Latina and Latino Studies
The Latina and Latino Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Northwestern University provides students with an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the diverse histories, cultures, and political experiences of Latinx communities in the United States. Through coursework grounded in history, sociology, literature, anthropology, and political science, students examine the structural forces that have shaped Latinx life—migration, colonialism, labor, race, and gender—while also highlighting cultural resistance, resilience, and creativity. The program encourages students to engage with Latinx identities and experiences as part of a broader conversation about equity, justice, and national belonging.
The curriculum emphasizes community-based knowledge, cultural expression, and historical memory, providing students with opportunities to study the intersections of race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and citizenship within Latinx populations. Students explore literature, music, activism, media, and everyday practices as vehicles for cultural production and political critique. The program supports critical engagement with social movements and structural inequalities, while also equipping students with strong skills in research, writing, and public presentation. Faculty mentorship, internships, and opportunities for fieldwork in Latinx communities further enhance student learning and prepare them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively in both academic and applied settings.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Latina and Latino Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Latinx Studies
• Introduction to Latina and Latino Studies
• U.S. History and Latinx Communities
• Race and Ethnic Politics
• Writing About Culture and Identity
Year 2 – Social Structures & Cultural Expression
• Migration, Borders, and Diaspora
• Latinx Literature and the Arts
• Gender and Sexuality in Latinx Contexts
• Research Methods in Cultural Studies
Year 3 – Community, Policy & Media
• Latinx Politics and Representation
• Urban Latinx Experience
• Media and Latinx Identity
• Seminar: Social Movements and Resistance
Year 4 – Research, Practice & Synthesis
• Independent Research or Community-Based Project
• Seminar in Latinx Cultural Studies
• Public Scholarship and Advocacy
• Senior Capstone Thesis or Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Latina and Latino Studies program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers that center on advocacy, education, cultural representation, and social transformation. Many pursue roles in community organizing, public policy, education, and nonprofit leadership, working to address issues like immigration reform, health equity, housing justice, or bilingual education. Others build careers in media, journalism, arts administration, or cultural programming, where they help shape public understanding of Latinx identity, history, and expression. The program also offers a strong foundation for graduate study in fields such as ethnic studies, law, sociology, urban planning, and public health. Employers in government agencies, foundations, universities, and cultural institutions value graduates for their ability to think critically about race, identity, and structural inequality—and for their commitment to inclusive storytelling, ethical engagement, and coalition building across diverse communities.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an ideal choice for students who want to deeply understand the histories, voices, and struggles of Latina/o/x communities and who are committed to making meaningful social impact through informed scholarship and action. Northwestern’s Latina and Latino Studies program offers an empowering curriculum that centers marginalized perspectives and challenges dominant narratives through research, theory, and community collaboration. Students engage directly with the cultural and political realities facing Latinx populations in the U.S., learning to bridge academic inquiry with real-world practice. With access to faculty actively engaged in public scholarship, social justice work, and interdisciplinary research, students are encouraged to explore their own identities and develop projects that reflect their values and career goals. The program’s structure fosters both academic depth and flexibility, allowing for personalized study in areas like Latinx feminism, immigration, media representation, or urban inequality. Through service-learning, internships, and capstone experiences, students apply what they learn in classrooms to neighborhoods, nonprofit sectors, and digital platforms. This program not only cultivates critical thinkers and skilled communicators—it shapes advocates, educators, and cultural leaders who are prepared to confront inequality and help build more inclusive institutions and futures. For students who seek to turn insight into action and scholarship into change, this program offers both the intellectual tools and the ethical foundation to do so with purpose and integrity.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
