What kind of background do I need to pursue the MA?
Applicants from all academic backgrounds who have completed at least a BA degree are eligible to apply to the program. We value, but do not require, a background or undergraduate training in a Latin American or Caribbean language or area studies on the region.
Our students come from diverse backgrounds in humanities, social and natural sciences, and from a range of professional fields, and most find that our interdisciplinary training is a good fit for their varied interests. Many of our students have studied, lived, or worked in Latin America, and bring these experiences and perspectives to the academic program at CLACS. Some students enroll in the MA immediately after completing their Bachelor’s Degree. Others are returning to university study after years of working. Students come from across the United States, and from across Latin America and the Caribbean. All international students are welcome.
Is the program open to part-time students?
Yes. The degree must be completed within the five years of matriculation, and students must take Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies courses in their first two semesters.
How large are classes in the MA program?
CLACS graduate seminars range between 8 and 16 students.
Can I start in the fall or spring?
Applications are accepted for both Fall and Spring Admission. Please note that financial aid consideration is only for Fall admission.
Can I take classes in other departments?
Yes. CLACS cross-lists a number of courses from other departments, and students are welcome to seek out other 4-point courses from across campus. You must receive registration advisement prior to enrolling to ensure that the course fulfills your degree requirements.
How many credits do I need to take to complete the degree?
The number of credits and time to degree completion depend on your specific degree program. Learn more about the available fields of study here.
What is the tuition fee for the program?
Per-credit costs can be found on the following page here which does not include insurance or housing/living costs.
Does the program provide housing for its students?
Unfortunately, the program does not have the capacity to assist the admitted students with housing arrangements, but you may consult the program administrator for more details. You can also check out the NYU Graduate Housing website for more information.
What scholarships can I apply for?
CLACS automatically considers all applicants to the M.A. program for some funding opportunities upon review of your application. These include the MacCracken Fellowship and well as GSAS Departmental tuition points. Please review other available funding resources outlined on our website:
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships
External Funding
Tuition Incentive Program
GSAS Fellowships and Awards
Fellowship Finder
What career options do I have after an MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies?
Students work in a variety of private and public sector jobs, and most continue to be involved with Latin American or Caribbean regional issues. Many recent CLACS graduates have secured jobs in the field of education, either working as teachers or researchers, or entering competitive PhD programs to become professors. Many have found placement in non-profit organizations, working in the areas of culture, arts, research, and policy. Global Journalism students have a strong record of placement at major news outlets, and Museum studies students similarly find work in museums, galleries, or as independent curators. Several have pursued work in government and related to foreign policy.
Does NYU offer a PhD in Latin American and Caribbean Studies?
No. NYU’s Department of History includes a PhD field specialization in the study of Latin America and the Caribbean. While all of the History Department faculty that teach this specialization are affiliated with CLACS, the PhD program has no formal connection to the MA degree.