Welcome to the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies!
The Department of Chicano/Latino Studies at UCI is a nationally top-ranked, multidisciplinary program of research, teaching, and social service. We provide 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.
Our faculty includes Pulitzer Prize-winning scholars, respected researchers, and dedicated staff who are committed to student success and academic excellence. The faculty in our department is multidisciplinary, representing a variety of professional fields, perspectives, and research methods that range from oral histories, storytelling, examinations of media and cultural production, and qualitative and quantitative research.
The department’s collaboration with the School of Medicine through the PRIME Pre-Health
Pathways (UC3P) and Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC)
is praised for its health-related research training and direct involvement in under-resourced
Latina/o/é communities.
Our Mission
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, our students are well-prepared to work with and give back to these communities in meaningful ways.
We achieve 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).
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Our undergraduate programs are built on a strong foundation of three interdisciplinary pillars:- History
- Literature, Arts, and Media
- Contemporary Inequalities and Social Issues
We proudly offer the following academic paths:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chicano/Latino Studies
A comprehensive program that explores the historical, cultural, and contemporary experiences of Chicano and Latino communities in the U.S. - Minor in Chicano/Latino Studies
An interdisciplinary complement to any major, ideal for students seeking to deepen their understanding of Chicano/Latino issues. - Certificate Programs
Open to both majors and non-majors, these certificates provide specialized knowledge in key areas of Chicano/Latino Studies.
Graduate Programs
We offer graduate-level opportunities that emphasize interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and professional development:
- Graduate Emphasis in Chicano/Latino Studies
Training in interdisciplinary methods and teaching excellence. - UC-CUBA Program
Encourages and supports scholarly research on Cuba by U.S.-based scholars across disciplines. - Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC)
Offers culturally responsive training for medical students committed to serving Latino and other underserved communities.
Join our Chicano Latino Studies Gente listserve for the latest news from our community!
Whether you're pursuing a degree, a minor, or a certificate, the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies at UCI offers the academic tools, mentorship, and community connections to help you grow as a scholar and advocate.
Explore the programs on our website, connect with faculty, and become part of a department committed to justice, culture, and change.