Top Schools for Latin American Studies (US)

Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the histories, cultures, politics, and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean. As global interest in this region continues to grow, many top universities in the United States and beyond have developed highly regarded programs dedicated to the study of Latin America. These programs provide students with the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of disciplines—ranging from history and politics to anthropology and the arts—while gaining a deeper understanding of the social and economic issues that shape the region.

Some of the top schools and colleges offering Latin American Studies programs include Princeton University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Bucknell University, Tufts University, Pennsylvania State University, and Yale College. Each of these institutions has developed unique and prestigious programs designed to prepare students for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, international business, and more.

Princeton University has long been a leader in the field of Latin American Studies. The Program in Latin American Studies (PLAS) at Princeton is one of the oldest and most dynamic programs in the country. Established as a major interdisciplinary unit, PLAS brings together faculty and students from a wide range of disciplines, including African American Studies, Anthropology, Art & Archaeology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Comparative Literature, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology. This extensive interdisciplinary approach allows students to engage with Latin American Studies through multiple lenses and provides them with a rich, nuanced understanding of the region. PLAS at Princeton is unique in that it not only offers courses focused on the history, culture, and politics of Latin America but also integrates Latin American perspectives into various other disciplines. With its strong emphasis on research and scholarly engagement, Princeton’s Latin American Studies program attracts students from all over the world who wish to explore the region in depth.

Stanford University offers a one-year Master of Arts program in Latin American Studies that is highly regarded for its rigorous academic approach. Designed for graduates who have previous experience working, living, or studying in Latin America, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the region. Stanford's program is interdisciplinary, combining courses in the humanities, social sciences, and area studies, with a focus on the economic, political, and cultural issues that shape Latin America today. In addition to the Master’s program, Stanford also offers a Minor in Latin American Studies for undergraduate students across different disciplines. This flexibility allows students to incorporate a Latin American Studies concentration into their major, enhancing their academic experience with a regional focus that complements their primary field of study.

At Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the Program in Latin American Studies (PLAS) has a reputation for fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of the region. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach to the study of Latin America and the Caribbean, drawing faculty from diverse academic fields such as history, sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, and international relations. JHU’s program encourages students to engage with the region’s complex political systems, its rich cultural heritage, and its significant place in the global economy. Students benefit from the opportunity to study the region in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, with access to some of the leading experts in the field. The Program in Latin American Studies at Johns Hopkins is committed to producing graduates who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the region, whether in public policy, academia, or international relations.

Bucknell University offers a robust Latin American Studies program that integrates the humanities and social sciences. Established in 1975, the program provides students with opportunities for in-depth study of the Latin American region through an interdisciplinary approach that includes courses in history, literature, economics, political science, and sociology. Bucknell’s Latin American Studies program is distinguished by its strong faculty-student interaction. Professors at Bucknell take a personal interest in their students’ academic and professional development, creating a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Students at Bucknell can also benefit from the university's focus on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and study-abroad programs, which enable them to gain firsthand experience in Latin America.

At Tufts University, the Latin American Studies program encourages students to explore the region from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including the arts, literature, social sciences, history, and languages. Tufts' interdisciplinary approach is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of the social, cultural, and political issues that shape Latin America. Students are encouraged to integrate these perspectives into a cohesive understanding of the region, and the program offers a variety of opportunities for hands-on learning, such as study abroad programs and internships. The Latin American Studies Program at Tufts is also known for its focus on social justice and human rights, offering students the chance to engage with contemporary issues facing Latin American societies.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers a Latin American Studies program within the College of Liberal Arts, providing an exciting and diverse undergraduate major. Penn State’s program is distinguished by its comprehensive curriculum, which includes courses in a range of disciplines such as Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, and Spanish and Portuguese. The program also includes courses in the Geography department, enabling students to study the physical and environmental aspects of the region. One of the key features of Penn State’s Latin American Studies program is its emphasis on research and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to develop independent research projects that address the social, political, and economic issues facing Latin America today. Penn State also provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in study abroad programs, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultures and societies of Latin America.

Finally, Yale College offers an interdisciplinary major in Latin American Studies that draws on faculty from a wide range of departments, including history, literature, art history, theater studies, social sciences, and humanities. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in the languages and cultures of Latin America, as well as an in-depth understanding of the region’s history and contemporary challenges. Students in Yale’s Latin American Studies program are encouraged to take a holistic approach to the region, integrating different academic disciplines into a unified view of Latin America. The program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals, whether in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, or international business.

In conclusion, the top Latin American Studies programs at universities such as Princeton University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Bucknell University, Tufts University, Pennsylvania State University, and Yale College provide students with comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Latin America. These programs not only offer a deep understanding of the region’s history, politics, and culture, but also prepare students for successful careers in academia, public policy, international relations, business, and other fields. Each of these universities offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic and complex regions, providing them with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to discussions on global issues.