The UCLA Latin American Institute collaborates closely with the Latin American Studies Interdepartmental M.A. Program, which offers a one- to two-year Master's of Arts in Latin American Studies.
Students in the Latin American Studies M.A. Program have the opportunity to perfect their knowledge of Latin America, its people, and its languages under the guidance of our affiliated faculty members. In doing so, they acquire the linguistic, methodological, and area expertise to succeed in public and private sector careers in business, government, education, the arts, and many other fields.
Students in the M.A. in Latin American Studies program work with faculty to design a degree program to meet individual goals. They have the opportunity to take courses in the professional schools, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, and the fine arts. They have access to one of the largest Latin American Studies library collections in the country.
In consultation with faculty members who specialize in the region, each M.A. student designs their own program by choosing courses from the various disciplines that examine Latin America, including the professional schools, humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Program Requirements
- Latin American Studies core seminar: Latin Americanist Scholarship
- Minimum eight additional courses taught by UCLA faculty across disciplines
- Proficiency in two languages spoken in Latin America. UCLA offers Spanish, Portuguese, Nahuatl, and Kichwa.
- Thesis or capstone projects
Joint degrees include:
- M.P.H. in Public Health
- M.U.R.P. in Urban Planning
- M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science
- M.B.A. in Business Administration
Student Involvement
Students have the opportunity to network with scholars in the field, propose and participate in lectures and events organized by the Latin American Institute, and join the Student Association for Latin American Studies (SALAS).
Student Funding
Student funding is available through merit-based scholarships, teaching assistantships, and university and departmental fellowships. Summer research fellowships are available through the LAI.
Alumni
The M.A. degree can serve as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. program at UCLA or elsewhere, and program alumni have a strong record of placements in top doctoral programs. Our graduates have gone on to work in various career positions, including the United Nations, Library of Congress, Getty Research Institute, consulates, and public and private sectors careers in business, education, government, NGOs, and many others.
How to Apply
For more information and a link to the application, visit the page for the Latin American Studies M.A. on the website of the International Institute's Interdepartmental Programs. Applications for 2025-2026 admission are due January 9, 2026.