Certificate in Latino Studies

As the Latino population in the United States grows, so does that population’s importance in American society.

The Certificate in Latino Studies is designed for all students interested in studying Latino history and culture, the current role of the Latino community, and its contributions in the United States. You gain multiple perspectives through this interdisciplinary course, including Anthropology, American Studies, Communication Studies, Geography, Health, History, International Studies, Philanthropic Studies, Political Science, Public and Environmental Affairs, Spanish, Social Work, and Sociology.

You will connect this knowledge and appreciation for other cultures with other disciplines, therefore helping prepare you for success in a globalized world.

Program Requirements

The certificate can be earned as a stand-alone credential or in combination with a degree.

  • Earn 18 credit hours
  • Achieve GPA of at least 2.0 overall and in each course.
  • Proficient in Spanish or Portuguese (credit through the 204+ level coursework or a placement test)

Course Requirements

Many of the courses that count toward the certificate in Latino Studies have rotating topics that change every semester. Work with your academic or faculty advisor to choose your elective courses.

Required Courses

These four courses (12 credits) are required.

  • LATS L101 – Introduction to Latino Studies (3 cr.)
  • LATS L228 – An Interdisciplinary Look at U.S. Latino/a Identities (3 cr.)
  • LATS L350 – Contemporary Issues in Latino Studies: Latinos in the US: Origins and Prospects (3 cr.)
  • LATS L396 – Social and Historical Topics in Latino Studies (3 cr.)

Elective Courses

You must take an additional six (6) credits. You may choose two elective courses from a growing list of approved interdisciplinary courses.

From the School of Liberal Arts: Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, English, Geography, History, Global & International Studies, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Spanish.

From other IUI Schools: Art and Design, Education, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Law School, Philanthropy, Public and Environmental Affairs, Law, and Social Work.

Career Trajectory

A certificate in Latino Studies will equip you for a career in one or more of the following: administration, government, public policy, politics, journalism, law, education, diplomacy, business, local and government service agencies, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, community organizations, national and international corporations, and language- and culture-related organizations.

Admission Requirements

You may apply to the certificate program at any time during the academic year by completing the online declaration form.

To be eligible for admissions into the certificate program, you must:

  • be enrolled at IU Indianapolis
  • earned 24 credit hours toward a degree at IU Indianapolis
  • have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5

Students who have not enrolled at IU Indianapolis may be considered for admission to the program if they:

  • apply for Undergraduate Admission to IU Indianapolis and specify the Latino Studies Certificate as their objective
  • have 24 credit hours of transferable work and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

 

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

More Info

Contact Rosa Tezanos-Pinto.