Latin America and the United States have always been intertwined – through people, politics, economies, cultures, and environments. Those historic connections will only intensify in future years in an increasingly globalized world. Today, the diverse and growing Latinx community represents almost 20% of the total U.S. population, with new growth concentrated in the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Understanding Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx cultural perspectives, language, and history is increasingly vital for students pursuing careers in education and social work, medicine and public health, business and marketing, human resources, law and advocacy, and politics and international relations. As an interdisciplinary program with over 20 faculty across multiple departments and colleges, LACLS provides students with a flexible curriculum tailored to their interests and a broad range of valuable skills and knowledge.

Success

LACLS majors must possess intellectual curiosity and an open appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and cultures. Students usually have some facility with language and an interest in travel and learning about other societies. Majors will develop transferrable skills such as critical thinking and analysis, evaluating evidence and making arguments, clear verbal and written communication, and research.

Career

In addition to being well prepared for graduate, law, or medical schools, graduates of the LACLS program pursue careers in: Teaching & Education; Medicine & Public Health; Public Policy & Advocacy; Law & Legal Aid; Business/Marketing; Human Relations; Foreign Service; Social Work.