Latin American Studies

Investigate why Frida Kahlo’s paintings are so enduringly popular. Dive into the world of Latin American soccer. Separate fact from fiction in the biography of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Sample popular dishes in countries across Latin America.

The Latin American Studies program offers an in-depth look at the richness and diversity of a vast area and its people. Whether pre–Columbian art, the striking wonder of the Amazon rainforest, or the history of colonialism tugs at your heartstrings, you’ll be forever changed by your newfound knowledge.

Why Study Latin America at the UO?

“We have on our campus some of the most renowned experts in their fields related to Latin America: Anthropology, political science, literature, history, journalism and other fields. It’s a rich and solid group of faculty to offer our students."

“My invitation is for students to join us in this learning adventure from which they will come out much more informed about one of the most fascinating, exciting, and interesting regions of the world.”

—Carlos Aguirre, Professor, History

How Latin American Studies Prepares You After College

Due to its inherently interdisciplinary training, our undergraduate major in Latin American studies provides a thorough grounding in the languages, history, geography, and some of the central cultural and socioeconomic issues at stake in the region. The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies key career readiness skills that employers are looking for. The Latin American Studies Program offers students career competencies skills, such as: 

  • Cross-cultural communication skills
  • Data collection and analysis through various communication methods
  • Advocating for social justice, equitable practices, and empowerment for historically underrepresented communities
  • Collaboration with others to develop projects
  • Communicating complex ideas and concepts clearly and concisely
Carolina Arredondo Sanchez Lir

How Latin American Studies Enriches Your Academic Experience

“Obtaining my degree in Latin American studies had great benefits for me. Firstly, it allowed me to learn the importance of inclusive and trauma-informed public health strategies for our Latinx community here in Lane County. This was very important during my involvement in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, through my LAS classes, I became interested in later pursuing a master’s degree so I could study the other side of the War on Drugs at the U.S. and México Border.”

—Carolina Arredondo Sanchez Lira, Latin American Studies, BA, 2017

Our Degree Programs

Latin American studies provides students the flexibility to design a major or minor that combines courses from several departments across campus. LAS works closely with other units, such as the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies, the Americas in a Globalized World Initiative, the Department of Romance Languages, and the Department of Global Studies.

A person playing an instrument at an outdoors event

Learn from Experts in the Field

The Latin American Studies Program has faculty whose expertise varies throughout the university, including environmental studies, music, journalism and communication, global studies—and more. Students work with faculty in the program and the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies.

Group of people standing on a top of mountain holding out their hands

Get Real-world Experience

Take advantage of study abroad programs where you’ll travel to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bolivia, Mexico, or other exciting places to sharpen your language skills and become familiar with new cultures.

In Eugene, you can volunteer for a variety of organizations such as Centro Latino Americano, a local bilingual multicultural agency dedicated to helping the Latino community, or become active with the Center for Latino/a & Latin American Studies. UO students have also worked with the local school districts to mentor youth. Others have volunteered at Siempre Amigos, which provides health services to survivors of torture and political violence.

Scholarships and Funding

Students in the Latin American Studies program can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Academic Support

Students can seek support from advisors in Tykeson Hall for help understanding their major or minor requirements, planning their course of study, exploring study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising

Latin American Studies News and Events

ANTHROPOLOGY, HISTORY, LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES, NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES - The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation announced this year's Outstanding Research Awards, many of which went to College of Arts and Sciences faculty members: Professor Carlos Aguirre (history and Latin American studies) and Assistant Professor Gabriel Sanchez (anthropology).
BIOLOGY, LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES, GLOBAL STUDIES - Two UO students have been awarded prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarships, a first for the university and all the more rare because it is the second award for one of the Ducks.

All news »


Media Industry Professions: Insights from the Business Side
Oct11
Media Industry Professions: Insights from the Business Side Oct 11 Lillis Business Complex
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market
Oct11
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market Oct 11 Hendricks Hall
Boston Career Forum Prep Seminar
Oct11
Boston Career Forum Prep Seminar Oct 11 Fenton Hall
How to Be Ready for the BIG10 Academia Career Fair
Oct14
How to Be Ready for the BIG10 Academia Career Fair Oct 14
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips Workshop
Oct14
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips Workshop Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Spectroscopic Studies of Nucleic Acid Structure, Dynamics and Photophysics”
Oct14
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Spectroscopic Studies of Nucleic Acid Structure, Dynamics and Photophysics” Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
History Pub Lecture Series: "Malaria Eradication in Africa, 1920-2020: A History of Failures, but What About the Present?"
Oct14
History Pub Lecture Series: "Malaria Eradication in Africa, 1920-2020: A History of Failures, but What About the Present?" Oct 14 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Oct15
Department of History Coffee Hour Oct 15 McKenzie Hall
Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Oct15
Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Oct 15 Susan Campbell Hall
The Roots of Polarization: From the Racial Realignment to the Culture Wars
Oct15
The Roots of Polarization: From the Racial Realignment to the Culture Wars Oct 15 William W. Knight Law Center

All events »