Applications accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2026!
Don’t miss your chance to apply—mark your calendar and stay tuned for future deadlines.
Overview of the M.A. Program:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program trains students to reflect on and critically engage with social issues of contemporary importance in the study of Latin American and Latino/e/x societies and their experiences. The program’s curriculum addresses themes related to globalization, colonialism, postcolonialism, transnationalism, immigration, development, and equity, as well as questions about identity and membership, including race, culture, nationality, and gender. Our faculty offers and encourages an interdisciplinary approach to these topics, bridging academic perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, literature and the arts, cultural studies, and history.
As part of their training, M.A. students complete a unique set of courses on interdisciplinary research methods, which guides them through their capstone project. Thus, along with a greater understanding of relevant topics and debates, M.A. students acquire a series of specialized skills that place them on a solid career path, both in academic and non-academic settings.
Resources:
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Advising Graduate students have a graduate academic advisor within LALS, who can answer questions and provide guidance.
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Mentorship Beyond their courses, LALS faculty engage with M.A. students throughout their time in the program as project advisers and mentors.
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Research Students have the opportunity to learn about, and sometimes collaborate, on LALS faculty projects and their research process.
Meet our Faculty!
Interdisciplinary research and teaching on:
Transnationalism ÷ Migration ÷ Asylum ÷ Deportation ÷ Remittances
Chicana/Latina Feminist Thought ÷ Latina Popular Feminism(s) ÷ Latinx Soundscapes ÷ Intersectionality ÷ Precarity
Gender ÷ Women of Color Feminisms ÷ Latinx Youth Studies ÷ Education
Violence ÷ Displacement ÷ Criminal Governance
Poetry ÷ Poetic Writing ÷ Creative Human Expression
Latinx Health ÷ Sexuality ÷ Gender Equality
Political thought ÷ Diaspora ÷ Youth Political Engagement ÷ Democratization
Critical Thought ÷ Democracy ÷ The State ÷ Rhetorical Practices ÷ Indigeneity ÷ Environment ÷ Disaster Theory
Colonialism/Postcolonialism ÷ Native Methods ÷ Aztec Culture ÷ Nahuatl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the curriculum structure for the Master of Arts?
Students are required to complete 34 credit hours. The curriculum is structured to provide students with knowledge of the field and training in research methods.
During the first year, students complete three core courses: Latinx and Latin American Critical Thought (LALS 500), Latinos and Latin America in a Transnational Context (LALS 501) and Special Topics in the field of Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS 502). A research methods course (LALS 403 or equivalent) and pro-seminar (LALS 504) focused on professional development round out the first year of the program.
In the final semester, students will enroll in a Directed Research (590) course with their advisor to complete the research and paper to complete their degree.
Why should I study LALS at UIC?
Chicago is a unique city to study these topics. Over a million Latin Americans and Latinos live in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Virtually every Latin American nationality is represented. Ties with home countries are strong and there are numerous cultural and advocacy organizations.
Our department is also a member of Inter-University Program on Latino Research which offers a series of learning and professional opportunities to students. We currently host the IUPLR/Mellon Fellowship Program supporting doctoral students in the humanities writing a dissertation Latinx-related topics. Our Graduate Concentration also brings interested students from other departments at UIC to our program and classes, contributing to the richness of our scholarly milieu.
What are the application deadlines?
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. The program will accept and review applications for the Fall semester only. The deadlines are listed below. Admission decisions are made in compliance with the University of Illinois nondiscrimination policy. Applicants are required to upload their documents and academic credentials electronically to satisfy both requirements by the LALS program and requirements from UIC’s Office of Graduate Admission. After the January 15 deadline, incoming applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions are more likely to be considered for any available funding opportunities.
Deadlines are the same every year:
- January 15 — Deadline for preferential consideration for funding
- February 15 — Final deadline for international applicants
- May 15 — Final deadline for domestic applicants
What are the tuition and fees at UIC?
Learn more about tuition and fees here. The University of Illinois Chicago strives to make education as affordable for all who wish to attend.
What funding opportunities does LALS have?
Graduate Assistantships
In most semesters the Department of Latin American and Latino Studies is able to offer a few graduate assistantships on a competitive basis.
Appointment/reappointment guidelines
The Department of Latin American and Latino Studies at UIC will appoint and reappoint graduate assistants (to positions as a TA, RA or GA) based careful consideration of the following criteria:
- Expression of interest by the student.
- Credentials and experience as reflected in a CV or prior letters of recommendation (particularly upon initial acceptance into the program).
- Acceptable progress in their graduate program of study.
- Evaluation or recommendation by the supervisor.
- Availability of funding and positions, distributed in order to meet the needs of the department.
What resources does UIC have for students?
- Campus Recreation
- Office of Social Science Research
- University Library
- Student Centers
- UIC Children’s Center
- Office of International Services
- Mexican Students de Aztlan MEChA (Facebook Page)
- Center for Student Involvement
- Office of Career Services
- Institute for the Humanities
- UIC bookstore
- Center for Research on Women and Gender
- UIC Counseling Center
- UIC Wellness Center