Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) MA and PhD
Collaborative Specialization
Provides multidisciplinary experience and a rich humanistic perspective taken in combination with another MA or PhD (e.g., English, Literary Studies/Theatre Studies in English, Political Science, Public Issues Anthropology, Rural Studies, Social Practice and Transformational Change, and Sociology).
Integrated Humanities MA (LACS field)
A one-year interdisciplinary MA where Latin American & Caribbean Studies is your primary field.
LACS courses explore Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx identities and communities through rich traditions of world-class literature, visual arts, sports, and music.
LACS electives analyze social problems, political struggles and economic relations of our southern neighbours, which are becoming even more significant in new geopolitical contexts. With guidance from 18 faculty members associated with LACS, students can pursue a wide range of research topics.
The LACS Collaborative Specialization is an interdisciplinary add-on completed alongside your primary graduate program. Your main degree remains in your home discipline, and the LACS specialization is added to recognize your regional and thematic expertise.
How It Works
- You apply to a participating MA or PhD program as your main degree.
- After admission, you request to add the LACS Collaborative Specialization.
Participating Graduate Programs
- English (MA)
- Literary Studies/Theatre Studies in English (PhD)
- Political Science (MA & PhD)
- Public Issues Anthropology (MA)
- Rural Studies (PhD)
- Social Practice & Transformational Change (PhD)
- Sociology (MA & PhD)
Requirements
- LACS*6010 – Identity & Culture
- LACS*6020 – Re-Imagining Community
- 30% of thesis/MRP must address LACS topics
- One LACS core faculty member on your advisory committee
Best For Students Who Want To:
- Keep their disciplinary home program
- Add Latin American & Caribbean expertise
- Integrate LACS topics into an existing MA/PhD structure
The Integrated Humanities MA (IHUM MA) is a one-year interdisciplinary master’s program. When you choose the LACS field, your coursework and research focus on Latin American & Caribbean themes within the Integrated Humanities structure.
How It Works
- You apply directly to the Integrated Humanities MA.
- You select Latin American & Caribbean Studies as your field.
- Your courses and supervision are based in Integrated Humanities, with projects centered on LACS topics.
LACS-Related Electives
- LACS*6040 – Novel & Nation in Spanish America
- LACS*6200 – Topics in Latin American & Caribbean Studies
- LACS*6300 – Experiential Learning in LACS
- HIST*6500 – Topics in Global History
- IDEV*6200 – Development Theory, Issues & Process
- POLS*6050 – The Politics of Identity
- POLS*6510 – Pol Participation & Engagement
- SOC*6270 – Diversity and Social Equality
- SOC*6420 – Environment, Food, and Communities
- SOC*6460 – Gender and Development
- AVC*6300 – Special Topics in Art History and Visual Culture
Program Structure
Two pathways are available: course-based and thesis. A typical course map for LACS students is:
HUMN*6000 – Research Methods Seminar
LACS*6010 – Identity & Culture
One Elective
HUMN*6110 – Professional Practices Seminar
LACS*6020 – Re-Imagining Community
One Elective
HUMN*6000 – Research Methods Seminar
LACS*6010 – Identity & Culture
HUMN*6110 – Professional Practices Seminar
LACS*6020 – Re-Imagining Community
One Elective
Option 1: LACS*6100 – Major Research Paper (MRP)
Option 2: Thesis Project
Funding
Domestic students admitted to the Integrated Humanities MA with the LACS field receive $18,000 in guaranteed funding for the 2026–27 academic year.
- $12,000 from two 140-hour Teaching Assistantships
- $6,000 admission scholarship
Teaching Assistantships offer valuable mentorship and classroom experience, and students work closely with faculty across the humanities.
Program Length
One year (three consecutive semesters).
Best For Students Who Want To:
- Complete a focused, one-year interdisciplinary MA
- Center their entire degree on humanities methods and LACS research
- Work closely with IHUM and LACS faculty
Applications for Fall 2026 are open.
Apply by February 1 for full consideration. Late applications may be accepted until July 30.
Explore Your Options
Hear from Our MA Students
Student & Alumni Stories
MA in LACS — Overview of Program
Hear faculty and student perspectives on studying LACS at the University of Guelph.
Graduate Profile: Oscar López Hernández
Explore Oscar’s academic journey in the MA LACS program.
Have questions? We’d love to hear from you.
LACS Coordinator: Prof. Gordana Yovanovich — gyovanov@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant: Darren Sargent — dsarge02@uoguelph.ca
