FILAS (Fellows in Latin American Studies)
In this highly selective Honors Program, students follow a rigorous, accelerated curriculum to complete two degrees (B.A./M.A.) in Latin American and Caribbean Studies in five years, less time than would be required to obtain the degrees separately. The program provides exciting collaborative research, travel, and work opportunities. While students typically apply to the FILAS program upon their initial application to UM, we also welcome applicants in their first year of study at the University.
Working with UM’s world-class faculty in various academic disciplines, FILAS participants design individualized curricula. In addition to the regular general education course requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, FILAS students choose one focus track for their most advanced courses: Social Sciences, Law and Policy, Literature & Culture, Communication, Environmental Studies, Public Health, or History. For broad-based, multi-disciplinary preparation, students choose courses that focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. At least ten of these courses must be taken at the graduate level.
FILAS Admission Requirements
- Top 10% of high school graduating class.
- Regular Application for Admission to the University of Miami. We recommend students submit their applications by November 15.
- Recommendations from three high school teachers.
- Statement of interest in FILAS, emphasizing prior language or area study
- To continue through the graduate level (MA Phase), students must maintain at least a 3.4 GPA.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BA IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES (120 CREDITS) | ||
| Please refer to the link below for B.A. in Latin American Studies requirements. | ||
| MA IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES REQUIREMENTS | 30 | |
| Please refer to the link below for M.A. in Latin American Studies requirements. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Disclaimer: This is a model plan of study only. It is not guaranteed that every course will be available in the year/semester noted below.
Sample Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA in LAS Courses | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Summer | ||
| LAS Approved Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Approved Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Fifth Year (Graduate) | ||
| Fall | ||
| LAS 601 | Politics, Societies, and Cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| Regional Fundamentals Course | 3 | |
| Academic Focus Course | 3 | |
| Academic Focus Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAS 602 | Research Design in Latin American Studies | 3 |
| Regional Fundamentals Course | 3 | |
| Academic Focus Course | 3 | |
| Capstone | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 150 | |
