Program Overview
The MALACS program at FIU offers a flexible interdisciplinary Master's degree tailored to individual research and career interests. Students can design their own concentration with courses from various departments, taking advantage of FIU's location in Miami as "The Gateway to Latin America." The program emphasizes close faculty-student advising, preparing graduates for successful careers in public and private sectors, research, education, and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (MALACS) is an interdisciplinary program that offers students the flexibility to design their own program based on their research and career interests. The program is particularly suitable for students whose research and professional interests cannot be accommodated within a single discipline.
Key Features:
- Flexibility: Students can create their own concentration based on their individual interests, expertise, and academic and professional goals.
- Interdisciplinary: The curriculum prepares students for careers that require in-depth knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean, its peoples, and societies. Students can choose from courses taught by over 300 interdisciplinary faculty associates across various departments and colleges at FIU.
- Location: FIU's location in Miami, known as "The Gateway to Latin America," provides students with unique opportunities for study and research.
- Faculty-Student Relationship: The program emphasizes a close faculty-student advising relationship.
- Joint Programs: Students can enroll in joint Master's degree programs in International Business or Law, saving time and money.
- Resources: Students have access to FIU's extensive Latin American and Caribbean library holdings and resources, including FIU Special Collections, the Diaz Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection, and the Digital Library of the Caribbean.
- Career Outcomes: Alumni work in various public and private industries in the U.S. and abroad, including research directors, teachers, NGO administrators, diplomatic representatives, policymakers, and small business owners. Many alumni have also pursued PhDs and excelled in careers in higher education.
Careers:
- Public and Private Industries: Research directors, teachers, NGO administrators, diplomatic representatives, policymakers, and small business owners.
- Higher Education: PhDs and careers in academia.
Other:
- Program Launch: The MALACS program was launched in Spring 1997.
- Program Emphasis: The program stresses a close faculty-student advising relationship.
Florida International University
Overview:
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.
Services Offered:
FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.Student Life:
Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.Campus Resources:
Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:
Student Involvement:
Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.Campus Highlights:
Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.Arts & Culture:
Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.Recreation & the Outdoors:
Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.Research Excellence:
FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.Global Focus:
FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.Diverse Student Body:
FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.Campus Amenities:
FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.Academic Programs:
FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Design
Business and Economics
Education
Hospitality Management
Humanities and Culture
Medicine and Health
Public Policy
Sciences and Engineering
Technology
Other:
FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.
It is one of the largest university campuses I have ever been to as I struggled to find the places that I needed to be multiple times. Food choices are great, library is phenomenal, and water fountains are very pleasing to sit by. SASC Building has very interesting architecture.
I went here for my undergrad back several years ago and came back for my graduates. This university is a blast of culture and learning. Most of the professors are amazing, there's clubs for everything, classes that range from odd to amazing and everything in between. They keep adding to MMC making new buildings, bringing in new vendors, and creating new art.
