The Minor

The minor in Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies, which does not replace the certificate, is intended for those students who do not have the degree of language competence required for the certificate, but who are interested in developing an area specialization for their majors. Requirements include a minimum of six 3-credit courses selected from at least three distinct approved disciplines, with no more than two from any one discipline.

Students certain of their career goals may wish to concentrate on earning an interdisciplinary baccalaureate degree in Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies instead of a regular discipline. For the student whose future work will be entirely in these areas or who intends to enter an interdisciplinary postgraduate Latin American Studies program, it is possible to major in Latin American Studies through the university’s Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC) Program.

Notes on Requirements for the Certificate and the Minor

• All courses used to fulfill the requirements of the certificate and the minor must be completed with grades of C or better.
• No more than three courses may come from the same discipline.
• At least one course must address the experiences of peoples of Latin American descent outside the Latin American and Caribbean region (e.g., Latinos in the United States).
• At least one half of the courses for the certificate and minor must be completed on the university’s Amherst campus.
• Courses completed at other institutions, including the Five Colleges or study abroad, must be approved by petition to the director of the program.
• The certificate or minor is awarded at the time of graduation, and will not be awarded if bachelor’s degree requirements are not completed.