

The Bachelor of Arts in Latina and Latino Studies at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive program for students interested in exploring the histories, cultures, and social experiences of Latina and Latino communities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural studies, social analysis, history, and community engagement, preparing students to critically examine social structures, cultural identities, and political contexts. Students engage in research projects, community based initiatives, and interdisciplinary coursework, developing skills necessary to analyze societal trends, interpret cultural phenomena, and contribute to public discourse. This program cultivates both analytical proficiency and cultural expertise, equipping graduates for careers in research, advocacy, and education.
Learners explore interdisciplinary connections between sociology, history, political science, and cultural studies. The curriculum offers opportunities for fieldwork, archival research, and applied projects, allowing students to study migration, social justice, and community development. Through mentorship, collaborative research, and applied learning, students refine critical thinking, research methodology, and communication skills. With a focus on applied research and community engagement, the program prepares graduates to contribute to nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, policy development, and cultural institutions that require strong analytical and cultural insight.
Year 1 - Foundations in Latina and Latino Studies
• Introduction to Latina and Latino Studies
• Foundations of Social Research
• Latin American History and Culture
• Cultural Analysis and Identity
Year 2 - Core Cultural and Social Studies
• Race, Ethnicity, and Society
• Community Engagement and Advocacy
• Gender and Social Movements
• Research Methods in Cultural Studies
Year 3 - Advanced Applications
• Latinx Politics and Policy
• Migration and Transnational Studies
• Community Based Research Projects
• Elective Modules in Area Studies
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Research Project / Thesis
• Applied Cultural Research
• Seminar in Contemporary Latina and Latino Studies
• Professional Skills and Community Engagement
Graduates of this program acquire advanced research, analytical, and community engagement skills that prepare them for careers in nonprofit organizations, community development, public policy, cultural institutions, and educational programs. They develop expertise in social research, cultural analysis, and advocacy, enabling them to evaluate community needs, design research projects, and implement evidence based initiatives. The program also prepares graduates for roles in program management, policy analysis, and cultural education, equipping them to apply critical thinking and applied research skills in professional and civic contexts. Graduates leave ready to support community development, public policy programs, and social justice initiatives.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates cultural analysis with applied research, community engagement, and social advocacy, offering mentorship, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary projects. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, research opportunities, and rigorous coursework that strengthen analytical, communicative, and problem solving skills. The curriculum emphasizes evidence based research, social equity, and applied cultural understanding, preparing graduates to analyze societal challenges, support community initiatives, and contribute to cultural and educational projects. With its focus on applied excellence and research proficiency, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in community engagement, cultural research, and social advocacy.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA