Graduate students seeking
to strengthen their area expertise are encouraged to earn a certificate in
Latin American studies in conjunction with an advanced degree in any university
graduate program. Candidates
demonstrate expertise in Latin American studies through their graduate or
professional field, but are also encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary studies
to enhance their professional development. Students interested in
pursuing the certificate should meet with the director of the Center for Latin
American Studies (CLAS) to discuss the requirements, which include:
1. Successful completion of 9 graduate-level credits (three courses, with a grade B or above in each). Two of the three courses must be outside
the degree program in which the student is enrolled. Coursework must be approved in advance by the program
director and in consultation with the faculty member teaching the course. Students are strongly encouraged to
enroll in scheduled seminars to fulfill this requirement. However, in some cases 3 credits may be
a directed research/independent study course, supervised by a member of CLAS who is also a member of the graduate faculty.
2. Successful completion of a significant research project in Latin
American studies. At the master of arts level, this may include a master's thesis, if required by the student's
program, or an expanded seminar paper. At the doctor of philosophy level, it is expected
that a substantial part of the dissertation will be devoted to Latin American
issues. Alternatively, a scholarly article focused on a topic in Latin
American studies may also fulfill this component of the certificate.
3. Demonstrated language proficiency in a Latin American language. The student should be able to carry out
research and to converse with native speakers. Proficiency may be attained through coursework (having
completed the second year of language study) or informal education. Proficiency will be determined by
completed coursework, examination, or by arrangement with the director of CLAS.
Students satisfying these requirements will be
awarded the Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies upon completion of
their degree.
