Latinx communities are the fastest growing minority population in the United States, numbering between 50 and 60 million today. Our interdisciplinary program allows students in many majors to complete their existing studies while also deepening knowledge about the experience of the Latin American and Caribbean diaspora in the U.S.

With demographic trends and the need to work with diverse groups, employers will appreciate your specialized training in Latinx Studies. The certificate complements academic fields in Letters & Science (Spanish, Sociology, Anthropology, History, and Political Science among others) as well as professional fields such as Business, Criminal Justice, Health Science, Nursing, and Social Welfare. Latinx Studies courses also count towards the major in Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latinx Studies.

Students will find answers to these questions:

• Who are Latinx people?
• Why has the U.S. Latinx population grown so rapidly in recent years? Which groups are growing the fastest?
• How have immigration policies affected population growth and change?
• How do Latinx people engage in politics of their communities, states, and the nation?
• Why has their growth spurred so much electoral attention?
• What challenges do Latinx communities face in terms of racism, sexism, and discrimination?
• What contributions have Latinx people made to US art, music, and literature?
• What is the history of Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans in the U.S. from the 1600s to the present?

A certificate in Latinx Studies is similar to a minor, in that it demonstrates you’ve achieved substantial knowledge in this interdisciplinary area of study. 

The mission of the multidisciplinary Certificate in Latinx Studies is twofold:

1. To enable students to understand and evaluate the impact of Latinx people on the history, culture, politics, and economy of the United States, and
2. To foster the development of new, critical approaches that enable students to transform their world views and apply sound principles in their professional and personal interactions.

Eligibility

The Undergraduate Certificate Program in Latinx Studies is open to any University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students seeking a bachelor's degree from UWM, to those who previously received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university, and to those who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but who have a strong interest in this subject. To be admitted to the University as non-degree students, individuals must meet regular University admission requirements. Students currently involved in baccalaureate studies who successfully complete the requirements of the certificate program are awarded the certificate at the time of graduation. Students who already possess the bachelor's degree and non-degree students receive the certificate upon completion of the program requirements.

Requirements

To obtain the certificate, students must complete 18 credits in approved Latinx courses, including 9 credits at the 300 level and above in residence at UWM, with a minimum grade point average of 2.00. Students must select courses from at least three curricular areas, including LATINX 101. No more than 9 credits in a single curricular area may count toward the certificate. Students may count up to 3 credits of a related independent study and up to 3 credits of a related internship. For additional program information, contact the Latinx Studies Coordinator (Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies).

¹

Must include 9 credits numbered 300 and above. Consult the Certificate coordinator for approval to count additional appropriate courses with at least 25% Latinx content not listed here.