An integrated global economy, along with the rapidly changing demographics of the U.S. domestic market, make expertise in Latin American studies an asset to students in numerous fields. The Latin American Studies major requires students to explore the region through exposure to multiple disciplinary approaches, while at the same time encouraging them to develop a specialized focus in one of the three main pillars of study (history; economic, political and business studies, and linguistic, literary and cultural studies) that can be strengthened through interdisciplinary tools.

Careers in Latin American Studies

Studies have shown a general increase in jobs requiring linguistic and cultural fluency in recent years. Graduates with a degree in Latin American studies enjoy careers in translating, interpreting or teaching. Other students continue to graduate school. Students may also be certified to teach high school or middle school through the UT Dallas Teacher Development Center. Additionally, the area-specific content knowledge gained through the major will enhance students’ marketability in careers in business, education, government/public service, health care, law, tourism, humanitarian ventures and other fields.

The University’s Career Center is an important resource for students pursuing postgraduate employment. Licensed counselors are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Latin American Studies at UT Dallas

After graduation, a Latin American studies major from UT Dallas will be able to meet the following objectives:

• Analyze and describe the history, culture, literature, politics, economics, language, religion, business environment, artistic expression, and/or other specialized aspects of Latin American nations and the Latino population in the United States.
• Analyze and describe Latin America’s interconnectedness with the world.
• Analyze and describe the complex connections linking Latin America with the United States, such as trade, diplomacy, immigration and cultural exchange.
• Develop language competencies in Spanish, or other approved languages, and integrate foreign language into the study of Latin American literature, economic systems, political traditions, historical framework, and cultural mores.

To major in Latin American studies, it may be helpful for high school students to complete four units of language arts, including three units of a single foreign language. Students may also want to take one or more Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish course in high school.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

About the Bass School

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology is a community of scholars, artists, and creative practitioners defined by their creativity, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. The Bass School cultivates skills in critical study and creative practice and fosters an incubative environment for the generation of new knowledge and new technological experiences.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts: History*, Latin American studies*, literature*, philosophy, visual and performing arts*

Master of Arts: Art history, history, history of ideas, humanities, Latin American studies, literature, visual and performing arts

Doctor of Philosophy History of ideas, humanities, literature, visual and performing arts

Minors Offered

If your academic focus leads you elsewhere at UT Dallas, but you would still like to pursue studies in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, the following minors are available:

• Art history
• Asian studies
• Communication
• Creative writing
• Dance
• Film Studies
• History
• Latin American studies
• Literature
• Medical and scientific humanities
• Music
• Performing arts
• Philosophy
• Spanish
• Theatre
• Visual arts

Honors Thesis and Fast Track

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology honors thesis offers the opportunity for advanced creative and scholarly work and recognition. To earn honors, students must graduate with:

• A minimum of 30 graded, upper-division semester credit hours at UT Dallas.
• A GPA of 3.67 in a student’s major.
• The completion of an honors thesis or project evaluated by two faculty members with a grade of at least B+.

*Exceptionally well-qualified undergraduates who meet the requirements for admission to graduate school should consider the Fast Track program, which allows them to begin work on a master’s degree before graduation. Qualified seniors may take up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during their senior year, which will apply to their undergraduate degree plans. For more information regarding Fast Track, contact an undergraduate academic advisor.

Additional Facts

Several faculty members have been awarded prestigious fellowships, including those from the Guggenheim, Fulbright, Alexander S. Onassis and Woodrow Wilson foundations. Others are recipients of the Füst Literary Award, as well as awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The school’s centers further enhance students’ educational experience by bringing the concept of globalism to campus, by bringing world events into focus through research and by encouraging innovation and creativity.

The National Science Foundation recently awarded a major grant to the school’s Center for Values in Medicine, Science and Technology to study the mentoring and education that occurs in science laboratories.