Learn to interact with diverse Latin American populations and open the door to the rich cultures, languages and histories of Latino and Hispanic communities.
Program Description
The Latin American studies certificate is designed to give students an understanding of the cultures, economies, politics and history of Latin American nations, while supporting the development of language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.
The program is designed to cross disciplinary boundaries and provide a diverse and global perspective of Latin American experiences. Students may take courses in history, culture, transborder studies, geography, colonization, literature, film, theater, the arts and more.
Program Requirements
The certificate requires 18 credit hours of Latin American studies content, of which at least 15 credit hours must be upper division. In addition, at least 12 credit hours must be completed from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each course must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate Spanish or Portuguese proficiency through the 313 level of conversation and composition. The language proficiency requirement may be waived for native speakers or those with in-field experience equivalent to SPA 313 or POR 313.
Language instruction courses dealing with Spanish and Portuguese conversation and composition cannot be used to satisfy the content course requirement. While students are encouraged to enroll in language instruction courses (i.e., conversation and composition) above the 313 level, they cannot apply such coursework to the Latin American studies certificate course requirements.
Latin American Content Course Requirements -- 18 credit hours
Students will take 18 credit hours (six courses) from this list of Latin American content courses, of which at least 15 credit hours must be upper division. Students enrolled in a degree program with similar course enrollment options are recommended to select nine credit hours (three courses) from within their major and nine credit hours (three courses) outside their major. All students are encourage to select courses in consultation with a Latin American Studies advisor.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
Any student admitted to study at ASU may complete a certificate program.
Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career Outlook
Graduates who have combined the certificate in Latin American studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in education, political analysis, the military, tourism and hospitality, or marketing.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Community Health Workers
Growth: 14.1%
Median Salary*: 46190
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 3.9%
Median Salary*: 80910
Customs Brokers
Growth: 4.6%
Median Salary*: 71690
Lawyers
Growth: 7.5%
Median Salary*: 135740
Political Scientists
Growth: 6.6%
Median Salary*: 128020
Social and Community Service Managers
Growth: 9.1%
Median Salary*: 74240
Supply Chain Managers
Growth: 8.2%
Median Salary*: 98560
Interpreters and Translators
Growth: 4.3%
Median Salary*: 53640
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 1.4%
Median Salary*: 76030
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
