Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, an undergraduate degree, preferably in Latin American Studies or in a related field such as Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Geography, History, International Business, International Studies, Political Science, Portuguese, Sociology, or Spanish, with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. However, the admissions committee will consider applicants with an average lower than this minimum if the other elements of the application are strong.

Spanish proficiency at the advanced level as demonstrated by undergraduate coursework, an oral interview, a standardized test, and/or life experience is also required. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable but not required.

The following documents must be submitted for admission:

• UNC Charlotte Graduate School online application form
• Official academic transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Evidence of proficiency in Spanish
• Three letters of recommendation on the UNC Charlotte recommendation form
• International students only: evidence of proficiency in English as well as the following UNC Charlotte forms: immigration status, statement of financial responsibility, and estimated expenses

Note: GRE scores are optional.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Accelerated Master’s Program

Academically talented high school seniors and UNC Charlotte undergraduate freshmen are encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program to begin work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in their Freshman year.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Accelerated Master’s Programs.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies requires completion of at least 30 credit hours in approved graduate courses.  These courses must include at least 18 credit hours which are only open to graduate students.  No more than 12 credit hours may be taken for credit in the degree program at the 5000 level.  A maximum of 6 hours of graduate transfer credit will be accepted.

Most students complete the program in two to three years.  No course listed on a master’s student’s candidacy form be older than six years at the time of graduation.  Courses that exceed this time limit must be revalidated or retaken, whichever the graduate program decides necessary, if they are to count in a degree program.

At the end of the program, students will display Spanish proficiency at the advanced level in speaking, reading, and writing.

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

Admission to Candidacy

Students are admitted to candidacy either by defending a thesis or taking a comprehensive examination.

Grade Requirements

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all LTAM graduate courses to remain in and graduate from the program.  As per the academic regulations of the UNC Charlotte Graduate School, one U or more than two grades of C in graduate coursework will lead to suspension in enrollment.