Catalog Year:
2025 - 2026

A Social Justice: Chicano Studies Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the rich histories, cultures, and experiences of Chicano/a/x communities in the United States. Graduates of "Social Justice: Chicano Studies" will exhibit effective leadership abilities, a profound understanding of Chicano heritage and identity, media literacy, and the capacity to engage collaboratively with diverse populations. This program equips students for advanced education and professional roles focused on supporting marginalized communities in public administration, legal services, social work, counseling, entrepreneurship, marketing, communications, education, politics, fine and performing arts, multicultural leadership, and numerous other fields.

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The Associate Degree for Transfer is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T degree in Social Justice: Chicano Studies will be prepared to transfer and are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in Chicana/o/x Studies or a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.


The Cuesta College AA-T degree in Social Justice: Chicano Studies requires:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

(3) Earn a 'C' or better grade in all courses required for the major area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

Career Opportunities

Required Core: (3 courses, 9 credits)
Units: 9.0
ETHN 230
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ETHNIC STUDIES
3.0
 
3.0
ETHN 219
INTRODUCTION TO QUEER STUDIES
3.0
OR
SOC 208
INTRODUCTION TO GENDER STUDIES
3.0
 
3.0
COMM 212
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
3.0
OR
HSCI 208
MULTICULTURAL HEALTH SCIENCE
3.0
OR
HIST 203B
HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS
3.0
OR
POLS 204
WORLD POLITICS
3.0
OR
SOC 206
INTRODUCTION TO RACE AND ETHNICITY
3.0
List A:  Select three courses from at least two of the following Areas.  Choose courses that are the best fit for your desired CSU campus and major, and that have not already been completed as part of the Required Core.
Units: 9.0-10.0
Area 1: History or Government
Units: 3.0
HIST 212
HISTORY OF MEXICAN AMERICANS
3.0
Area 2: Arts and Humanities
Units: 6.0
ART 207
LATIN AMERICAN ART HISTORY I: ANCIENT
3.0
ART 208
SURVEY OF MEXICAN ART HISTORY II: COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY
3.0
Area 3: Social Science
Units: 12.0
ETHN 231
DECOLONIZATION AND RACIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENTS
3.0
ETHN 234
WOMEN OF COLOR
3.0
ETHN 235
RACE, ETHNICITY, AND POP CULTURE
3.0
ETHN 260
INTRODUCTION TO CHICANX AND LATINX STUDIES
3.0
Area 4: Quantitative Reasoning and Research Methods  (choose one only)
Units: 7.0
STAT C1000
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
4.0
PSYC 200
RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
3.0
Total: 18.0-19.0

Program Outcomes

Outcome
Cultivate critical thinking skills to analyze and critique social, political, and economic issues affecting Chicanx communities, both within the U.S. and globally.
Assessment
Outcome
Explore the intersectionality of Chicanx identities with regard to gender, sexuality, class, immigration status, Indigeneity, religion, disability, age, and other aspects, fostering an inclusive and holistic perspective.
Assessment
Outcome
Advocate for social justice and equity by understanding and addressing issues of racial and ethnic inequality, discrimination, and underrepresentation faced by Chicanx/a/x populations.
Assessment
Outcome
Examine the historical experiences and contributions of Chicanx/a/x individuals and communities, contextualizing their struggles and achievements within the broader narrative of the United States.
Assessment
Outcome
Develop a deep understanding of Chicanx cultures, including their histories, languages, art, music, and traditions, to appreciate the richness and diversity within the Chicanx community.
Assessment