The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies is designed for students who seek to integrate a broad range of disciplinary approaches to a world region of growing international significance. Upon graduation, most students pursue advanced degrees in academic or professional fields; others proceed to careers in the private sector or in government.

To receive the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, a student must:

1. Demonstrate foreign language competence in Spanish or Portuguese.
   - Letter from Professor of upper division LTSP course
   - Letter from instructor in study abroad program
   - Successfully complete Foreign Service Exam (2+ or better)
   - Native fluency (educated to at least high school level in Spanish/Portuguese high school)
2. Maintain a 3.0 grade point average in 40 units of course work (ten courses); 8 of those units must be taken in the Latin American Studies Core Colloquium: Latin American Studies Basic Seminar Sequence: Like all other LAS MA students, those students in the cultural studies concentration must take 12 units in the three required graduate seminars (LATI 200, methodology seminar, and theory seminar). All other courses must be taken in at least three different departments, with no more than 16 units (four courses) in any one department.
3. Successfully complete either a comprehensive exam or master’s thesis.

UCSD's Latin American Studies Program is pleased to announce four new options for students starting in Fall 2003. Students will be able to choose from four new optional areas and topical concentrations including:

• History Concentration (with the collaboration of the Department of History and Latin American historians in Ethnic Studies).
• Sociology Concentration (with the collaboration of the Department of Sociology)
• Gender Studies Concentration (with the collaboration of the Critical Gender Studies Program)
• International Migration Concentration (with the collaboration of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies

Application to a Concentration

In addition to the general requirements for all candidates applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, applicants to any of the concentrations must submit a statement explaining their intellectual and career interests in this field.

Current students in the Latin American Studies M.A. program may apply to a concentration in the Spring Quarter of their first year by submitting a written admission request, a statement of purpose that includes a proposed thesis topic, a plan of courses to complete the requirements of the concentration, a current UCSD transcript, and letters of recommendation from two UCSD professors (at least one of these professors must be affiliated with his or her area of concentration). Decisions on admission to the concentration will be made by the Latin American Studies Admissions Committee.

Please note:

The History and Sociology Concentrations are primarily designed for students who are interested in Latin America and see the Master's program as an opportunity to receive training for a subsequent academic career in History or Sociology. Following graduation, most of these students will apply for admission to Ph.D. programs in History, Sociology, or related areas of study. Other students will proceed to private sector or government careers in which their general knowledge about Latin America and the specific skills they gain through the concentrations will be important assets.

The Gender Studies and International Migration Concentrations are intended for students who seek interdisciplinary training and are particularly interested in gender studies or migratory movements involving Latin American populations. Upon graduation, some of these students will pursue more advanced degrees in academic or professional fields. Others will move on to private sector or government careers in which their general knowledge about Latin America and background in international migration or gender issues may be particularly useful.

Students may be able to complete the program in three quarters of full-time academic work plus one summer session. Completion of the degree is normally expected within two academic years. Those individuals needing a) intensive language instruction, b) part-time employment, or c) extensive field research for the thesis may require longer.

Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

The Latin American Studies program offers several opportunities for financial support. There are two graduate student researcher positions and various research fellowships available. Once you are accepted to the program you will also be advised of opportunities on campus for teaching assistantships in different departments as they occur.

The Office of Graduate Studies provides information on fellowships and scholarships and links to national sources of information.

For additional financial aid assistance, contact UCSD Student Financial Services (858) 534-3807.