The program is designed to supplement a major with broad cultural and language training appropriate for graduate work or a Latin America-related career in business, government or teaching. In general, it is for students who plan to live in Latin America, work with Latin Americans, or interpret Latin American culture to others.

The certificate program is open to all undergraduates. Students may earn either the Latin American Studies certificate or minor but not both.

Required Courses

21 credits with Latin American content, distributed as follows:

• Three credits of LAS 4935, the undergraduate seminar in Latin American studies. Students may repeat LAS 4935 for an additional six credits if the topics vary.
• Six credits of courses outside the student's major with 100% Latin American content (designated by a C in the LAS course guide).
  More Info
• Twelve credits of additional courses with Latin American content, including courses in the student's major; at least three credits must be core courses (with 100% Latin American content, designated by a C in the LAS course guide); up to nine credits may be electives with at least 25% Latin American content (designated by an E in the LAS course guide).
• Only courses at 2000 level or above will count toward the certificate. Advanced Placement credits do not count. Overseas study credits can count as core or elective courses pending review of the undergraduate advisor at the Center for Latin American Studies.

In addition, students must demonstrate a high to intermediate proficiency in a Latin American language through coursework (Spanish, SPN 2240; Portuguese, POR 3242; Haitian Creole, HAI 2200), a written placement test (Advanced Placement scores of 4-5 plus approval or an SAT 2 score of 700, for Spanish only), or individual oral examination to be conducted by language faculty. 

Language courses at the 3000 level can count as core courses with approval from the Undergraduate Advisor at the Center for Latin American Studies. Courses in a second Latin American language at or above the 3000 level may count toward the certificate if these courses are not used to meet the language requirement.

---