Overview

The Latin American Studies Certificate from Portland State University also offers several study abroad opportunities in Central and South American countries. If you have questions about the Latin American Studies major or certificate we encourage you to contact a CUPA professional advisor or the program faculty advisors Prof. Leopoldo Rodriguez and Prof. Shawn Smallman.

Latin America is a large region rich in history and culture, and it has been a melting pot of cultures and races well before the United States claimed the title. To the wealth of indigenous cultures that existed in the Americas when the Spaniards first arrived in 1492, we must add the cultural influence of millions of Africans brought to work as slaves on plantations and mines. In addition to Spanish, Portuguese and French colonizers, the region also saw a large influx of European immigrants, and in some countries, East Asian indentured laborers, late into the 19th century. The result is a melting pot of cultures that have not only lived side by side but also have intermingled to give birth to truly hybrid societies.

Faculty with degrees in Geography, History and Economics teach a diverse set of courses on topics such as the Amazon rainforest, environment and development, political conflicts and commodity chains in the region.

Career opportunities:

A certificate in Latin American Studies prepares students for a wide range of careers in the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. Graduates of our program have found opportunities all over the world in:

Graduate programs in Latin American Studies, International Affairs, Global Studies, Business, Political Science, Urban Studies, Public Health, etc.
Private-sector employers, including international businesses
Aid organizations such as the International Red Cross
Nonprofits focused on issues ranging from health to education, food systems, gender rights, sustainability, global issues, and more.
Business incubators and trade organizations
Government agencies, with a focus on international affairs
Journalism and media organizations

Whether you want to pursue a career overseas, work in the United States, or prepare for a graduate degree, take the first step with a Portland State University’s Latin American Studies degree or certificate.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

International Leadership and Change

Globalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

Global Studies

US and the World

Theory & Policy in International Development

Understanding the International Experience

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

24 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 536 other Bachelors in American and Australasian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Latin American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career opportunities:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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