Bachelors In

Latin American Studies Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
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Why We Love It

  • $48,360
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273091.htm for 27-3091 Interpreters and translators 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

If you’re fascinated by the region, culture, and people of Latin America and want to pursue a career working in that region of the world, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor of arts in Latin American studies.

A Latin American studies degree program has an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to become familiar with the language, history, culture, and beliefs of Latin Americans.

What is a Degree in Latin American Studies?

Latin American studies degree programs provide students with a thorough understanding of the history, geography, politics, culture, and languages of Latin America. Students gain conservation ability in one or more of the languages of Latin America, such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

They learn about the history of Latin American and Caribbean countries and learn how territory acquisition has impacted the social and political climates and views in that region. They also study regional literature, music, and art.

This education prepares students for roles working with Latin Americans in the U.S., or careers in Latin America. As a hub for U.S. tourism, there are many opportunities for jobs in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in Latin America.

In the U.S., there are opportunities to work in immigration, and graduates may become immigration lawyers or activists for immigrant rights. With a solid grounding in Latin American education, you’ll be well-prepared for success in any one of these career fields.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Latin American Studies?

  • Perspectives on Latin America
  • The Cultures of Latin America
  • Conversational Spanish/French/Portuguese
  • The Culture of Puerto Rico
  • Survey of Latin American History
  • Economic Development of Latin America
  • Geography of Latin America
  • Government and Politics of Latin America

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Latin American Studies?

Because of the variety of careers available to Latin American studies graduates, the job outlook is positive. Students who master a second language during their program can find work in the fast-growing fields of transcription and interpretation, and those who want to continue to graduate school may find work as immigration lawyers or Latin American studies professors.

These should also be ample opportunities for advocacy within the U.S. based on current political perspectives on immigration.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Latin American Studies will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for Latin American Studies Degrees

Latin American studies program graduates quality for a variety of careers in many different industries. Some work as interpreters and translators, and there is significant demand in the U.S. for Spanish-English translators for medical and legal documents.

There are also opportunities in the travel and tourism industry in Latin America, as well as in the legal and education industries for advanced degree holders.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Latin American Studies degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Take Language Courses Independently

If you’re able to take language courses in high school, invest in language education software, or travel to Latin America to immerse yourself in the use of another language, you’ll have an advantage when starting your program.

You may be able to test out of required language courses, saving you tuition fees, and you may even be able to earn experience and an income working as a translator or interpreter while in college. Additionally, you’ll be well-prepared for internships and semesters abroad during college.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Latin American Studies are also interested in the following degrees.

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