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The Center for Latin American Studies at San Diego State University has been providing educational opportunities since 1942, and is renowned for program offerings in the indigenous languages of Mexico. We offer a multidisciplinary undergraduate major and minor in Latin American Studies and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies at the graduate level. We are also proud to offer three concurrent graduate degree programs in professional studies: Master of Arts in Latin American Studies plus a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Through active participation in Latin American communities, partnerships with different educational institutions, and multiple transnational collaborations, the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) seeks to provide students a unique opportunity to explore Latin America. CLAS supports research, community outreach, conferences, internships, study abroad, and other activities dedicated to teaching students, working professionals, and community members about Latin American economies, aesthetics, ecology, society, culture, and languages.
What does is it mean to be a Latin Americanist?
“To me a Latin Americanist is to be an advocate for the culture that we are being trusted to help take care of. To me you must understand a culture before you can really aim to help it and that is my main goal throughout this program. To become an advocate for those who cannot make the changes that involve their own communities."
- Alejandro Gonzalez, MA/MPH (Epidemiology)
“To be a Latin Americanist to me means being a voice for my community. As a 1st generation Salvadoran, it is important for me to understand myself to empower me to do my work. I advocate for my community need. As a Latin Americanist and Public Health Professional, I hope to use my voice to improve the quality of life for Latinx communities of all generations.”
- Melissa Vasquez Rosalies, MA/MPH (Health Promotion/Behavioral Science)
Learn more about what you can with a degree in Latin American Studies:
Undergraduate | Graduate
Apply Now for the Tinker Research Grant
Tinker Field Research Grants fund the travel and partial logistical costs of graduate students who will be doing preliminary research in Latin America. The objective of this grant is to provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves into their perspective fields and attain language knowledge, cultural background, initiate research contacts, network with institutions and possible informants and/or research projects, and gather preliminary research data.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must attend an information session to apply.
- Must be enrolled in a Master’s degree program, Ph.D., or a professional degree program.
- Grant can only be used for preliminary research in 2025.
Message from the Directora
Why pursue a degree or emphasis in Latin American Studies? I am often asked this question, not as a challenge but rather as a true inquiry into the relevance and impact of the degrees we offer. There are many good answers to this question but today, more than ever, the need for expertise on the countries, cultures, economies, social services, and political systems of the region that shares the geographic space of the continent with the US are critical to the health, welfare, and future of all of us. We are in unprecedented times of turmoil and distress, but knowledge and expertise have the power to create positive change, and this philosophy serves as our foundation at the Center for Latin American Studies.