The growing relevance of Latin America on the world stage is beyond dispute. Changes in trade and diplomatic agreements with emerging superpowers in Asia and other parts of the globe, as well as anti-immigration policies, particularly those of the US toward its southern neighbor Mexico, are redesigning Latin America’s role in the international system. Furthermore, the dynamism of Latin America’s manifold cultures, intellectual trajectories and literary traditions cannot be ignored within the landscape of globalization. An unprecedented number of Latin Americans in the US and other parts of the globe are influencing the cultures, economies, and politics of these immigrants’ native and receiving countries. As the character of Latin America shifts, we need new ways to conceptualize, study, and evaluate the processes that cross and intersect national borders within and outside this region.

What is Latin American Studies?

Latin American Studies is a diverse field that bridges the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities in the study of the Americas. You'll be prepared for a variety of careers in international relations, international business, healthcare-related fields, teaching, politics, or law.

Latin American Area Studies provides a concentration in the region's history, culture and politics. The course of study includes Latin America's economic, geographic, social and political patterns and challenges. With a population nearing half a billion people, Latin America has traditionally been, and is now more than ever, a critical area for the United States. Students will examine the historical ties between the two regions in relation to the commonality of cultures and objectives that are becoming increasingly stronger as interdependence grows.

About the Majors

During undegraduate degrees, you'll explore the languages, cultures, history, and politics of Latin America, with an emphasis on community engagement, foreign language acquisition, and international relations. This Bachelor's program has a multidisciplinary and international profile. It provides knowledge about the history, politics, economics and social and cultural development in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Hispanic USA.

What is a Master in Latin American Studies? It is an interdisciplinary degree often pursued by those who need to understand the complex social and diplomatic relationships between countries in the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America. The degree usually emphasizes both current geopolitical factors and historic relations between nations, allowing students to gain a more professional understanding of the region’s complexities.

Careers in Latin American Studies

Studies have shown a general increase in jobs requiring linguistic and cultural fluency in recent years. Graduates with a degree in Latin American studies enjoy careers in translating, interpreting or teaching. Other students continue to graduate school. Students may also be certified to teach high school or middle school. Additionally, the area-specific content knowledge gained through the major will enhance students’ marketability in careers in business, education, government/public service, health care, law, tourism, humanitarian ventures and other fields.