic Studies, which also offers a major and minor in Ethnic Studies as well as a minor in Race and the Law.
"Chicanx Latinx Studies is an attempt at uncovering the silences in history that have continuously left out the contributions and actions of communities of Mexican descent. It is the critical study of Chicano, Mexican and Latinx communities across and in spite of borders."
- Pablo Gonzalez, Continuing Lecturer
The Major Curriculum
Our courses on the U.S. Latina/o experience contribute to the production of truly universal knowledges about the United States and an increasingly interconnected world beyond the limited scope of Eurocentric or other ethnocentric perspectives and disciplinary constraints. Courses in the program include the social sciences, geography, history, literature, visual cultural studies, performance arts, public policy, education, health, theater, film, media, religion, and philosophy. In addition, we offer practicum courses in creative writing, research methods, visual and performance arts and field studies/internship experience in various community organizations.
Amplify Your Major
- Enrich your studies with a summer minor in Race and the Law.
- Enrich your studies with a Summer Abroad course (CHICANO N180) in Barcelona or Mexico City.
- Get involved with community-facing student groups such as the La Raza Workers’ and Tenants’ Rights Clinic.
- Complete a senior honors thesis in the major.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Familiarize yourself with major and college requirements.
- Enroll in ETH STD 11AC: Introduction to Ethnic Studies.
Connect and Build Community
- Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect in Ethnic Studies.
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
Discover Your Passions
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, L&S 1, or a student-run DeCal course.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarships Fair in October.
- Visit the Ethnic Studies Library in Stephens Hall and explore its collections.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series or a winter externship.
- Visit the Ethnic Studies website for career ideas after graduating.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Satisfy two elective courses: CHICANO 20, 40, 50 or 70 if you haven’t done so yet.
- Complete the three lower division prerequisites and declare the major.
- Review major guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a student organization such as Raíces Recruitment and Retention Center.
- Check out resources from Chicanx Latinx Student Development.
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
- Continue with a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course.
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
- Find research and funding opportunities in the OURS database.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor like Race and the Law.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
- Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
- Get involved with community-facing student groups such as the La Raza Workers’ and Tenants’ Rights Clinic.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Reflect on your education so far and continue to set goals for yourself.
- Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Enroll in methods courses ETH STD 101A or ETH STD 101B.
- Focus on upper division requirements and electives.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisors.
- Ask the major advisors about the honors program.
Connect and Build Community
- Attend Department of Ethnic Studies program events.
- Check out events sponsored by the Multicultural Community Center.
- Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
Discover Your Passions
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
- Explore campus centers and institutes like the Center for Race & Gender, Center for Research on Social Change, Institute for the Study of Societal Issues, Latinx Research Center and Othering & Belonging Institute.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
- Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital.
- Support underrepresented communities through a field study internship.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs like the “Nonprofit, Education, and Public Service Career Fair.”
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
- Satisfy the CHICANO 197 field study requirement if you haven’t done so already.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a professional association such as the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies.
- Connect with alumni groups like the Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Teach your own DeCal course.
- Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study and submit your work to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
- Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship.
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
The Chicanx Latinx Studies major prepares students for incorporation into the world of work and for a wide range of advanced graduate work and/or professional training in various fields, such as teaching, counseling, law, journalism, marketing, community and housing development, radio and television, health and medicine, community and union organizing, social work, and positions in federal, state, and local governments as well as those at the city and county levels.
Jobs and Employers
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Administrative Coord., Legal Services for Children
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CA State Govt., Assembly Member
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DOJ Accredited Rep., East Bay Sanctuary Covenant
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Director, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Pgm.
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Executive Asst., Chappellet Vineyard
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Executive Director of Public Safety and Transportation, Saint Mary’s College
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Health Navigator, Ctr. for Human Development
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Project Specialist, UCSFStudent Svcs. and Support Pgm. Specialist, Sacramento City College
Graduate Programs
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Counseling, Masters
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City and Regional Planning, Masters
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Data Science, Masters
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Education, Masters, PhD
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Law, JD
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Medicine, MD
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Public Administration, MastersPublic Health, Masters
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Public Policy, MastersSocial Work, Masters
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates and LinkedIn.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ethnicstudies.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can contact the major advisors to schedule appointments or ask questions by emailing Laura Jimenez-Olvera at lauraj@berkeley.edu or Dewey St. Germaine at deweystg@berkeley.edu
Advising Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:30-11:30am, 1:30-4pm
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
