Latin American and Latino Studies

Undergraduate Certificate

What you'll learn in Latin American studies

By studying Latin American and Latino/a/x communities, you gain deeper insights into their diverse experiences, cultural contributions and the challenges they have faced throughout history. Through Latin American studies, you’ll explore the legacy of ancient civilizations, the impact of colonization and powerful stories of strength and resilience. From celebrating the voices of Latino communities in the U.S. to addressing modern challenges, you’ll uncover how they continue to shape society and leave a lasting impact.

These courses delve into captivating topics, including:

• Cultural diversity and heritage.
• Latino experiences in the U.S.
• The U.S.-Mexico border and policies.
• Social structures and historical evolution.
• Political systems and challenges.
• Archaeology and ancient civilizations.

You'll learn about the social traditions of Latino culture, exploring the archaeology of the Americas and diving deep into the history and cultural transformations that have shaped the region and its people over time. These classes bring the Americas to life, helping you discover the diverse influences, challenges and contributions that define this vibrant part of the world.

Our 18-credit-hour certificate program is open to students in any major and to students not seeking degrees who are interested in expanding their cultural horizons.

Planning to pair the Spanish major with our Latin American studies certificate? Be sure to check out the Spanish section of our scholarships in world languages page for study abroad opportunities.

Highlights of choosing Latin American studies

In our Latin American and Latino/a/x studies program, you’ll:

• Forge connections: Join student groups that amplify voices, celebrate diversity and build community, like the Empowered Latino Union.
• Grow your network: Build real-world experience with an internship in the U.S. or study abroad in your field of interest.
• Pursue your interests: Dive deeper into your passions by conducting research, pursuing independent readings and exploring our World Language Resources.