All graduate students in a Mexican American Studies program will be evaluated by MAS faculty and also by the Graduate College. The Graduate College has set minimum and essential requirements need for the completion of graduate degrees which are embedded into the MAS Ph.D degree requirements. 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Ph.D. in Mexican American studies requires 66 units:

Foundations: 3 units
MAS 695   Mexican American StudiesPh.D. Colloquium (3) 

Course Work:  18 Units
Core Courses:
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)
MAS          Course based on student's specialization (3)

Minor: (The Graduate College requires that students choose a minor) 
Students have the option of choosing a minor -

+In MAS: The student will need to complete 9 units (3 more courses) to satisfy requirement
+Outside of MAS: Student can choose to select a minor in a different program. If so, the student will need to acquire a minor advisor in the programs' department and follow the program's requirement for completion.

Specialization/Elective Courses: 15 Units
In consultation with the student's major advisor, the student must complete 15 units in a MAS specialation area. 

> Culture  > Gender  > Education  > Immigration  > Health  > Historical  > Compatative Ethnic Studies

**No more than 6 units may be taken as independent study and only 3 units as preceptorship. 

Methods: 3 Units
MAS 580a Advanced Research Methods on Latinos (3)

Dissertation: 18 Units
A minimum of 18 units are required to satisfy this requirement. Students will enroll in dissertation units after completing their coursework and Comprehensive Exam (Written & Oral). Students cannot enroll directly in units through the registration page. 

How to enroll in units:
Student or Major advisor will email the program coordinator requesting student be enrolled in dissertation units. Please indicate how many units in dissertation will be needed and under which professor. 

EXAM REQUIREMENTS

The Ph.D. program has different milestones that will need to be passed in order for the student to advance through the program. 

+ Qualifying Review
Taken within the second (2nd) semester student is enrolled in the program. Student will need to pass exam to continue to the next milestone.

+ Comprehensive Exam
Taken within the third (3rd) year the student is enrolled in the program and is close/ or done with all coursework. Student will need to pass exam to continue to the next milestone.

+ Prospectus
Wil need to present the prospectus for their dissertation and receive approval from the Major Advisor. 

+Final Oral Defense
Taken the last semester student is enrolled in the program. Student will need to pass presentation and prepare a final copy of Dissertation to submit to the Graduate College for approval and award of degree.