Why Major in Latin American Studies?

As a Latin American Studies major, you will have access to more than 130 affiliated faculty members spread throughout LAS, the College of Education, Engineering, and ACES and will be able to take classes in a number of different departments including Economics, Political Science, Earth Society and Environment, Anthropology, and Geology among many others.
We also facilitate semester, year-long and short term study abroad programs throughout Latin America. In the past our students have gone to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.

What do Latin American Studies Majors do After Graduation?

Our majors go on to have a number of different and exciting careers. Over the years, 23% of our graduates go on to get their Masters or PhD and another 21% of our students find jobs in the private sector. In addition, 7% of our graduates go to work for the government, and the rest are evenly divided between non-profit work and K-12/higher education.

Undergraduate Major in Latin American Studies

A Latin American Studies major (field of concentration) incorporates an integrated exploration of a major world area. Depending upon the student's interests and career aspirations, individual programs of study are designed in close consultation with the CLACS Academic Advisor, Kasia Szremski (szremski@illinois.edu)

Requirements minimum 33 hours

3 Hours - LAST 170 - Que Pasa in Latin America?

12 Hours - Approved courses with primary focus on Latin America.

12 Hours - Approved courses with focus on Latin America in a global context.

3 Hours - LAST 490 - Individual Study (or an approved study abroad course or an approved service-learning course.)

3 Hours - Advanced language course in a Latin American language (Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua, or other Native American language indigenous to Mexico, Central, or South America) beyond the level specified by the LAS language requirement, or the equivalent as demonstrated by special examination. At the end of their language study, all students are urged to take an oral proficiency test based on ACTFL guidelines.

Total Hours: 33

For questions, please contact us at (217) 333-3182 or szremski@illinois.edu