Bachelor in Latin American Studies (Bachelor's)

At Western Washington University, tuition is Tuition for in-state students is $6,500 per year; out-of-state tuition is $18,500 per year..

Graduates are qualified to pursue careers in public service, research, education, and international organizations. The programme offers an interdisciplinary approach to Latin American histories, cultures, politics, and languages. Students examine the region's connections to the globalized world and the impact of colonialism, migration, and cultural exchange. The major is jointly housed in the Department of History and the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

Focus areas include Latin American histories, Latin American cultures, Latin American politics, Latin American sociologies, Latin American languages, Indigenous, African, and European encounters.

The programme requires a total of 120 credits. Students complete courses in history, Spanish, and interdisciplinary studies, with a choice between two concentrations: History or Spanish. The curriculum includes foundational and advanced coursework across disciplines.

Graduates enter roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, law offices, and public health sectors.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for transfer students. Submission of official transcripts and a personal statement is required for admission.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically four years. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 91% of applicants.

Western Washington University occupies a setting between the Salish Sea and the North Cascades, with mountains, forests, and the bay close to campus. Downtown Bellingham is within walking distance, giving students access to a compact college-town setting alongside outdoor opportunities. Campus life includes research, athletics, cultural collaboration, and spaces connected to the region’s heritage. The Lhaq’temish-ew’xw e tse XwLemi’ House of Healing recently opened in a building associated with symbolism, cultural heritage, and collaboration.

Small classes and personal faculty connections shape the academic experience. The university offers more than 200 academic programs, with options across fields including biology, chemistry, mathematics, business administration, and environmental studies. Biology spans areas such as biomedical science, marine biology, molecular biology, ecology, biodiversity, and mathematical biology. Chemistry prepares students for employers and graduate schools, while business administration develops skills for leadership in business and the community.

Environmental Studies brings together science, policy, ethics, and social studies to examine climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable resource management. Students learn to assess environmental questions from scientific, economic, cultural, and political perspectives. International students can expect an academic environment built around faculty contact, practical research, and preparation for graduate school or employment. Bellingham’s walkable downtown and the surrounding natural landscape also make it possible to combine campus study with access to the Salish Sea and North Cascades.