Apply To The MALAS Program!

         

Since 1930, the Center for Latin American Studies has administered interdisciplinary training programs and promoted multifaceted research on Latin America and the Caribbean and Latinos in the U.S. We encourage you to review our graduate programs, minors, and certificates, and submit your application today.

Apply to the Program!

Why Latin American Studies?

Why Latin American Studies?

Latin America, with its geographic and political complexity, ethnic and linguistic diversity, and vibrant cultural life, is an exciting place to study and an increasingly important part of the world. 

Latin American Studies affords students the opportunity to:

  • Explore identities and cultures of millions of Latinx individuals living in the U.S.
  • Expand their knowledge of Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, and hundreds of indigenous languages.
  • Study climate change, its impact and mitigating factors.
  • Contextualize the struggles for social, political and environmental justice.
  • Study abroad or engage in international service learning opportunities.
  • And much more!

By consolidating world-class programs on Latin American Studies, the UF Center for Latin American Studies will help position you at the center of intellectual, political, economic and cultural exchange with Latin America.

MASTER OF ARTS IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES:

The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS) program is based on the premise that a full understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean requires an interdisciplinary perspective. The degree program enhances students' understanding of an important region of the world and provides training in relevant analytical and problem-solving skills.


The Center for Latin American Studies is uniquely poised to help students achieve their educational and career goals with a MALAS degree. With over 170 experts on the region, the Center is recognized today as one of the top-ranked centers internationally and has been continuously designated as a National Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Education since 1961.

A Deeper Understanding of Latin America is Essential Because of:

  • Deep historical bonds and close proximity to the U.S.
  • Burgeoning trade ties with the U.S.
  • Rapidly growing U.S. Latino/a population
  • Ongoing experiments with democracy and economic integration
  • Challenges of poverty, inequality, environmental threats, and urban violence

Possible careers with a LAS degree:

  • Law
  • Government/Politics
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Private enterprise
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Foreign Service, and many more!