The Latin American studies program at Saint Louis University offers a series of interdisciplinary courses designed to engage students with the history, politics, economics, literatures and cultures of Latin America, a region of growing global strategic importance.
SLU's major in Latin American Studies is offered through the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Students complete 33 credit hours of coursework, including three required core courses ("LAS 3930: Introduction to Latin American Studies," "HIST 3170: History of Colonial Latin America," " HIST 3180: History of Modern Latin America"), as well as seven electives and a senior capstone ("LAS 4880: Senior Inquiry").
You’ll spend one semester abroad doing at least 70 hours of community service in Latin
America and complete a senior inquiry course. With the director's approval, you can
also complete an internship with an organization involved with Hispanic communities
instead of a study abroad experience.
Latin American studies majors at SLU must also complete a minor in Spanish.
Both the Latin American studies major and minor require students to spend at least
one semester in a Latin American country participating in service-oriented programs
and research projects connected with community development.
While a strong command of Spanish will make you an excellent job candidate in the
U.S. job market, the program also prepares graduates to work in Latin American offices
within government agencies, nonprofits and NGOs. It is also helpful when entering
the fields of international trade and finance, foreign service, international law,
immigration studies, journalism and Hispanic media and communications.
SLU’s Latin American studies faculty includes professors from the Department of Languages,
Literatures and Cultures, along with professors from business, political science,
sociology, criminal justice, economics, history, theology and public health.
Saint Louis University takes pride in being one of Barron's Best Buys in College Education
and Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges.
For information regarding the upcoming academic year’s tuition rate, fees and financial
aid, visit SLU Financial Services.
The Latin American studies minor consists of 18 hours of coursework, at least one semester abroad and the capstone course. During the semester abroad, students must complete at least 40 hours of community service.With the director's approval, you can also complete an internship with an organization involved with Hispanic communities instead of a study abroad experience. A student minoring in Latin American studies must also complete a minor in Spanish. If you choose to minor in Latin American studies, you will take the following core courses: "LAS 3000: Introduction to Latin American Studies," "HIST 3170: History of Colonial Latin America," "HIST 3180: History of Modern Latin America."
SLU offers students a variety of study abroad options that can fulfill the Latin American studies program’s required service hours, including Ecuador, Chile, Argentina or a Mexican Health Care Systems Immersion Trip.