Department Application Requirements

Priority Application Filing Period

(CalState Apply Application)

October 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024

Department Application Filing Period

(Submit Part One and Two)

February 1, 2025 (Part One) and February 20, 2025 (Part Two)

Part One

Applicants should begin the application process by completing the online application. Additional information can be found on our University Admissions Resources page or the Graduate Admissions website. 

Applicants submit the Cal State Apply application and $70 application fee online. Send official transcripts to GAPE (address below).

          Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations
          San Jose Staté University
          One Washington Square
          San José, CA  95192-0017

Part Two

There is NO GRE requirement for admission into the program. 

The second part of the application includes a Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, Two Letters of Recommendation, and Unofficial Transcripts. Email materials directly to the CCS Graduate Advisor,  Dr. Juan Pablo Mercado. 

Statement of Purpose

Note: the Cal State Apply application provides a space for the Statement of Purpose, but we do not review that submission. 

Describe why you want to pursue a Master’s degree in Chicana and Chicano Studies at SJSU. Explain why this program is best suited for your interests and why you are a good fit for the program. We are interested in understanding your intellectual interests as well as your longer-term goals and what you hope to do with the degree. 

There is not a specified limit on the length of the Statement, but we prefer that they not exceed 3 pages. 

Writing Sample

We are not asking applicants to submit a new piece of writing for the application. We also are not asking for students to share a writing sample on a specific topic or with a specific format. 

We want to see your most recent work to get a sense of your writing ability.  Submitting a paper from the most recent class you enrolled in is perfect. For students returning to school after some time, you can submit something from your most recent class or write something new.

The writing sample should not exceed 10 pages. If you submit something from a longer paper, please indicate the section you would like us to review. 

Letters of Recommendation

We require at least 2 letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to submit more if possible. We do not require a specific form, so please ask letter writers to speak to your academic abilities and preparation for graduate school work. References from employers can be helpful, but if they are not able to speak to your ability to perform in graduate school, their recommendations do not help us evaluate your application.

Recommendations should be emailed by the recommender [not the applicant] directly to Dr. Juan Pablo Mercado.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts are required and should be sent to Dr. Juan Pablo Mercado.