2023-24 Catalogs

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BA in International Studies with Emphasis in Latin American Studies

Degree Program Description

Latin American Studies is offered as an emphasis area for the BA in International Studies. The Latin American Studies emphasis is designed to offer, in addition to linguistic competency in Spanish or Portuguese, a broad base of knowledge about Latin American politics, literature, economics and culture. This field of inquiry, alone or in combination with another discipline, is in high demand throughout the world and can provide students with an indisputable competitive edge in the contemporary professional arena. Students who graduate with an emphasis in Latin American Studies will be fully prepared to pursue graduate study in Latin American Studies programs offered around the country. Students are encouraged to study abroad in one of many program opportunities in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, Brazil or the Caribbean.

Major Program Requirements

Refer to the program requirements for the BA in International Studies.  Students pursuing the Latin American Studies emphasis will fulfill the Emphasis Area requirements of the major by completing 9 hours of credit related to Latin American Studies, including a 3-credit capstone.

Students are encouraged to begin study of their second language no later than the sophomore year.  Students should consult with the International Center about appropriate locations for their study abroad experience, but are encouraged to study abroad in one of many program opportunities in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, Brazil or the Caribbean. In addition, students must complete all College of Arts and Science and University graduation requirements, including University general education.

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Semester Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGLSH 10003Second Language 5
Core Humanitites3POL_SC 1400 or 27003
Second Language5Biological/Physical Science Course w/Lab5
American History or Government course3MATH 1050, 1100, or STAT 12003
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOG 1100 or 12003Second Language 3
Second Language3ANTHRO 20303
Humanities3Social Science3
Social Science3Biological/Physical Science Course4
Behavioral Science3Humanities3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Social/Behavioral major course3Behavioral Science3
Core major course3Regional/Cultural major course3
Humanities3Social/Behavioral major course3
Regional/Cultural major course3Core Humanities major course3
Second Language3Core major course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3Emphasis Area Capstone 4000 Level3
Emphasis Area major course3General Elective3
Emphasis Area major course3General Elective3
General Elective3Elective2
 15 14
Total Credits: 120

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Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

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Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.

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