Latin American Studies (Certificate)




At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

Learn to interact with diverse Latin American populations and open the door to the rich cultures, languages and histories of Latino and Hispanic communities.

Program Description

The Latin American studies certificate is designed to give students an understanding of the cultures, economies, politics and history of Latin American nations, while supporting the development of language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.

The program is designed to cross disciplinary boundaries and provide a diverse and global perspective of Latin American experiences. Students may take courses in history, culture, transborder studies, geography, colonization, literature, film, theater, the arts and more.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires 18 credit hours of Latin American studies content, of which at least 15 credit hours must be upper division. In addition, at least 12 credit hours must be completed from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each course must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate Spanish or Portuguese proficiency through the 313 level of conversation and composition. The language proficiency requirement may be waived for native speakers or those with in-field experience equivalent to SPA 313 or POR 313.

Language instruction courses dealing with Spanish and Portuguese conversation and composition cannot be used to satisfy the content course requirement. While students are encouraged to enroll in language instruction courses (i.e., conversation and composition) above the 313 level, they cannot apply such coursework to the Latin American studies certificate course requirements.
Latin American Content Course Requirements -- 18 credit hours
Students will take 18 credit hours (six courses) from this list of Latin American content courses, of which at least 15 credit hours must be upper division. Students enrolled in a degree program with similar course enrollment options are recommended to select nine credit hours (three courses) from within their major and nine credit hours (three courses) outside their major. All students are encourage to select courses in consultation with a Latin American Studies advisor.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

Any student admitted to study at ASU may complete a certificate program.

Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in Latin American studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in education, political analysis, the military, tourism and hospitality, or marketing.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Community Health Workers


  • Growth: 14.1%
  • Median Salary*: 46190
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Customs Brokers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

Supply Chain Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76030

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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