The Ph.D. program in Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) at UCSC offers a transnational and interdisciplinary approach to the study of the peoples, cultures, societies and institutions of the Amricas.<br><br>The Doctoral Program in LALS accepts applications from prospective students each fall. The department also supports a Graduate Designated Emphasis, open to any current graduate student at UCSC.<br><br>Candidates for admission must possess a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution or equivalent before enrolling. We expect most students to have majored or minored in a social science or humanities discipline, or an interdisciplinary field such as Latin American Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, American Studies, or Ethnic Studies. Applicants must submit an official transcript, a statement of intellectual and professional goals, including an explanation of how the UCSC program would contribute to those goals, a substantial writing sample (approximately 10-15 pages), and three letters of recommendation. Candidates should have at least a 3.5 grade point average. International applicants must provide evidence of sufficient English language ability, as required by the Graduate Division.