What Careers are available for a Bachelor of Arts in Mexican-American Studies?

Question

I am a student at a Community College and just curious because they offer this as one of their programs. Looks interesting to me so just wondering if someone can give me more insight. Thanks.

Answer 1

As with all cultural studies fields, these subjects aren't exactly directly applicable to WORK or CAREERS. It's not like you're studying finance, lab science, or automitives. Studying a culture is an academic pursuit. You will have to use that knowledge and apply it broadly, or seek a career in academia (in which case you will need more than just an associates degree).

I'm not saying you shouldn't pursue Chicano studies. I majored in Southeast Asian studies, and it was a fascinating subject. But I doubled in molecular biology, too, so I had a "useful" major to fall back on.

If you want to try Chicano studies, then you may want to supplement your education with a second major like education, psychology, sociology, etc. That way you can bring an understanding of Chicano culture and history into your practice.

For example, I work in public health now, and having studied Southeast Asian culture, I undertand how certain cultural beliefs and behaviors translate into health incomes (i.e., many Asian foods are pickled or preserved, and this can mean higher rates of esophageal cancer).

Hope that helps somewhat.