Latin American Studies Program
IAS Latin American Studies Program
Department Information:
237 HRCB
801-422-3377
kennedy@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
273 HRCB
801-422-3548
kennedy_advisement@byu.edu
Programs
The Discipline
The Latin American Studies (LAS) program provides an interdisciplinary degree focused on the languages, history, politics, and social conditions of Latin America. Students choose courses from a variety of BYU academic departments, including Spanish and Portuguese, history, political science, geography, and sociology, among others. In that process, students strengthen their skills in perceptive reading, analytical thinking, and clear and forceful writing. Students thus deepen their knowledge of Latin America, and gain a greater appreciation of how understanding a region, and contributing to solving its problems, can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach.
Students are invited to consult with their faculty advisor regarding selection of classes.
Career Opportunities
After graduation, Latin American Studies graduates get jobs, or get into graduate programs, in a variety of areas. Many of our graduates go into business, government, and nonprofit sectors, while others are admitted to law school, medical or dental school, and other graduate school programs. Latin American Studies teaches students to approach Latin America from a variety of angles, including language, history, political science, geography, sociology, anthropology, etc. A Latin American Studies degree shows employers and admissions boards that a student has dedicated their time and efforts to studying a variety of cultures and languages, and that they can think critically and see the world from different perspectives. This background is useful not only for careers that may touch on Latin America, but also for any job or program that requires candidates to dissect and solve problems from various angles.
Latin American Studies students are encouraged to pursue internships and other opportunities that will enhance their learning and prepare them for future employment. Because many students test out of lower-level language requirements (essentially earning credit for languages learned on their missions), the LAS major is a relatively quick major. This relative quickness allows students additional time in their schedules to increase learning opportunities and strengthen their resumes. Many students therefore have time to do multiple internships, go on study abroad programs, and even double major. Students may also choose to pick up additional language skills (like Portuguese if they already speak Spanish, and vice versa), which further enhances their career choices after graduation. The interdisciplinary nature of the Latin American Studies degree, combined with skills and knowledge from a strong minor (or double major), internships, and study abroad programs, make our graduates great citizens and attractive job applicants.
General Information
Foreign Experience. Latin American Studies students are strongly encouraged to participate in internships and international study programs in Latin American locations. These programs include Study Abroad, international internships, international field studies, and/or direct enrollment with one of our partner schools. See http://kennedy.byu.edu/isp,index.php for more information.
