Home » Academics » Masters Program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (MARSLAC)

Welcome to MARSLAC

The interdisciplinary M.A. program in Regional Studies—Latin America and the Caribbean (MARSLAC) provides a broad social science-based approach to modern and contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean.  The curriculum combines core seminars on region-specific scholarship and research with the opportunity to take courses in different disciplines throughout Columbia University. During the first semester students obtain solid foundations in the most relevant scholarship on key issues of contemporary Latin America (democratization, rule of law, urban development, environmental change, trade and immigration, gender relations, cultural expression of diversity, among others). In the second semester they hone research methodologies and the critical use of scholarship in order to develop their own projects and complete an M.A. thesis.

Accomplishments by Current and Former MARSLAC Students

  • Juan Carlos Kaplan (February 2012) was awarded Summer FLAS to study Portuguese in Brazil.  He also received 2011 ILAS Summer Research Travel Grant to conduct his thesis investigation in Brazil and Chile.
     
  • Amanda Bradshaw (February 2012) was awarded 2011-2012 Academic Year FLAS to study Portuguese. 
     
  • Kevin Beck (May 2011) was accepted to the PhD program in sociology at the University of California, San Diego.  He will start in the fall 2011.
     
  • Marcel Anduiza (May 2011) was accepted to the PhD program in history at the University of Chicago, which he will start in the fall 2011. He credits MARSLAC program for helping him refine his proposal.
     
  • Kate Koenigsknecht (May 2010) has been teaching English in Spain while she preparing for PhD program.
     
  • Kelly Maslick (May 2010) started her own company Fieldstone after graduation, which she implemented based on her master’s thesis.  She is working with different clients in Latin America.

See what students have to say about the program

LEARN MORE

»  Greetings from the Director
»  Program Description
»  Concentration and Sample Courses
»  Degree Requirements
»  Faculty Advisors
»  Masters Program Applicants
»  Student Testimonials
»  Financial Aid

  • MARSLAC is a great program that allows you to pursue your interests, expand your horizons, and learn from top-notch professors.

    - Nathan Flannery
    MARSLAC Candidate

  • My professors are true scholars offering decades of experience and knowledge adding value to my academic experience.

    - Kelly Maslick
    MARSLAC Candidate

  • Thus far my experience has been great. Columbia offers a variety of Latin American courses in history, anthropology, economics, and political science.

    - Diana Duarte
    MARSLAC Candidate

APPLICATION

Deadline for Spring semester: October 15

Deadline for Fall semester with FLAS and financial consideration: February 1

General deadline for Fall semester: April 1

RECEIVE REMINDERS & UPDATES

We can send you an email when it’s closer to the application deadline. We’ll also send occasional emails about new courses, programs, and other news about MARSLAC.

CONTACT US

Have any specific questions about MARSLAC? Please email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).