The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (LAS) prepares students for work in the private sector, government, policy and research think tanks, non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and education. It is a versatile and rigorous one-year program that provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the regional context, languages, dynamics, and issues in Latin America today.

Why Earn Your MA in Latin American Studies at the Pardee School?

Join a rich cultural exchange and receive a highly specialized graduate education by applying to the Master of Arts (MA) in Latin American Studies (LAS) program at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies.

The master’s in Latin American studies takes an interdisciplinary approach and equips you with in-demand historical, cultural, and sociopolitical expertise and advanced language skills. Additionally, depending on your needs, you can pursue your degree at a full-time or part-time pace. Full-time study allows you to earn your MA in one year, while part-time enrollment offers a more flexible schedule so that you can work while in the program. 

During your time in the LAS MA program, you join the vibrant community of the Center for Latin American Studies at BU, where you collaborate with peers and renowned faculty, embark on exciting research endeavors, attend a wide range of events, and benefit from student resources.

Curriculum

Our Latin American studies graduate program offers a multidisciplinary learning experience that supports your development as a scholar. You enroll in eight classes (32 credits), divided between core courses and electives, which allows you to customize your education and explore the regional conditions, languages, dynamics, and historical and ongoing issues.

Taught by expert faculty who bring experience and innovation to the classroom, our courses provide thorough overviews of complex subjects like globalization and development, international relations, sociology, and global health within the context of Latin America and its storied history. Additionally, you dive into more niche classes that examine topics in Hispanic cinema, Latin American art history, Spanish-American literature, and much more. 

Through your rigorous studies of Latin America’s social, cultural, and political nuances, you build a wealth of knowledge that informs your future work within the region.

For more information on the Latin American Studies Program please visit the LAS Webpage here.

Careers with a Master’s Degree in Latin American Studies

By earning your master’s degree in Latin American studies, you build a well-defined skill set of strong communication, research, and critical analysis that empowers you to take on new careers in the public and private sectors, research think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, international institutions, and academia, working as an:

  • Diplomat
  • Educator
  • Foreign service officer
  • Human rights advocate 
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy analyst

Whatever field or career role you pursue, you can utilize your specialized knowledge of Latin America and its politics, culture, and history, as well as your broader skills, to enact meaningful change.

Latin American Studies Faculty

During your time in the Latin American studies program, you have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our outstanding faculty members in the classroom, on research projects, and more. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you receive personalized instruction and mentorship that transform your worldview, further your professional development, and create impactful working relationships. 

Meet Your Mentor

Master’s in Latin American Studies Admissions Requirements

When applying to the Latin American studies master’s program, please submit the following materials:

  • An online application.
  • $95 application fee.
  • Unofficial transcripts for all prior universities you attended for any period.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • A résumé or CV. 

Once we receive your application materials, the Admissions Committee begins its review. Students should expect the application process to last four to six weeks and plan accordingly. 

While we no longer require applicants to submit GRE scores, applicants from abroad or whose first language is not English must demonstrate their language proficiency as outlined in our Standardized Testing requirements. 

Explore Graduate Admissions to learn more about deadlines, eligibility requirements, and FAQs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Invest in your education and future by earning a graduate degree. Our master’s in Latin American studies costs $64,712 per year. 

To help you achieve your personal or professional goals, the Pardee School offers competitive graduate tuition rates and financial aid resources to help you plan for and manage the cost of your degree. All candidates who apply to the program for full-time enrollment are automatically considered for generous, merit-based scholarships. If you receive a scholarship, we will notify you when issuing your admissions decision. 

Connect with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Financial Aid office to learn more.

Related Programs

Individuals interested in demonstrating regional expertise while pursuing graduate studies at BU may wish to pursue a Certificate in Latin American Studies while completing another graduate degree program.

Elevate Your Education with Your MA in Latin American Studies

The Pardee School of Global Studies’ Master of Arts in Latin American Studies offers a highly customizable, multidisciplinary education that strengthens your understanding of Latin America’s diverse cultural, historical, and political landscape. Earn your MA in as little as one year and chart a new career path that makes lasting contributions to improving the human condition.

Ready to take the next step? Apply to the Pardee School’s Latin American studies program today!

Questions? Drop us a note here.