Welcome to the Latin American Studies Program at Ohio University!

Our master’s program is interdisciplinary and designed to promote a greater understanding of Latin America. Our rigorous academic program encourages original research, language acquisition, and internships in the U.S. & in Latin America. Students combine a Latin American area studies concentration with a “skills minor”. The skills minor enhances our degree because it allows students to concentrate on a particular theme or discipline such as International Development, Environmental Studies, International Economics, Women’s Studies, or another field.

Our program has a proven record of success. Alumni have pursued careers in teaching and consulting as well as working for governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Moreover, graduates from our program have held key positions in corporations in the U.S. and in Latin America. Many have chosen to work for private organizations concerned with human rights and development. In addition to the key components listed above, the Latin American Studies program prides itself on the following:
                                                                                                                     Dr. Betsey Partyka

• Our Faculty members are engaged scholars and excellent teachers. Nearly twenty-five professors from ten disciplines are dedicated Latin American scholars. The field work they conduct in Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Honduras, and elsewhere has produced an impressive list of publications and creates a challenging intellectual atmosphere. In addition to being professionally active, the faculty prides itself on excellent teaching while still being accessible to students.
   

• Our library collection on Latin America is strong. Our collection on Central America in particular is outstanding.
   

• Our students are impressive and diverse. Normally between 25 and 30 full-time graduate students are enrolled during the academic year. Within the student population, about half are U.S. citizens, some of whom are Return Peace Corps Volunteers. Many of the other students are from Latin America, some of whom have arrived at Ohio University as Fulbright Scholars. We are proud to report that we have excellent students currently enrolled from Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Spain, Bangladesh, and Japan—in addition to such places as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan!  
   

• An Enhanced Language Skills Option is available. Students entering the program with proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese are encouraged to obtain basic skills in the other of these two languages by completing the second year of Spanish, or by taking a year of Portuguese.

Dr. Betsy Partyka,
Director, Latin American Studies