Dual BA/MA Degree in LAS
Fellows in Latin American Studies

This innovative, dual B.A./M.A. honors degree in Latin American Studies allows outstanding incoming freshmen the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in five years, following a rigorous, efficient, accelerated curriculum. This highly selective group of students will enjoy close faculty mentoring and the opportunity to engage in specialized research projects with faculty.

With its large Latin American population and diverse Latin American connections, Miami provides the ideal setting for Latin American Studies. Students will gain advanced competence in at least one major language of Latin America, intern for one semester in public or private organizations dealing with Latin America and take advanced seminars with UM’s major Latin American scholars and visiting scholars.

In addition, students will receive first-hand experience in their regions of focus by studying abroad. Most study abroad opportunities are for a duration of six months. FILAS students may arrange their own study abroad in consultation with the Director or they may participate in the university’s study abroad options.

Career connections

FILAS graduates obtain the skills necessary to succeed in a wide variety of careers including business and finance, foreign service, armed forces, international development agencies, journalism, film production and translation.

Students wishing to pursue professional or doctoral study with a focus on Latin America will have a distinct advantage when applying for admission and scholarships.

Fellows Scholarships

Fellows in Latin American Studies receive scholarships to participate in two faculty-led Spring Break programs. They are also eligible for special FILAS scholarships to offset study abroad costs as well the chance to compete for up to two summers of research credits (with a $1,200 stipend per summer).

Admission requirements:

• Regular application for admission to the University of Miami. We recommend students submit their application by November 15 (Early Decision deadline)
• SAT1 composite score of 1360 or an ACT score of 31 (students applying from abroad must meet an equivalent standard as determined by the Office of International Admission)
• weighted GPA of 3.75
• top 10 percent of high school graduating class
• letters of recommendation from three high school teachers
• statement of interest in FILAS, emphasizing evidence of commitment to studying Latin America through prior language or area study
• Note: To continue through the master’s level, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4.

Curriculum

For broad-based, multi-disciplinary preparation, students choose courses that focus on Latin America from the following categories:

• One gateway seminar in Latin American Studies
• Two history courses
• Two international studies courses
• Two economics courses
• Three advanced languages and literatures courses
• Seven courses in study abroad
• Two courses as internship/co-op credits
• Three courses above the 300 level (third-year) in a range of disciplines
• Ten courses in one focus track:
  • Social sciences
  • Literature and culture
• Seminar paper/thesis based on an original research project
• Presentation of findings of thesis in meeting of the UM Center for Latin American Studies

Note: At least 10 of these courses must be at the master's level.