Overview

The Chicana and Chicano Studies programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides a rigorous academic environment for students pursuing doctoral-level research. This interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to train scholars in diverse methodologies while examining the complex experiences of Chicana and Chicano communities.

As one of the first graduate programmes of its kind, the department bridges the gap between theoretical scholarship and community practice. Students are encouraged to link their academic findings with teaching and social engagement, ensuring that their research has a meaningful impact beyond the university setting.

The department does not offer a terminal master's degree, meaning all successful applicants are admitted directly into the doctorate track.

Why Chicana and Chicano Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara is home to a pioneering department that offers unique strengths in Chicana Feminisms and Latinx Critical Indigeneity. Students benefit from a faculty that specialises in diverse fields, including political mobilisation, critical issues in education, and art production.

The programme is distinguished by its commitment to interdisciplinary perspectives, allowing researchers to utilise various approaches from the humanities and social sciences. Facilities and resources at the university support deep archival work and contemporary social analysis, providing a robust foundation for future academics.

Furthermore, the department offers specific emphases in Black Studies and Feminist Studies. These pathways allow students to tailor their doctoral research to specific intersections of identity and power, benefiting from the university's strong institutional focus on inclusivity and critical scholarship.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14430 per year
National fee: USD 14430 per year
Local fee: USD 14430 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

History and Narrativity
Cultural Production
Social Processes
Chicana Feminisms
Latinx Critical Indigeneity
Art and Cultural Production
Critical Issues in Education
Political Mobilisation
Black Studies
Feminist Studies

Careers with Chicana and Chicano Studies

Graduates from this programme are prepared for high-level roles in academia, research institutions, and community leadership. The training provided by the University of California, Santa Barbara equips scholars to work as professors, policy analysts, and directors of cultural organisations.

The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also opens doors in the public sector and non-profit industries. Alumni often find success in roles focused on social advocacy, educational administration, and heritage management, where their expertise in Chicana and Chicano history and social processes is highly valued.

Programme Structure

Courses

Chicano history

Culture

Politics

Social Processes
Narrativity

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies History View 534 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or CV (submitted in the online application)

Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (submitted online)

Writing Sample (submitted in the online application)

Final/Official transcripts will be required for all applicants who are admitted and have indicated their intent to enroll at UC Santa Barbara by submitting a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Chicana and Chicano Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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