New PhD Minor in Latino Studies

The Latino Studies Program is proud to announce the approval of its new PhD minor. This graduate degree will allow students in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, business, law and education to develop expertise on the historical and contemporary experiences of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans and other Latin Americans who have immigrated to the United States or who have resided in the U.S. for multiple generations. Our courses examine Latino communities and experiences within local, national, transnational, and diasporic contexts.

In the past 30 years, Latino and Chicano Studies scholars have transformed knowledge throughout academia, particularly in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The most important contributions have been in the theoretical foundations of traditional disciplines focusing on racial formation, colonial theory, hybridity theory, border theory, identity politics, racism, immigration and migration theory, and Latina/o Critical Race Theory. The Latino Studies Ph.D. minor will offer an interdisciplinary space for scholars in traditional academic units to address these areas within a coherent intellectual focus of study.

The need for this program is evident in the demographic importance of Latinos, and the rise in nationwide demand. Within the United States, the Midwest has experienced the largest growth in Latino population. Between 2000 and 2005 the Latino population increased 117% in Indiana alone; nationwide by 58%. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2050 close to 1 in 3 U.S. residents will be of Latino origin. Those individuals possessing an enhanced understanding of the largest ethnic group in this country will be better qualified for the job market of the future. With the growing Latino population in Indiana and nationwide, IU has a leadership role to take in Latino research, dissemination of knowledge, and training of people about the diversity, history, culture and needs of the largest ethnic minority of the U.S. population.

Students in other departments can minor in Latino Studies by completing twelve (12) credit hours of course work directly related to Latino Studies subject matter. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. Minor in Latino Studies should visit their website for information and application materials: http://www.indiana.edu/~latino/