Latin American and Latino Studies

The Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) department offers an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of both Latin American societies and Latinos living in the United States. The program emphasizes the histories and contemporary social issues of Latin Americans and Latinos as they enter into a transnational dialogue that defines Latin America and the United States in the twenty-first century.

Students will do a deep dive into Latin American history, politics and culture, and the migration and development of Latino/as in the United States, with emphasis on Chicago and the Midwest. Courses cover topics as diverse as pre-Hispanic archaeology, race and ethnicity in the New World, colonial history, Latin American politics, U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America, Latin American film, urban inequalities and globalization, social movements in the Americas and urban Latino communities.

Our program stresses mentorship and offers an unparalleled level of guidance and support from a multidisciplinary faculty, many with joint appointments in other departments. Students work with accomplished core faculty members who also serve as their mentors for the duration of the program. Latin American and Latino Studies majors often go into advanced areas of study in history, psychology, literature, and political science or pursue professional training in medicine, dentistry, nursing, education, or law. Graduates with a major in Latin American and Latino Studies have obtained positions with influential Chicago community agencies, the Chicago city council, and, Chicago city administration.

See how other students found their fit below with this major!

Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their LALS major to a professional path!

• Chicago Director, Inter-University Program for Latino Research
• Family Practice Physician, Loyola University Chicago
• Flagship Marketing Brand Ambassador, AT&T
• Museum Educator, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• Program Specialist, After School Matters
• Program Manager, Enlace Chicago
• Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Talent Acquisition Specialist, City Colleges of Chicago

In addition to the foundational set of skills and competencies you will acquire in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your LALS major. Review the list below to learn more:

• Ability to conduct research related to Latin American people and Latinos living in the United States from interdisciplinary perspectives
• Competence in addressing cultural issues pertaining to Latin Americans and Latinos
• Understanding of historical and contemporary social issues affecting Latin American and Latinos, including transnational aspects
• Handling of interdisciplinary research approaches applied to the study of Latinos and Latin Americans
• Basic proficiency in use of research techniques, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, and field research
• Ability to assist with activism, engaged research projects, community initiatives, and formulation of educational and public policy

There are many workplace settings, industries, and career areas in which you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other LALS majors have transitioned into. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?

• Arts, Media, and Communications
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Criminology and Law Enforcement
• Cultural and Museum Studies
• Education
• Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
• Healthcare, Global Health, and Wellness
• Law and Legal Services
• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Social Services
• Tourism and Travel
• Writing and Editing