Latin American & Latino Studies (Ph.D.)

Prior education requirements:

• Before enrolling, students must hold a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent. We expect most students to have majored or minored in a social science or humanities discipline or an interdisciplinary field such as Latin American Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, American Studies, or Ethnic Studies. Candidates should have at least a 3.5 grade point average. We do not require that applicants have a master’s degree, but those who do will be stronger candidates for admission. Students who enter our program with a master’s degree may petition to waive some courses, if they have already completed graduate-level coursework that our department deems eligible to count toward their Ph.D.

Language requirements:

• International applicants must provide evidence of sufficient English language ability, as required by the Graduate Division. This program requires significant reading, writing, and speaking abilities in both English and Spanish. If a student plans to work in Brazil or with Brazilian migrants, they must demonstrate proficiency in English and Portuguese. Upon completion of the Qualifying Examination, students must show proficiency in a language other than English. Proficiency is defined as the ability to conduct field research, translate, and fully comprehend texts in the original language. Additionally, communicating effectively in an academic setting in a second language is highly desirable. Some students’ research projects may require a command of a third language, such as an Indigenous language. These students must demonstrate proficiency in this third language by completing language instruction at another institution or by an examination conducted by a LALS principal faculty member. The program expects that some students will need to improve their language proficiency after admission. Admittees may take various graduate seminars offered during Summer Session at UCSC by the Literature Department, take language-intensive instruction at various institutes throughout the United States and Latin America, or take private tutoring. Demonstration of proficiency may be achieved by completing a language course or program, or, if you have native proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking, by demonstrating this to your advisor through a variety of means (e.g., oral or written exam, a seminar paper written in the secondary language, etc.).

A résumé is required:

• Your resume should include the major experiences you’ve had that have influenced your decision to pursue graduate training. We encourage you to include any scholarly presentations or publications, work experiences, or participation in community-based/nongovernmental organizations on your resume. We do not accept curriculum vitae.

A writing sample is required:

• ​A writing sample between 10-15 pages in length. This may be a research proposal, summary of literature or research, or an essay written expressly for this application. It should illustrate your writing skills, your ability to think critically, and your ability to make or support an argument. We encourage you to cite relevant scholarly sources, but otherwise the format of your writing sample is up to you. The total length should be no more than 15 pages.

A statement of purpose is required:

• Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Please describe in detail why you have chosen to apply to the Latin American and Latino Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz and who among our faculty have done work that you find compelling or inspiring. we strongly encourage you to mention at least one faculty member, but preferably two or three, whom you’d like to take graduate courses with or ask to serve on your Qualifying and Dissertation Committee. You will be required to include one of our program’s faculty affiliates from outside the LALS Department. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.

A personal history statement is also required:

• Required of all applicants. This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages.
• Your Personal History statement should describe personal challenges you have overcome that have shaped why you want to pursue a doctorate in LALS. UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.