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What is Latin American Studies?

Latin American Studies is an multi-disciplinary area of study focused on Latin American history, art, culture, economics, and politics.  University degrees in Latin American studies were curated to provide unique insights and appreciation for the rich history of Latin America and people that shaped those countries.  Intensive research projects and case studies are created by professors to explore various aspect of life in Latin American cultures.  Domains of study in Latin America include an array of sociology, athletics, art, religion, literature, psychology, travel, and behavioral patters.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$73,750

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

49.74%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,720

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Latin American Studies Degree

Located in Hartford, Connecticut, Yale University is considered one of the best institutions of higher learning in the United States, dedicated to sharing knowledge, preserving culture, and inspiring students' scientific innovation. It was founded in 1701 and is known as one of the Ivy League universities.

It offers a major in Latin American Studies in which develops the individual growth and intellectual coherence of its students as well as gives them an opportunity to participate in summer travel or study abroad programs. The university also requires students to take 2 years of Spanish or Portuguese courses before registering for the course. Upon completion, students must submit a research paper written using the Latin American language. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University is located in New York City, with a campus of 299 acres and serves more than 30,000 students every year. It is known for offering majors that includes engineering, fine arts, social sciences, biomedical sciences, and more.   Columbia University has developed the Institute of Latin American Studies wherein students can explore the various programs such as undergraduate majors and concentrations, specialization and certificate, and master’s in regional studies. Students will enhance their mastery of cultural skills, critical language, and contemporary or modern Latin America. The institute also hosts visiting scholars and faculty through funded and unfunded opportunities such as Visiting Scholars. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania serves nearly 27,000 full-time and part-time students and offers a wide variety of programs that expands the students’ skills and growth. It provides an accessible and affordable learning experience in a vibrant and diverse community.  It has disciplinary programs that concentrate on the Latin American communities that engage students to enhance their experiences. Undergraduate programs that major and minor in Latin American and Latin cultures are taught by expert professionals in social science, history, and cultural criticism. Students are also encouraged to join the study-abroad program as well as to volunteer, work, and travel in Latin America. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University is a place wherein students can innovate, discover, express, and discourse their ideas to transform them to become better for themselves and the community. It was founded in 1891 and now houses more than 15,000 students annually.  The university offers diverse courses and programs that suit the needs of the students to help them have a rewarding career in their chosen fields. It has a Global Studies department that developed the Center for Latin American Studies with a mission to engage students in ethnic, cultural, linguistic, historical, and biological aspects of the Latin America. Students can participate in the master’s and minor programs offered by the center. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is committed to developing the analytic, critical, and writing skills of the scholars through its rigorous curriculum and global campuses. It also provides revolutionary researches in different areas of study such as finding the link between genetics and cancer.

It has a center that focuses on Latin American Studies that provides knowledge and understanding through interdisciplinary programs, outreach projects, and innovative research. The center was established in 1868 and it has been providing excellent education and internship since then. Aside from degree and graduate certificate programs, students can also receive student funding for their education. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

As a private university, Dartmouth College started operating in 1769 and serves more than 6,000 students. Its 31,000-acre campus is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. 

The department of Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies offers an undergraduate program that covers courses such as social science and humanities. It also provides experiential learning through its study abroad program, where students can work and participate with the local community during the summer or throughout the semester. The university also allows students to participate in scholarship programs to support their research and community experience. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine values inclusion, diversity, and equality while also protecting the environment. It served alumni who are now entrepreneurs, business leaders, judges, writers, farmers, artists, scientists, conservationists, and many more.

The college also provides Latin American studies which allow students to become involved in cultures, environments, and people of the Latin American communities. It also focuses on the impacts of the policies on class, race, human rights, and gender of individuals to help students understand the importance of it. Students will also have an immersive experience through service-learning projects, concerts, debates, film screenings, and other activities organized by the department. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As a private university, Pomona College in Claremont, California was established in 1887 to help students become accomplished scientists, artists, scholars, and entrepreneurs who are passionate and dedicated to make the world a better place. It accommodates nearly 2,000 students who came from different states across the nation as well as in other parts of the world.

One of its diverse programs is Latin American Studies that emphasizes the culture, society, economy, and political history of the region. Students enrolled in this program will be taught by expert professors who are experienced in the field about the country-specific studies and broad regional scope. The university offers study abroad programs in Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Chile. 

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Swarthmore College offers a vigorous learning experience through academic programs and activities that fit the needs of the students. It is recognized as a liberal arts college that serves more than 1,500 students on its 425-acre campus located in Pennsylvania.  The Latin American and Latino Studies degree has a history providing a rich curriculum that concentrates on cultures and societies of the Latin American community. The program allows students to have a better understanding of spoken language, history, political systems, religion, social movement, literature, and others are covered in this broadly inclusive course. Students will also experience personal growth through the study abroad and local involvement in the community programs. 

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Since 1912, Rice University in Texas has had a mission to share values to the students that are essential to the success of a healthy community. It commits to provide distinctive research and unsurpassed teaching that contributes to making the world better.

The modern, classical, literature, and cultures department of Rice University has developed a program that concentrates on Latin American Studies which covers lessons in history, Spanish and Portuguese, anthropology, French studies, sociology, and political science. Through its challenging and diverse curriculum, the students will enhance their skills in language, theory, research, geography, and communication that they can use for their professional careers.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Vanderbilt University was formerly named Central University. It was built 148 years ago with the aim to contribute and strengthen the ties between all the sections of the common country.

Today, the university is known for its transformative research and educational programs. The university established a center for Latin American studies for individuals who are interested in learning about the culture, language, traditions, history, and economy of the Latin American countries. Throughout the program, students can participate in outreach and other variety of programs such as Brazilian studies and Portuguese, and the Guatemala Mayan Program. The center has also been in collaboration with local communities to help students become more engaged and knowledgeable about the course. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Georgetown University provides a unique academic experience that enables students to make a difference in society with compassion and dedication that help them become responsible global citizens. Its campus was established 232 years ago and currently accommodates more than 19,000 students.

With a goal to foster disciplinary research for Latin America as well as to help form the next generation of innovators, scholars, and leaders, the university has developed a center for Latin American Studies.  Students can obtain a master’s degree and certificate of studies upon completion of the program. With the help of expert professionals and organizations, students can also participate in various activities and receive financial aid and scholarships. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington University has been operating since 1853. It provides quality educational learning that enables students to explore, discover, and impact the community for the greater good.

The university established a program that emphasizes the history, culture, and politics of Latin America. The program is called "Latin American Studies" and provides knowledge about different industries in the field and helps students integrate into the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. Students can earn degrees once the program requirements are completed while also gaining the key skills that are necessary for today’s professional industry. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Barnard College has an urban campus located in the city of New York that houses more than 2,000 students each year. Founded in 1889, the college was affiliated with Columbia University and aimed to create more opportunities for women in the community.

Spanish and Latin American Studies is one of the departments in the college which has a mission to provide intellectual and linguistic continuity from the basic to the most advanced cultural courses. With its strong collaboration with other interdisciplinary departments, the programs under the Spanish and Latin American studies emphasize on the history of Spain and Spanish America, the culture of the Hispanic world, and cultural products while also gaining effective skills in oral, writing, and interpretation. Students of the program will also conduct research before obtaining a degree. 

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

For more than 150 years, Tufts University in Massachusetts offered transformative experiences to its students through sustainability, innovation, and diversity of the community. Over ten thousand students are enrolled in more than 50 academic programs.  The school of arts and sciences offers Latin American Studies that encourages students to understand social sciences, history, literature, and culture, along with the language and views of the communities in the Latin America region. Students are expected to acquire oral and written proficiency in Spanish as well as become knowledgeable in Portuguese and Quechua, an indigenous language. In addition, students will also know the proper ways to do independent research by using the Latin American languages

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Claremont McKenna College is staffed with faculty dedicated to providing high-quality studies in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It is located in California and its mission is to be a support organization to help students achieve their goals and live productive lives.

It offers a Latin American cultural studies course under the Latin Languages and Literature Department, which involves symbolic production and current social and cultural phenomena in Latin America. Students will learn about photography, comics and art, and other cultures, while also expanding their knowledge in music and film. Together with renowned Latin American lecturers, students will be able to improve their written and spoken Spanish. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

On November 1, 1800, the Middlebury College was established and it has been operating since. It is located in Vermont with a campus area of 350 acres and serves more than 2,000 students every year.

The college has a department of international and global studies, where students can register for various courses, including Latin American studies. Through this program, students will have extensive knowledge of social sciences and humanities and will be exposed to the economy, history, politics, and culture of Latin America. It provides study abroad programs focused on Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the Southern Cone, and the Andean ridge. 

Acceptance Rate

15.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The University of California in Los Angeles has been preserving through the impossibility and turning futile to become attainable. It has nearly a thousand achievements in the Olympics, NCAA, Nobel Prize, and MacArthur Fellows.

One of its diverse graduate programs is called Latin American Studies, where students can obtain a Master of Arts degree after graduation. It provides students with the opportunity to work with teachers, and have knowledge of social sciences, fine arts, humanities, and natural sciences, while also obtaining methodological and linguistic success in various professional fields. The program also has an international reputation for providing distinguished research resources such as study centers and laboratories for Latin American studies. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1868, the University of California in Berkeley aims to contribute to making the state of California a place of happiness and glory. It offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and allows its students to participate in world-class research programs that have won various Nobel Prizes.

It founded the Center for Latin American Studies, which was established with the help of Latino scholars, practitioners, and students. It has developed innovative policies through the unique network while also enhancing the public knowledge and understanding of the culture and politics in Latin America. Students can also be eligible for financial aids, fellowships, and indigenous travel funds. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The mission of Bates College is to provide knowledgeable individuals with outstanding academic achievement through freedom and social justice. It is located in Lewiston, Maine, with a total campus area of 831 acres.

Bates College has a program focused on Latin American that emphasizes the language, religion, culture, politics, and history of the Latin communities. This is an interdisciplinary course that teaches students the importance of humanities and social sciences, and explores subjects that contribute to the development of human sciences and social sciences. Students of this program will develop broad appreciation and understanding of the region’s history as well as the ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexuality of the people in the community. 

Acceptance Rate

12.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Since 1831, Wesleyan University has been providing quality education in the liberal arts to the Middletown community and surrounding areas. It has a 360-acre private campus that can accommodate more than 3,000 students each year.

Students who wish to explore the long history of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean can participate in an interdisciplinary program focused on Latin American studies. The program develops the students’ ability to master the methods and substance of at least one academic discipline related to Latinx studies. Students can also have an option to study abroad as well as to earn a degree or a double major in Latin American Studies. 

Acceptance Rate

16.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As one of the oldest liberal arts institutions, Colby College provides a private learning environment that focuses on undergraduate studies, providing unparalleled opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. It has a supportive and diverse community on its campus in Waterville, Maine.

The college provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of this complex and fascinating Latin American region by offering courses related to it. Students will be able to explore political, social, and economic issues, as well as an appreciation of the rich cultural and traditional diversity of the region. Through this program, students can also participate in internships, study abroad, research, and expand their network by visiting artists and activists in the Latin American community. 

Acceptance Rate

9.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Carleton College has a close knit community where intellectually curious individuals are provided with unmatched teachings that lead to lifetime learnings. Located in Minnesota, students will receive high-quality student services from enthusiastic faculty and staff.

It offers a Latin American Studies program that expands the understanding and awareness of the students to the culture and society of the communities in the region. The courses under the program, both minor and major, have a cross-cultural approach that examines the economic development, issues of politics, religion, gender, cultural expression, and ethnicity of Latin America. Students will go through lectures and events that provide opportunities to interact with the locals and gain skills essential for their professional career in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

19.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Davidson College started operating in 1837 as a private institution with a goal to cherish the learnings of the individuals while also developing their minds to become independent leaders of the society. It houses more than 2,000 students on its 665 acres campus yearly.

Students enrolled in Latin American Studies major will learn and understand the rich history, multiple cultures, complex political and economic systems, as the long literary tradition of the communities in the Latin American region. Throughout the program, students will learn how to conceptualize the region as well as engage with its local communities while doing travel or study abroad programs. It focuses on Hispanic studies, history, political science, and anthropology. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Wellesley College is a women-exclusive institution that was established in 1870 with the aim to educate women to make a big difference in the world. With its world-class faculty, students learn how to work on outstanding academic and non-academic projects.

The Latin American Studies (LAS) program offered by the college explores the history and culture of the region through its various academic resources. Students also have an option to study abroad as well as participate in internships and community engagements. The program is composed of several major and minor courses such as Spanish, history, economics, humanities, social science, and more.

Acceptance Rate

21.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Top Latin American Degrees

For students that qualify for a Latin American language and literature degree, you may have the ability to earn a degree via different learning modalities. In other words, you may be given the opportunity to earn your degree fully online or partially online as provided by the college or university.

College degrees can be earned exclusively online giving students the flexibility to simply connect to an approved school learning portal and complete a set of the required coursework as your schedule permits. Hybrid learning models may also be available for you to consider. The hybrid learning model blends the best of classroom and distance learning modalities providing both high tech and high touch connectivity.

Next, students will need to select a degree level after determining the best type of learning model. The degree levels available for students in a Latin American Studies program will typically span the gambit.

In other words, you may have the opportunity to earn undergraduate degrees such as an Associate of Arts (AA) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Qualifying students may consider graduate degree programs to extend the breadth and depth of knowledge in Latin Studies. These degrees typically are conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Classes in Latin Studies Major

Each degree pathway will require a student to successfully complete a unique set of courses. For example, a student on an Associate of Arts (AA) track will take general education classes such as sociology, economics, creative writing, English composition, and communications plus core classes. Meanwhile, a graduate student will be tasked to complete a focused set of upper-level classes requiring the completion of lower-level classes in addition to a thesis project or dissertation. Thesis projects along with the dissertations are board-approved projects intended to extend the body of knowledge in the Latin American Studies domain.

The array of classes found in a Latin American program may vary from school to school. However, a set of common courses will be found in most degree programs. Core classes may include the following types of classes in Latin Studies:

  • Anthropological Studies in Latin America
  • The history of Latin America
  • Globalization & Economic Changes
  • Modern Latin Studies
  • Contemporary Latin American Literature & Language
  • Urbanism in Latin Countries
  • Latin American Poetry
  • Latin American History & Cultural Studies
  • Introduction to Latin American Culture
  • Methods and Theories of Latin American Art
  • Social & Cultural Changes in Latin America
  • Economic Analysis of Latin Countries
  • Latin American Music and Art

Employment Information & Latin Careers

Graduate and undergraduates earning Latin American degrees will possess targeted knowledge Latin cultures.  This knowledge can be leveraged to pursue careers in teaching, history, cultural research, curriculum design, journalist, or author.  In terms of job growth, associated careers such as teaching and authors are set to exceed the national average.

College professors are expected to grow at a 13% clip while authors will grow at 9% in the coming decade.  Growing sectors in a growing economy will translate to new jobs and career mobility for qualified professionals.

Additional Resources for Latin Studies Students

The expansive history of Latin America affords students, teachers, and practitioners the ability to specialize in an area of study or generalize in your degree.  In either case, you may find the following organizations a boon to your career.  Each provides unique resources and networking opportunities to enrich your knowledge and understanding of Latin studies.

  • The Latin American Association (LAA)
  • Latin American Studies Association (LASA)
  • American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese (AATSP)
  • Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA)
  • Hispanic Genealogy Association (HGA)
  • National Association of Latino Arts & Culture (NALAC)

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