Academic Programs

Master's Degree

The Master of Arts in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies (MALACS) is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to design their courses based on their own research and career interests. MALACS' students study the religious, political, economic, social, and cultural processes shaping Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as those of Latinos/as/x in the United States. Graduates acquire expertise that allows them to become leaders in a variety of fields, including government, non-governmental organizations, education, business, and human and social services, among others. Possible specializations include Comparative Politics, Sociology, History, Africana Studies, International Relations, Public Health, Social Science Education, Literature, Linguistics, Anthropology, Communications, and Media Studies, among others. Full-time students typically complete the program in two years. MALACS is associated with the Institute for the Study of Latin American and the Caribbean (ISLAC).

ISLAC encourages interdisciplinary inquiry in the understanding of countries and cultures in the Latin American and the Caribbean regions, and Latinx populations in the US. It is a hub of research, knowledge, and service and offers academic programs: the MA, a graduate certificate, and an undergraduate certificate.

Applying

Spring Admission Deadline: October 15
Fall Admission Deadline: June 1
Apply Online:
www.usf.edu/admissions/graduate/
Contact:
Dr Beatriz Padilla padillab@usf.edu, and
Marisa Laccone mlaccone@usf.edu

Admissions Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • A personal statement (not to exceed 500 words).
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate level courses. All transcripts must be in English.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers. International Students must score at least a 79 overall to qualify for graduate admission and earn a 26 on the writing, speaking, and reading sections to qualify for a Teaching Assistantship.

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