An interdisciplinary program in Latin American and Caribbean studies enables students to approach key issues confronting the region from multiple disciplinary angles and through a variety of sources of information—from film to economic analysis, literature to geography, music to politics.
Students who complete either the GLIS major with a Latin America track or the minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies will develop a skill set and a knowledge base that will prepare them for a range of career paths.
These degree programs also teach students to think critically across these different sources of knowledge to better understand complex issues and their impacts on people's lives. Knowledge of the historical patterns that have shaped contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean societies positions students to interpret and respond effectively to events that will unfold there in the future, providing a strong foundation for jobs in international business, government agencies, the non-profit sector, or academia.
We encourage students who pursue either the major or the minor to take advantage of the many education abroad or internship programs MSU offers in Latin America and the Caribbean and to combine one of these programs with a degree program in Spanish or Portuguese. Active learning experiences such as study abroad and internships not only help students to hone their language and inter-cultural communications skills; they also provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate these skills – to future employers or graduate program mentors.
CLACS alumni in a range of careers credit MSU for preparing them. Amy Bratzel, employed by a procurement company in Chicago, was hired because of the Portuguese language skills she developed through MSU courses and study abroad. Kody Gerkin served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala after graduating and later returned to found the non-profit, Mujerave, which focuses on economic development and empowering women. Kristopher Wilson, who works for a multinational relocation firm, uses the language, knowledge of region, and intercultural communication skills developed through courses, internships, and study abroad at MSU.
Learning from the
The collapse of an ecosystem
Professor Abigail Bennett talks about her research in Mexico
Afrodescendent Businesswoman in the 16th Century Spanish Empire
Associate Professor David Wheat explores
Comprehensive Empowerment of Women in Rural Colombia
Research by Maria Garcia, Ph.D., Candidate
CLACS Awards 16 Student Fellowships for Summer 2023
