The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Chicano/Latino Studies prepares scholars, researchers, and teachers in the social sciences and humanities to develop expertise in the historical and contemporary experiences of Chicanas/os/x and Latinas/os/x in their social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. The program emphasizes global, trans-disciplinary, comparative, and applied approaches to knowledge which enhance collaborative scholarly efforts within the university, peer educational institutions, and the broader community. It addresses Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x experiences in home communities in the United States, and international dimensions and diaspora experiences involving communities in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Michigan State University offers the PhD of Chicano/Latino Studies, Doctor of Philosophy as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in East Lansing , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 5 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for chicano/latino studies, doctor of philosophy and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on July 5, 2027.
About Chicano/Latino Studies, Doctor of Philosophy
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Chicano/Latino Studies, Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Entry Requirements
to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chicano/Latino Studies is based on an evaluation of the student’s academic record. To be considered for to the program with regular status, applicants must have a master’s degree in an appropriate field or its equivalent, of at least 30 credits of approved course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. Applicants without a master’s degree or sufficient course work may be admitted provisionally and be required to complete a specified number of collateral courses, not to count toward the degree, before regular is granted.
Application forms for graduate school must be completed online for both domestic and international students. The Graduate School website contains all the information necessary to complete the application process. Applicants must submit the following materials:
- The online application form to the Graduate School.
- GRE General Test scores no more than five (5) years old, as well as two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, to the Chicano/Latino Studies Graduate Program Director.
- A statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample to the Chicano/Latino Studies Graduate Program Director. The letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender directly to the Chicano/Latino Studies office.
- Original transcripts from all colleges or universities attended sent directly from the institution to the Chicano/Latino Studies office.
- A writing sample of the applicant’s best example of written analytic and interpretative work that validates the applicant’s aptitudes and abilities in research and academic writing, and their preparation for scholarly work.
- A statement of purpose of 1000 words or less providing the applicant’s explanation of why s/he wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in Chicano/Latino Studies, outlining an area of interest in Chicano/Latino Studies, and discusses career goals.
Guidance Committee
The graduate director will guide students in the selection of courses for the first year. By the end of the second semester of the first year, students should choose their major professor and their guidance committee. The committee shall consist of at least four members, at least two in Chicano/Latino Studies and up to two in related fields.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chicano/Latino Studies
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.
Tuition and Fee Information for Chicano/Latino Studies, Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
How to Apply for Chicano/Latino Studies, Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.
Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.
As a freshman you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.
Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall freshman applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until they meet with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO).
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.

United States of America, East Lansing