Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies

Introduction to the Major

Step into a world of vibrant cultures, complex histories and dynamic societies with our Latin American Studies program. Latin America is not a single place — it is a contested geography of peoples, languages and histories. LASP at UVA offers an interdisciplinary pathway into that world, drawing on faculty expertise spanning nearly every department in the College. You’ll examine everything from ancient civilizations and colonial legacies to contemporary movements shaping the region today. Courses span literature, film, politics, environmental studies, Black studies and Indigenous studies, and can be taken in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Maya K’iche’, Haitian Kreyòl and Quechua. Whether you are drawn to social movements, visual culture, international relations or global development, LASP gives you the critical thinking skills to understand Latin America within an interconnected world. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Latin American Studies is for students who want to build regionally focused expertise across departments, with the flexibility to develop their own area of specialization within the major. Fourth-year majors may complete a one- or two-semester final research project in any department in the College.

The Minor in Latin American Studies is for students pursuing another major who want to add regional expertise and language depth to their primary area of study. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Complete a one- or two-semester final project consisting of academic research or creative work — and earn major credit for it.
  • Attend lectures, film screenings and conferences hosted by LASP.
  • Earn major credit while studying abroad or completing an internship in Latin America.
  • Explore courses taught in Spanish, Portuguese, K’iche’, Kreyòl and Quechua — some of the languages spoken across the region. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Program Officer, National Democratic Institute 
  • Translator/Interpreter, Joslyn Art Museum 
  • Program Manager, International Hospital for Children 
  • Case Manager, Bergmann and Moore, LLC 
  • Operations Advisor, State of Colorado 
  • Program Coordinator, Pan American Development Foundation 
  • Corps Member, Teach for America 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • Public Policy, M.P.P., Georgetown University 
  • Public Health Leadership, M.P.H., University of North Carolina Chapel Hill 
  • Law, J.D., Stanford University 
  • Business, M.B.A., Yale School of Management 
  • Spanish and Portuguese, Ph.D., New York University 
  • Education, M.Ed., University of Virginia 
  • International Development Studies, M.A., George Washington University 

“The Latin American Studies major makes me truly feel like a world learner. Coupled with great study abroad opportunities, I have a new perspective on global history and present-day events.”

Henry Myrick, Class of 2026

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

Latin American Studies, BA
First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Begin introductory Latin American Studies coursework across departments. 
    • Review LASP major and College requirements. 
    • Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
    • Attend lectures, film screenings and events hosted by LASP. 
    • Explore faculty interests on the LASP website to find where your interests might take you. 
    • Attend the Undergraduate Research Symposium to discover the range of research happening at UVA. 
  • Build
    • Sign up for the LASP mailing list to stay connected with events and opportunities. 
    • Visit a LASP professor during office hours to learn about their research and interests. 
  • Prepare
    • Visit the UVA Career Center and complete Pathway U. Sign up for Handshake. 
    • Explore what LASP graduates go on to do — from foreign policy and human rights to global development and public health. 
    • Get involved in community partnerships. 
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Take LAST 2050 — Interdisciplinary Seminar in Latin American Studies. 
    • Begin building your course plan across at least four departments. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Visit the International Studies Office to explore study abroad and internship programs in Latin America that count toward your major. 
    • Apply for a J-term, summer research or internship program. 
    • Enroll in a UVA Libraries workshop to build your research skills in Latin American Studies. 
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume. 
    • Explore internship opportunities and attend internship fairs. 
    • Connect with alumni in fields that interest you through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on upper-division coursework across your chosen departments and thematic areas. 
    • Consider pairing LASP with another major — its interdisciplinary structure complements programs in History, Politics, Global Studies, Spanish and many others. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
  • Explore
    • Focus on upper-division coursework across your chosen departments and thematic areas. 
    • Consider pairing LASP with another major — its interdisciplinary structure complements programs in History, Politics, Global Studies, Spanish and many others. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
  • Build
    • Seek leadership roles in a student organization connected to your interests. 
    • Learn about the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and consider attending one of their regional meetings. 
    • Build close relationships with your professors — they will write recommendation letters for post-graduate applications. 
  • Prepare
    • Explore post-graduate options with advisors and professors — from law, public policy and NGO work to graduate study in the humanities and social sciences. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Begin or complete your final research project — register for LAST 4993 and/or LAST 4999 if pursuing the two-semester option. 
    • Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and LASP requirements. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Complete and present your final research project or DMP thesis at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
    • Pursue an independent study with a faculty member to explore a topic your coursework has sparked. 
  • Build
  • Prepare