Program Overview
As a Latin American Studies major, you will take a multidisciplinary approach to exploring the region while also developing a specialized focus in one of the three main areas — history; economic, political and business studies; and linguistic, literary and cultural studies.
Program Options
BA in Latin American Studies
View Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)
Latin American Studies Minor
Students must enroll in a minimum of two courses in Spanish or French at UT Dallas at the level determined by the language placement exam.
Explore the requirements of the Latin American Studies Minor.
Fast Track
The Fast Track program is designed to permit exceptional undergraduate students in Arts, Humanities and Technology majors to begin work on the master’s degree before graduation.
Qualified seniors may take up to 12 semester credit hours of approved graduate courses in the Bass School during their senior year and apply these semester credit hours to their undergraduate degree plans as either major and related courses or electives. The Fast Track courses will also be used to satisfy up to 12 graduate semester credit hours towards the master’s degree.
For further information on the Fast Track program, see the undergraduate academic advisors.
Minors
To minor in the Arts, Humanities, and Technology, students must take a minimum of 18 semester credit hours for the minor, 9 of which must be upper-division semester credit hours. Students who take a minor will be expected to meet the normal prerequisites in courses making up the minor, and should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 on a 4.00 scale (C average). Core courses offered by the school may count as lower-division semester credit hours toward the minor. Students may choose to minor in any of the following fields of study:
- African American and African Diaspora Studies
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Communication Studies
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Ethnic Studies
- Film Studies
- History
- Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights
- Latin American Studies
- Literature
- Medicine, Arts, Science, and Humanities (MASH)
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Program Highlights
Gain hands-on learning experiences through the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s Latin American-related cultural attractions and events as well as UTD’s Center for U.S.-Latin American Initiatives.
There is also the opportunity to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Student Organizations
Get real-world experience and leadership opportunities by performing with our musical ensembles and campus theatre groups and more.
Explore Arts, Humanities, and Technology student organizations →
Courses
Modern Mexico
Advanced Spanish Culture
Explore Courses →
Faculty
Dr. Monica Rankin
Associate professor
“I aim to broaden the intellectual and global vision of my students by cultivating their curiosity for Latin American history and culture in the classroom. I also enjoy encouraging students to consider ‘nontraditional’ expressions of historical arguments by relying on their specific intellectual and creative skills. In addition to writing traditional essays, my students have engaged in historical analysis by creating films, artwork, creative writing and digital media.”
Dallas Connections
From researching in premier libraries and museums to attending reading with world-class writers, you’ll be studying in the vibrant arts and literature scene of Dallas-Fort Worth. Explore our partnerships.
Alumni Connections
Arts, Humanities, and Technology alumni are active in careers all over the world, from Texas to Hollywood. Meet our alumni.
Professional Paths
Expertise in Latin American studies is an asset in fields due to the increasingly integrated global economy and rapidly changing demographics of the United States. Latin American Studies graduates can enjoy careers in translating, interpreting or teaching.
Possible Careers
- Entrepreneur
- Interpreter
- Diplomat
- Marketing manager
- Public service
- Tourism specialist
