Latin American and Latino Studies
Mailing Address:
Latin American and Latino Studies (MC 219)
601 South Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607-7115
Campus Location: 1525 University Hall
Program Code: 20FS1405MA
Telephone: (312) 996-2445
E-mail: lalsgradapp@uic.edu
Web site: http://lals.uic.edu
Head of the Program: Amalia Pallares, amalia@uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Javier Villa-Flores, javier@uic.edu
The Department of Latin American and Latino Studies offers work leading to the Master of Arts in Latin American and Latino Studies. The mission of the Master of Arts in Latin American and Latino Studies is to offer an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of both contemporary Latin American societies and of historical minorities and immigrants of Latin American descent living in the United States. This program emphasizes the histories and experiences of Latin American people as they enter into a transnational dialogue that defines both American and Latin American identities, cultures, economies, and politics in the 21st century. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach that ranges across the social sciences, humanities, cultural studies, and history.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. The program will accept and review applications for the fall semester only. Transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Master of Arts
- Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
- Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
- Minimum English Competency Test Score
- TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
- IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
- Tests Required GRE.
- Letters of recommendation Three letters required, preferably from faculty members in social sciences and humanities.
- Personal statement Required. The statement must address the applicant professional and academic goals and the candidate’s reasons for applying to a Latin American and Latino graduate program. The statement should have a maximum extension of three double-spaced pages.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:
Master of Arts
- Minimum Semester Hours Required 34.
- Course Work Required Courses: LALS 403, 497, 498, 501, 502, 504 (2 hours), 597.
- Electives: 8 more hours at the 400- or 500-level selected upon consultation with an advisor.
- Comprehensive Examination None.
- Other Requirements Students must write an MA paper that is approved by the research director and two faculty readers in order to graduate. Students will have a choice of either writing a policy related research paper or a paper focused on a research question in Latino and Latin American Studies.
