Discover 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:

Build bridges between disciplines to analyze and address real-world challenges.
Learn more about cultures and communities of millions of Latino/a/x individuals living in the U.S.
Expand knowledge and practice of Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, and Indigenous languages.
Contextualize political, environmental, and social dynamics within systems and societies.
Engage with powerful artistic traditions from acclaimed literature to popular music.
Study abroad or participate in international learning opportunities.

...and much more! With its interdisciplinary, multiregional focus, the UF Center for Latin American Studies will help position you at the center of intellectual, political, economic and cultural exchange with Latin America.

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/x 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 and politics
Non-profit organizations
Private enterprise
Conservation
Education
Foreign Service, and many more!

Three students looking at a laptop together

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.

Want to learn more about MALAS?

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

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Artis Trice

I am exploring the connections between food, culture, and identity among Caribbean diasporic communities. My goal is to enhance access to culturally important foods while prioritizing sustainability, community development, and a just, equitable supply chain. I have presented research on community agriculture systems planning to policymakers at the Georgia General Assembly in Atlanta, and to food and nutrition policy advocates in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Previously, I worked with non-profit organizations on sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and food policy on the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, I worked in the energy policy sector promoting energy efficiency in low- and moderate-income communities around metro-Atlanta and North Georgia.

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