New MALAS students are assigned a temporary advisor upon admission to the program. This initial placement is made by matching the interests expressed in the application materials with those of a MALAS faculty member. Students should be sure to indicate what specialization they plan to pursue in their application materials so an appropriate match can be made. At the beginning of the degree program, students design an individualized Plan of Study in coordination with the Graduate Coordinator and the Specialization Coordinator. The Plan of Study reflects the students’ focus, background, and academic needs.

By the end of the first semester, students choose a permanent thesis advisor within the field of specialization who will supervise the research and writing process. Two additional professors for the supervisory committee are selected by the end of the second semester. The Graduate Coordinator and the Specialization Coordinator provide regular academic advising throughout the duration of the program.

The Center has over 20 core faculty members with expertise in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In addition, the Center draws on the expertise of over 160 distinguished faculty affiliates located in colleges and professional schools across campus. To learn more about Latin American Studies faculty at UF, review the Core Faculty and Affiliate Faculty pages.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about the MALAS and MALAS/JD process, please contact:


Clate Korsant
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs
319F Grinter Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-5530
Phone: 352-273-4704
E-mail: ckorsant@latam.ufl.edu

Po Echeguren
Academic Assistant III
Center for Latin American Studies
316 Grinter Hall
PO Box 115530
Gainesville, FL 32611-5530
Phone: 352-273-4709
Fax: 352-392-7682
E-mail: secheguren@latam.ufl.edu