Master of Arts in Latin American Studies

The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS) program at the University of Florida develops a deep understanding of Latin America, Latinx, and the Caribbean from an interdisciplinary perspective. 


 

Building on two gateway seminars, MALAS students integrate courses from the humanities, social and natural sciences, and professional schools to develop individual programs of study. Graduates of the program are employed in educational and research institutions, international organizations, government agencies, and private businesses across the Americas; many continue studies in Ph.D. programs.

The MALAS degree consists of 30 credit hours and it typically takes 3-4 semesters to complete. The Center also offers a joint MALAS/JD degree option in collaboration with the UF Levin College of Law. View the program information sheet or complete the Prospective Student form to contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Choose From 11 Specializations

The Center for Latin American Studies supports 11 research and learning specializations that foster connection and collaboration around shared interests among faculty, students, and partners across and beyond UF. Specializations help students and advisors to navigate the vast and constantly shifting curricular landscape supporting Latin American Studies at UF.

Students in MALAS, LAS Certificate, MDP, TCD, and other programs are welcome to participate in the intellectual life and community of one or more specialization groups. Each MALAS student must complete 9 credits in one selected specialization.

Click on a specialization below to see affiliated faculty members, associated courses, and intellectual activities and programs.

Jane Teresa Perez

Jane Teresa Perez

As a second-generation Cuban, I have always had an interest in revolutions-- the causes and the consequences. But it wasn't until my own Junior Fellowship opportunity with Dr. Saskia van Wees on global governance that I realized I could begin my own research on these issues at an undergraduate level. At the time, I was inspired by the autobiography of Reinaldo Arenas, "Before Night Falls," that addressed the challenges of queer Cubans who did not conform to the communist regime and especially those who tried to speak out against the dictatorship. While there was research done on homophobia in Cuba, I realized the fellow former revolutionary country of Grenada also had an issue of homophobia but without any academic research being done on the issue. It was then that I decided to dive into the history and politics of the island in order to find the root of homophobia and anti-LGBTQ legislation in a country that was once progressive and now a democracy. After I finished my undergraduate thesis, I knew I wanted to expand my thesis across the Caribbean and Latin America in order to find solutions to the rampant homophobia that persists in the 21st century. 

View our Student Profiles! Student Spotlight

Wendy Pond (2006)

Senior Desk Officer, U.S. Office of Government Ethics

My MALAS degree and related internships gave me the foothold into my current career. While in the MALAS program I interned at the State Department. I didn’t know it at the time, but that internship introduced me to two of my future bosses. When I graduated from the MALAS program, I immediately moved to Washington, D.C. to start the Hispanic Division Huntington Fellowship Program at the Library of Congress. I certainly would not have secured that fellowship except for my degree and thesis research experience.

What Our Alumni Say

Ed Johnson (2006)

Principal (Partner), Deloitte Consulting

When I was hired by Deloitte, they were excited about my international background and my experience in Latin America. The research I had to do as a MALAS student was important to expand my knowledge of issues such as the political and economic environment, the business culture, and the opportunities available in the region. Hence, the MALAS degree was crucial for my development as a professional.

What Our Alumni Say

Diana Moreno (2016)

Assistant Director of Multicultural & Diversity Affairs, University of Florida

The MALAS program challenged not just my intellectual and academic development but was a catalyst for the understanding of my own identity and social position as a Latina. The opening of a position in Hispanic Latino Affairs at UF led me to the field of Student Affairs. After a year of working with the Hispanic-Latinx student population, I was promoted to Assistant Director of Multicultural & Diversity Affairs. I currently work on social justice education initiatives and run an intergroup dialogue program called Gatorship.

What Our Alumni Say

Wendy Pond (2006)

Senior Desk Officer, U.S. Office of Government Ethics

My MALAS degree and related internships gave me the foothold into my current career. While in the MALAS program I interned at the State Department. I didn’t know it at the time, but that internship introduced me to two of my future bosses. When I graduated from the MALAS program, I immediately moved to Washington, D.C. to start the Hispanic Division Huntington Fellowship Program at the Library of Congress. I certainly would not have secured that fellowship except for my degree and thesis research experience.

What Our Alumni Say

Want to learn more?

Are you interested in the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies program? Complete our Prospective Student Form and the Associate Director for Academic Programs will reach out to you with more information.

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