Concurrent Degree with Latin American Studies
The concurrent degree in Journalism and Latin American Studies is designed to provide the academic and professional training for journalists who specialize in a region of Latin America or the Caribbean, U.S.-Latin American relations, or Latino communities within the United States.
The concurrent program is usually completed in three years. Students must carry a course load of at least twelve units per semester, and are expected to work in both programs each semester.
Students must attain at least the intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish by the end of the second year. Undergraduate language courses do not count toward either degree. Students are also required to enroll in Journalism 294 Master's Project Tutorial. Students are required to produce only one thesis that should be done as a Master's Project through the School of Journalism. However, the thesis must be reported in Latin America. A minimum of 42 units is required to complete both the Master in Journalism (M.J.) and the Master in Latin American Studies (M.A.). In fulfilling the 42 unit minimum, at least 24 units must be earned in graduate Journalism course work (including all journalism courses required for the M.J.). At least 20 units must be earned in Latin American Studies course work. With prior approval, up to six units of course work may count towards both degrees.Applicants to the concurrent program submit one application to the Graduate School of Journalism. If admitted, students apply to the LAS Master's Program during their first semester. Applicants are reviewed by the Latin American Studies admissions committee and the Chair of the LAS department and the Head Graduate Advisor of the Journalism program. Both must sign the "Petition for Change of Major or Degree Goal" for a student to be admitted to the LAS Master's program. Students officially matriculate in the LAS program in their third semester.
Only students accepted by the Graduate School of Journalism will be considered by Latin American Studies for the concurrent degree.
The GRE (or the TOEFL when applicable) is required, and must be taken no later than December. GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted. TOEFL scores more than two years old will not be accepted. Submit GRE or TOEFL scores to the Graduate School of Journalism. For the GRE use institution code R4833 and department code 4503 to have scores sent to Journalism. For the TOEFL use institution code 4833 and department code 18.
Applicants must include the Journalism summary sheet with their application, checking the box indicating the intent to do the concurrent degree with LAS. This form is included with the bulletin and instructions sent by Journalism. Applicants should also indicate in their Statement of Purpose that they are applying for the concurrent program, detailing their reasons and qualifications for undertaking the concurrent course of study.
All applicants for the concurrent program should have a basic knowledge of Spanish.
For further information:
Graduate School of Journalism
Office of Admissions
121 North Gate Hall, #5860
Berkeley, CA 94720
510-642-3383 phone
510-643-9136 fax
Latin American Studies
International and Area Studies
101 Stephen Hall #2306
Berkeley, CA 94720
510-642-4466 or 510-643-4156 phone
510-642-9850 fax
lasgrad@berkeley.edu