Graduate Programs

From master degree programs to graduate certificates, our programs provide each graduate student the opportunity to design an individualized academic curriculum that draws on the social and natural sciences, the humanities, and the professional schools. Below is a list of graduate programs offered at the Center.


MA in Latin American Studies (MALAS)

The Center's flagship program is the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS). The MALAS program develops a deep knowledge of Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, enhancing students' understanding of an important region of the world and provides training in relevant analytical and problem-solving skills. For specific policies and procedures about the MALAS program, we encourage current and prospective students to review the Graduate Student Handbook.

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Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies may be earned by students pursuing any masters or doctoral program at the University of Florida, or as a stand-alone certificate. It requires 12-15 credit hours of Latin American area studies courses.

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MALAS/JD Program

The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies/Juris Doctor joint degree program provides an opportunity for students to develop their area and topical expertise in Latin America in combination with the study of law. Candidates for the joint program must meet entrance requirements for and be admitted to both academic units. Students can earn two degrees in approximately one year's less time than if both degrees were pursued separately.

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Master of Sustainable Development Practice

The Master of Sustainable Development Practice (MDP) degree is focused on training development practitioners to address development challenges facing poor, resource-rich communities in innovative ways. The program bridges the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences, and management. It is a collaboration between the UF Center for Latin American Studies and the UF Center for African Studies, and builds on UF's Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) program. For specific policies and procedures about the MDP program, we encourage current and prospective students to review the Program Manual.

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Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development Practice

An interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development Practice (SDP) is open to Master's and Ph.D. students across campus and requires 12-15 credit hours.

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TCD Certificate & Concentration

The Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) Program offers an interdisciplinary certificate and concentration program focused on integrative approaches to conservation and development in Latin America and other tropical regions. The program is open to students enrolled in Master's and Ph.D. programs in TCD's affiliate departments at the University of Florida.

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