Latin American Studies | MA Academic Requirements 2012-13 

International Economics

All candidates for the M.A. degree must complete a concentration in the field of International Economics by taking four to six economics courses at SAIS.  Students can also pursue a specialization within International Economics by taking additional course work.

Students in Latin American Studies have the option of pursuing a specialization in Emerging Markets.

Core Courses

All SAIS students must pass two core exams and/or courses. If the cores are not completed by the start of his/her final semester, the student must enroll in the core course.

Language Proficiency

Latin American Studies M.A. candidates must pass exams to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese. Those who successfully complete the oral and written exams in one language are encouraged to enroll for study in the other language. All non-native English speakers are required to pass an English placement exam upon entering SAIS. Native speakers of Spanish or Portuguese must pass proficiency in a second language which can include English.

Capstone

Latin American Studies concentrators must complete ONE of the following capstones:

1. An academic or professional internship* relevant to program course work and subsequently submit a report** on the experience. All internships completed through the WHS Summer Internship Program satisfy this requirement

2. Students who are unable to complete an internship will be required to pass a 30–45 minute oral exam with LASP faculty at the end of their final semester

3. M.A. Oral Exam (to compete for honors—if eligible)

*If unable to participate in the WHS Summer Internship Program, students may secure their own internships to be completed during the summer or during their second year at SAIS.  These internships must be no less than eight weeks in duration and are subject to program approval.

**The internship written report should be three double-spaced pages in length and will be due by the beginning of the student’s last semester at SAIS.  The report should delve into a thematic component of the internship rather than highlight duties/responsibilities.

A total of 16 courses are required for an M.A. degree.

Concentration Files

http://www.sais-jhu.edu/sites/default/files/academics/degree-audit/files/latin_american_studies_degree_audit_11_12.pdf, http://www.sais-jhu.edu/sites/default/files/academics/degree-audit/files/latin_american_studies_degree_audit_10_11.pdf