A dual degree can be obtained by combining work for the interdisciplinary master of arts degree with work in any other graduate degree Many other departments offer specializations or courses on or relevant to Latin American Studies, or that add an additional skill set or knowledge component to prepare students for diverse careers.
A student seeking a dual degree must fulfill all the requirements for both degrees, although up to 50 percent of the credit hour requirement for each degree may be used for dual credit. A minimum of 50 percent of course credit for each degree must be unique to that degree. Normally students must complete a separate master's examination for each degree program, but they may be required to complete only one joint examination or thesis. Information on how to apply for a dual degree is available through the Graduate School's website.
A combined degree in Latin American Studies is available to students enrolled in a professional or an undergraduate college or school. This allows students to pursue simultaneously two degrees in different colleges or schools by reducing the amount of time required to complete both sets of degree requirements. For example, students pursuing a law degree can also pursue an MA in Latin American Studies. Information on how to apply for a combined degree is available on the Graduate School's website.
Dual Degree Options
For students interested in both public administration and Latin American area studies, the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs have partnered together to offer the dual degree in Latin American Studies and Public Administration. Students who complete the program graduate with two separate master's degrees, a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and a Master of Public Administration. Through the dual degree program, students are able to fulfill both degree requirements while receiving dual credit for some courses. Thus, they are able to fulfill the requirements in a shortened time frame, typically graduating in three years, as opposed to completing both degrees separately.
Benefits of the Dual Degree
The dual degree is open to both students at the Glenn College who wish to enhance their public policy degree with the interdisciplinary study of Latin America, and CLAS students who want to augment their area studies knowledge with policy and management skills. It is an ideal option for those who desire to work in the public or non-profit sectors. Students leave the program with a solid foundation in policy and management theory and knowledge of Latin American countries, cultures, and languages.
General Requirements
67 credit hours of coursework are needed to complete the dual program, broken down between:
- 15 credit hours of coursework specific to Latin American area studies;
- 26 credit hours of coursework specific to public policy; and
- 26 credit hours of electives (can be area studies courses or public policy).
To show completion of both degrees, students:
- Complete a capstone for the Glenn College; and
- Write an MA thesis or exam for CLAS.
Glenn College Requirements
Prospective dual degree students should consult the Glenn College’s website for dual degree information and program plans and advising sheets. All students should contact staff at the Glenn College by emailing GlennApply@osu.edu to determine their course schedule and requirements. Typically, dual degree students still are required to complete the Glenn College's core courses.
CLAS Requirements
Course Requirements
Dual degree students are required to meet the same overall interdisciplinary requirements as the regular MA degree, including:
- Taking International Studies 5640 (three credits);
- Having an area of concentration (twelve credits);
- Taking at least one graduate seminar where student will produce produce a research paper that indicated that they have mastered the skills of research, synthesis, and analysis required for academic scholarship
Language Requirement
- Dual degree students must take or show proficiency of at least one language spoken in Latin America. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for a FLAS Fellowship to study a less commonly taught language in Latin America (such as Portuguese or Quechua).
Exit Requirement
- MA exam or thesis
How to Apply
Current Graduate Students
If you are already admitted and enrolled in either the Glenn College or CLAS MA program, you must apply for admission to the other program at least one semester prior to completion of your home program. Generally, students must apply to one program first (the home program), then apply to a second program for dual degree status. Students are encouraged to apply to the second program within the first year of their graduate study.
CLAS MA students wishing to apply as a current graduate student should read the Glenn College's dual degree admissions page.
For Glenn College students wishing to apply to the CLAS MA, after contacting Leila Vieira, the assistant director of CLAS, to discuss MA options, applicants should do the following:
- Request that the Glenn College send a copy of your application file to CLAS (clas@osu.edu) by email or campus mail so that we have your graduate admissions application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, Glenn College statement of purpose, and resume/CV;
- Submit a new, CLAS specific statement of purpose (two pages, double-spaced) that explains why you wish to pursue a graduate program in Latin American Studies, including career goals, special interests, and probable major field of study. This may be emailed to CLAS (clas@osu.edu);
- OPTIONAL – you may also submit an updated resume/CV and a letter of recommendation from a language instructor if desired and based on guidance from CLAS staff.
All students accepted to a dual degree program will then need to submit a dual degree program plan through Gradforms. Both programs will review and approve the plan to ensure that students complete the requirements of both degrees.
Incoming Graduate Students
Students who have not yet been admitted to the Graduate School may apply to one graduate program first, either CLAS or the Glenn College, or apply to both programs simultaneously, submitting two separate applications and sets of application materials. Learn more about applying to the CLAS MA program or applying to the Glenn College's MPA program. Within the first year of enrollment in their home program, students should then apply to the second program following the instructions for current graduate students after first speaking with their program advisor. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to a second.
To contact the Glenn College, email GlennApply@osu.edu.
To contact CLAS, email the assistant director, Leila Vieira.