Latin American Studies Certificate and Related Concentration

Certificate Requirements

• Seven Latin American courses (21 credits): two courses in the major department and five courses from at least two departments outside the major. If majoring in a department in which no Latin American courses are offered, the requirement is seven Latin American area courses in at least three different departments. For a list of approved courses, click here.
• Language proficiency: three years (six terms) of college-level Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua, or Hatian Creole (or have equivalent competency).
• Study abroad in Latin America is required. The study abroad program must be for academic credit and last at least four weeks. The requirement may be fulfilled by participation in the CLAS Undergraduate Seminar and Field Program.
• Digital Portfolio: Students will develop a brief digital portfolio where they can reflect on their studies, explain the connection between the classes used to complete the requirements, and present examples of their work. Students may include papers
• GPA requirement is 2.5 for all courses to be counted toward any Latin American Studies Certificate.

Related Concentration Requirements

Like a minor, the related concentration is designed for students who want to learn about the cultures and societies of our neighbors to the south. It is suitable for students considering a career specializing in the Latin American region and has two academic requirements: area studies courses and language proficiency.

• One course in the major department, and four courses from at least two departments outside the major (15 credits). If majoring in a department in which no Latin American courses are offered, the requirement is five Latin American area courses in at least three different departments.
• Language proficiency: two years of study (four terms) of college-level Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua or Haitian Creole (have equivalent proficiency).
• Digital Portfolio: Students will develop a brief digital portfolio where they can reflect on their studies, explain the connection between the classes used to complete the requirements, and present examples of their work. Students may include papers.
• GPA requirement is 2.5 for all courses to be counted toward any Latin American Studies Related Concentration.

Special Academic Opportunities

The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) offers a variety of funding opportunities for undergraduate students entering or currently enrolled in one of its undergraduate programs. Please visit: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas/ugrad_opportunities.