Print this page.About the Program
The Latin American Studies Program (LASP) is a multi-disciplinary, broadly based undergraduate degree program that offers courses in Latin American history, politics, anthropology, geography, and literature. The program sponsors public lectures, workshops, and symposia, and supports faculty and student research on topics related to Latin America and Latino communities in South Carolina.
Career Opportunities
An undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies provides an excellent foundation for a variety of careers. Many positions require some graduate study. Here are a few of the possibilities:
• teaching
• governmental agency
• non-profit agency
• law
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you must meet all University admissions requirements, including (for freshmen) a completed application, non-refundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To remain in your degree program, you must make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. In order to be eligible for graduation, you must meet all course requirements for your degree program, be in good standing, meet any departmental or program requirements, and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00.
Program of Study (120 hours)
Students majoring in Latin American Studies need to complete language study (in Spanish or Portuguese) through the 300-level and complete 24 hours of LASP coursework, including LASP 496, the senior seminar. Since LASP is an interdisciplinary program, students need to select courses for the major from at least 3 disciplines offering cross-listed courses in LASP. All coursework intended for major credit must be approved by a student’s academic advisor.
Of Special Interest
The Consortium for Latino Immigration Studies at USC promotes and coordinates multi-disciplinary research related to Latinos in South Carolina and the Southeast. Through its various activities the Consortium fulfills the University's mission to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of all state residents. The LASP program encourages all students to study abroad and sponsored a study abroad program in Costa Rica for the summer II 2007 semester. The Richard L. Walker Institute of International and Area Studies serves as an interdisciplinary research and public service unit of the University of South Carolina. The Institute works in cooperation with faculty and research units in various colleges and departments of the university to facilitate research on public policy issues. It provides consultative and training services and undertakes special research projects for governmental and nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and public sector agencies.