University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies
University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies

Certificate in Latin American Studies

Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies

The Certificate in Latin American Studies was crafted for majors in any discipline offered at the University of Pittsburgh (whether liberal arts, sciences or professional). Students completing this certificate will develop skills and knowledge connected with Latin American/Latinx, and/or Caribbean (including diasporas). This personalized certificate will strengthen extra-regional insights leveraging the potential of multiple disciplines focused on regional issues. This program is for students who wish to internationalize their studies, deepen expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean, and hold a certificate that makes them increasingly competitive for work and advanced studies enhanced by regional expertise.

Requirements: The certificate has four components: Latin American/Latinx and/or Caribbean (including Caribbean diaspora) courses, Language proficiency, a digital portfolio, and Study Abroad/Study-In program.

  • Latin American/Latinx and/or Caribbean (including Caribbean diaspora) courses. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 21 credits in content courses.
    • TWO (2) of courses may overlap with the student's major or other credentials (such as other certificates and minors)
    • FIVE (5) courses in at least two departments other than the student's major or other credentials
    • For students majoring or getting other credentials in departments in which no Latin American courses are offered, the requirement is seven (7) Latin American area courses in at least three different departments.
    • For more information on the courses available, go to the CLAS Courses Page
  • Language proficiency
    • ​Students will be required to take 3 years (six terms) of college-level Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua, or Haitian Creole.
    • Students may take the language department placement test to demonstrate the equivalent level of proficiency. For more information on Spanish and Portuguese language placement, visit the Department of Spanish and Portuguese website or contact the CLAS Advisor (information below).
    • Students who are native speakers of one of the languages above may request a waiver from the CLAS Academic Advisor.
  • DIgital Portfolio
    • Students in the program will be asked to complete a digital portfolio, which will reflect their curricular and co-curricular experiences. This portfolio will be started as students enter the program, where students will showcase their academic pursuits, co-curricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, scholarship, experiences abroad, and career goals that feature thier expertise in Latin American/Latinx and Caribbean/Caribbean Diaspora. The portfolio can also serve as part of an online resumé, highlighting a student's experiences, skills and interests. Digital portfolios will be finalized early in the student's final semester. Details will be discussed with the advisor.
  • Study Abroad | Study In
    • Certificate students will also be required to participate in an academic credit program with a duration of at least 4 weeks. The study abroad requirement may be fulfilled by participation in the CLAS Undergraduate Seminar/Field Trip. Students should talk with the academic advisor about their plans and to get support in selecting a program that is right for them. For more information on programs connected with Latin America, please visit our Abroad Opportunities page.

Advising: To personalize your studies and connect to the best options to maximize the benefits of the program, students in the certificate should meet regularly with the CLAS academic advisor, Luis Van Fossen Bravo. The advisor assists students in the completion of the requirements, curricular and co-curricular opportunities, study abroad and more. Below are some of the way to contact the academic advisor:

Enrollment: All students must be admitted to a school or department of the University of Pittsburgh before they can be accepted into a Latin American studies program or be eligible for funding offered by CLAS.

To enroll in one of the credentials of the Center for Latin American Studies the students needs to submit an enrollment form (below). The enrollment form may be submitted upon admission to the University. Though enrollment is open to students throughout their academic career at the University of Pittsburgh, interested students are encouraged to enroll early so they can take full advantage of all that CLAS has to offer.

To Enroll, complete this form: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bwq37URqlMKkFuJ