Latin American Studies
The globally interdependent nature of today’s world makes second language proficiency and cross-cultural understanding valuable assets for students in any field. Students in the Latin American Studies program (LAS) can develop a high proficiency in Spanish through the LAS core language courses and study abroad requirements. Students also gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of Latin America and Latinos/Hispanics in the United States through an array of courses from multiple disciplines.
In demand
The significant Latino/Hispanic population in the United States and the increasing social, cultural, and economic interconnectedness between the countries and peoples of the hemisphere will increase the demand for professionals who are both proficient in the Spanish language and prepared to work with Latinos/Hispanics and the people of Latin America.
Research with faculty
Our faculty offer top notch advising and include students in a variety of research
opportunities. For example, students may engage in Faculty/Student Research Collaborations, international or domestic internships, Diversity Mentoring projects, the International Fellows Program and student designed independent studies.
Language immersion
LAS students must spend a minimum of six weeks of language immersion either abroad in an approved program in Latin America or participate in an approved alternative intercultural experience.
Did you know?
Starting salaries for students graduating with proficiency in one or more foreign languages are at least 20 percent higher than for students who speak English only!
Students majoring or minoring in LAS also cover most of their General Education requirements through the LAS core curriculum.
Many students find completing a LAS and Spanish major/minor to be a logical combination.
Majors
– Latin American Studies:
liberal arts
Comprehensive majors
– Latin American Studies:
liberal arts
– Latin American Studies:
teaching*
*Leads to licensure to teach Spanish in grades
K - 12
Minors
Latin American Studies: liberal arts
Course work
The interdisciplinary Latin American studies major and minor programs include extensive coursework in Spanish to provide students with the proficiency necessary to communicate effectively with Spanish speakers. Students are also required to take LAS 150 – Introduction to Latin American Studies along with relevant courses in art, anthropology/ geography, history, economics, political science and other disciplines.
More advising information
Our graduates
Latin American Studies graduates work in a spectrum of fields including language interpretation and translation, international business, domestic and international non-profit organizations, K-12 Spanish and bilingual education, government agencies, and/or further
their education through a master's or doctoral degree.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Non-profit Organization
Project Manager,
Mayflower Medical
Outreach, Jinotega,
Nicaragua
- Masters in ELL/Bilingual
Education and Bilingual
Education teacher,
Darlington School District,
Darlington, WI
- Interpreter at Interpreter
Services, Austin Medical
Center-Mayo Health System,
Austin, MN
- Fulbright English
Teaching Assistants,
Brazil and Argentina
- Bilingual Behavioral
Health Case Manager
Sea Mar Community
Health Centers,
Seattle, WA
- Latin American Studies
Graduate Student
at the University of
Texas at Austin
- Interpreter/Translator/
Trainer, Ashley
Furniture Industries,
Arcadia, WI
Department contact information
Analisa De Grave
degravae@uwec.edu
715-836-4287
