Latin American and Hemispheric Studies
Elliott School of International Affairs
Program Overview
Latin America's proximity, shared history, and increasingly intertwined demography make it a key region for the United States. Yet, despite impressive democratization in the region in recent decades, serious problems — poverty, inequality, ethnic cleavage, crime, political violence, and illicit drug flows — persist. Future hemispheric leaders will grapple with an often contradictory blend of political and economic successes and failures. To develop innovative approaches to the enduring problems of the hemisphere, tomorrow's leaders need a broad and deep knowledge of the region.
Master's Degree
The Master of Arts of Latin American and Hemispheric Studies program prepares students for careers throughout the Western Hemisphere. The program's faculty members are internationally recognized authorities. Outstanding part-time professors are drawn primarily from the Washington policy community and provide insiders' perspectives on key institutions and policies. The program coordinates a dynamic series of special events that brings leading policymakers from Washington and all over the world to engage with students and faculty on issues facing the hemisphere.
The program's location in the heart of Washington, D.C., facilitates employment at a broad spectrum of organizations. Students and alumni are employed at leading organizations that are only a few blocks from the GW campus, including multilateral organizations like the Organization of American States and the World Bank, policy institutes like the Inter-American Dialogue and the Washington Office on Latin America, government agencies like the Departments of State and Commerce, and many more.
Graduate Certificate
The Elliott School also offers a Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies, consisting of 18 credits (6 courses), for professionals and students interested in exploring this topic outside their primary field of study.
Admission Requirements
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Admission deadline: |
Fall – February 1 (M.A. applicants: to be considered for fellowship support, applications must be submitted by January 15.) |
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Standardized test scores: |
GRE general test (institutional code 5246) M.A. only |
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Recommendations required: |
M.A. - Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably from professors. Applicants who have been out of school for several years may send recommendations from supervisors or employers. |
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Prior academic records: |
Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. |
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Statement of purpose: |
In an essay of approximately 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at the Elliott School of International Affairs. As part of your statement of purpose, describe your academic and research interests, career objectives, and how a degree from the Elliott School will enable you to achieve your goals. Please be specific. |
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Additional requirements: |
M.A. - A resumé or curriculum vitae and four (4) semesters (or the equivalent) of Spanish or Portuguese prior to admission. For additional information on language requirements, please visit: elliott.gwu.edu/academics/grad/proficiency.cfm Graduate certificate - Applicants must:
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International applicants only: |
Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. PLEASE NOTE that Elliott School programs require the following minimum English language test scores for admission:
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Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
The Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University
1957 E Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052
Contact for questions:
esiagrad@gwu.edu ~ 202.994.7050 ~ 202.994.9537 (fax)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
