A Ph.D. in Mexican American Studies
The Ph.D. program in Mexican American Studies (MAS) is an interdisciplinary research degree. An individualized plan of study allows students to develop their own specialization in Mexican American Studies by integrating areas such as indigenous, Cultural, Gender, Education, Immigration, Health, Historical, and Comparative Ethnic Studies.
To Apply
The deadline for applications is January 15th. The University of Arizona's Ph.D. in Mexican American Studies is a research degree. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or its equivalent by the date of entry into the program. to be competitive for admissions, applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher.
The application requirements are as follows:\
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Intent: A statement of scholarly and research interests.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae.
- Writing sample: a 35-50 page scholarly paper or Master's Thesis
- Official Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended.
- A copy of official GRE scores.
The department application is available through the Graduation College Application: http://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/apply-now
Ph.D. Program Requirements
A minimum of 66 units are required for the completion of the Ph.D. in Mexican American Studies. All required units of credit must be at the graduate level at the University of Arizona or at an accredited institution in consultation with the Major Advisor, MAS academic coordinator and the Director of Graduate Studies. The department encourages students to collaborate with other academic units within the University to explore relevant theories, knowledge, and perspectives based on their specialized field of scholarly inquiry and research. These aforementioned departmental requirements allow students a wide range of choices and independence in completing their degree requirements.
Ph.D. Program Guide:
Foundation: MAS 695A 3 units
Core: 18 units
Chosen Field: 15 units
Minor (if in MAS) 9 units
Methods: 3 units
Dissertation: 18 units
Total: 66 units
MAS Core
The MAS Ph.D. Degree requires that students take 18 units of core graduate coursework offered by the MAS Faculty, as well as MAS 695A (3 units): Mexican American Studies Ph.D. Colloquium.
Specialization Area
In consultation with a major advisor, students have the option of completing a minor in MAS (9 units) or selecting to minor outside of MAS. If completing a minor outside of MAS, please see that department for their Ph.D. Minor guidelines and unit requirements.
Research Methods
Since this is an interdisciplinary program, each student, in consultation with their with their Major Advisor, should take 3 units in an approved research methods course that best serves their research agenda. Additional units may be required as per research needs.
Dissertation Units
A minimum of 18 dissertation units are required. The following must also be completed:
- A qualifying exam within 2 semesters that affirms formal acceptance into the program.
- Completion and affirmative evaluation of the comprehensive examination.
- Prospectus and prospectus review.
- Dissertation defense.
- Completed and approved dissertation
- Doctoral plan of study
If you have any questions about the program or the requirements for applying and/or acceptance into the program contact Margaret Yrun, Academic Coordinator via email at mcyrun@email.arizona.edu or by telephone at (520)-626-8103
