About Us

The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Miami works to integrate the energies, ideas, and experiences of scholars, students, and other individuals who share a common while diverse interest in Latin America and the Caribbean—their peoples, societies, environments, and global connections—fostering new knowledge, dialogue and cooperation, innovative education, and constructive, forward-looking engagement.

Knowledge Generation and Exchange

The Center’s distinguished faculty, which comprises more than 200 affiliated members, has a long history of multidisciplinary research expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean. These researchers – and their students – are exploring some of the most pressing issues facing the region, issues such as climate change, urban development, and public health. By hosting lectures, workshops, and conferences, as well as supporting cutting-edge research, the Center provides a hub for these people to share their knowledge with each other and to brainstorm new ideas and activities. This knowledge exchange positions the University of Miami at the center of a broader global dialogue that connects the rest of the world to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Academic Programs

The Center for Latin American Studies offers an undergraduate major and minor, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies and a joint MA degree with the School of Communication. The Center also offers an innovative dual BA/MA honors degree in Latin American Studies, which gives first year students the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in five years. The Center funds summer research grants to students across the university who are carrying out work in Latin America, administers an undergraduate scholarship program for research at the world-renowned Cuban Heritage Collection, and emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning by organizing study abroad programs and field research seminars in the region.