The Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Studies with a concentration in Latino and Latin American studies is administered by El Instituto. In this program, students engage in interdisciplinary study and research related to Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American worlds and can focus their studies in one of three broad areas: U.S. Latina/o Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Comparative Transnational Latin(o) American Studies. The core faculty in the program hold joint appointments between El Instituto and seven other academic departments. El Instituto is also supported by over 70 affiliated research faculty and scholars across disciplines and departments throughout the university. El Instituto’s courses and faculty research examine a wide array of local, hemispheric, and global dimensions of the Latina/o, Caribbean, and/or Latin American condition. Graduates go on to work in education, administration, cultural, business, government, and not-for-profit organizations. Many go on to pursue a Ph.D. and other advanced degrees.

Requirements: At least 30 credits maintaining at least a “B” average. The required courses for the M.A. degree are LLAS 5000, 5100, and 5890 (Thesis Writing, last semester of study). Another course in methodology might be substituted for either LLAS 5000 or 5100 if necessary, with the approval of El Instituto’s Director or Associate Director. Students are required to focus their studies in a core discipline (e.g. Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Spanish) and take at least one methodology course in that discipline. They must also take courses in two additional disciplines. Students will prepare an M.A. paper or comparable project during their final semester with guidance from a faculty advisor of their choosing. Students who focus in Latin America must pass a language proficiency examination if they are not native speakers.

The program is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.