Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies (LA76)

The Master of Arts (MA) in Latin American Studies is designed for students who seek to integrate a broad range of disciplinary approaches to a world region of growing international significance. Upon graduation, most students pursue advanced degrees in academic or professional fields; others proceed to careers in the private sector or in government.

Program Info

Area of Study Division of Social Sciences
Program Overview The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies is designed for students who seek to integrate a broad range of disciplinary approaches to a world region of growing international significance.

Program Strengths:
1. Students have the option to choose their own focus of study or choose a specialized area of concentration
2. Five concentration options give students the opportunity to pursue specialized academic study
3. Small cohort of graduate students maximizes access to faculty and campus resources
4. Location near the border facilitates study of U.S.-Mexican issues
5. Over 85 leading faculty members with expertise in Latin America
6. The M.A. program in Latin American Studies is distinctive because the majority of its graduate students travel abroad to conduct their research.
Specializations

Students in Latin American studies who are interested in specific disciplines or research topics have the OPTION to apply for a disciplinary or thematic concentration. Currently students may choose from concentrations in cultural studies, gender studies, international migration, history, and sociology. Students who choose not to focus on a concentration also have the option to develop their own area of study.

Department Latin American Studies
Major Latin American Studies
Degree Master of Arts
Admissions Terms Fall
Application Deadlines January 19, 2022 (Fall 2022)
 

Basic Requirement

Admissions Tests
 The GRE Test has been waived for the upcoming FA21 application season.
English Proficiency Exams

(international applicants only)

A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language.

The following test(s) are accepted by this department:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
Letters of Recommendation

Minimum of 3 recommendations required.
Statement of Purpose

Required

Accepts only the online Statement of Purpose; 800 word limit

Statement of Purpose should include the following:


  1. Your research interests (if you are interested in a concentration you should also include a short statement explaining your intellectual and career interests in the field).

  2. Relevant preparation for graduate study in Latin American Studies (coursework, research experiences, or field work)

  3. Career goals after obtaining your M.A.

  4. Describe which aspects of the UCSD Latin American Studies program make us a good match for your main interests and professional goals

    		5.
    Resume/CV

    Required
    Additional Requirements

    Submit a writing sample of 20 pages or less.

    Writing samples should be academic or scholarly in nature, such as a course term paper, published research, journal article submission, thesis chapter, presented paper, or report. If possible, that sample should cover an issue related to Latin America, however it is not mandatory. All writing samples must be in English and no more than 20 pages.

    Contact Info

    Website http://las.ucsd.edu/
    Email jlcassidy@ucsd.edu
    Campus Office Gildred Latin American Studies Building
    Phone (858) 534-7967
    Fax (858) 534-7175
    Mailing Address
    University of California, San Diego
    Latin American Studies
    9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0533
    La Jolla, CA, 92093-0533

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