Latin American & Caribbean Studies
College of Arts & Sciences
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies major combines language study in Spanish and Portuguese with work in history, the humanities and the social sciences. It provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, emphasizing themes such as economic development, popular movements, critical analysis and hemispheric relations. At the same time, it gives students the option to develop their own particular disciplinary and thematic interests.
Applicant type
Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).
Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
- Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
Departmental application deadline: Students in good academic standing may declare the major at any time, including on their application for admission to the UW.
Please contact the department for details about the application process.
Although admission is open, students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the major before transfer. Visit the department website for more information.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses recommended for the major:
- Two years Spanish1
- 1st year proficiency, or one year of Portuguese or French1
- JSIS 201 SSc – Making of the 21st Century (available at Bellevue, Edmonds and Shoreline)
- Courses in any discipline that deal with Latin America and the Caribbean (e.g., history, literature, economics, geography, political science and sociology)
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 5
Total from Washington community colleges: 1