Master of Arts in Latin American Studies/Juris Doctor (MALAS/JD)
The MALAS/JD 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 both degrees in approximately one year less than if both degrees were pursued separately.
MALAS/JD students fulfill the same degree requirements as regular MALAS students, but use 12 Law credit hours toward the 33 credit hours of classes for the MALAS program. The UF Levin College of Law accepts 12 MALAS credits. Overall, up to 24 credits may count toward both programs. The thesis topic of MALAS/JD students should be on a topic relating to law and Latin America.
Application Process
MALAS/JD applicants complete the MALAS application process outlined for the MALAS program and they complete the application process for the UF Levin College of Law.
Foreign Language Requirements
MALAS students are required to have intermediate-high reading, writing, and speaking proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole. It is strongly recommended that students acquire their language skills early in their graduate programs, if they do not already have them, since such skills are expected for advanced courses and thesis research. Students may satisfy the language proficiency requirement through coursework or an oral proficiency exam. Acquisition of a second Latin American language is encouraged.