Latin American Development Studies (Minor)
18 Credits | Main Campus | Washington, DC
Explore historical and contemporary issues and the various strategies and policies employed to promote development, sustainability, and social equity.
Latin America provides one of the most dynamic and revealing regions in which to study development. From democratic transitions and social movements to environmental crises and innovative policy reforms, the region offers powerful lessons about resilience, inequality, and institutional change.
In this minor, students develop analytical tools to move beyond description and toward explanation. They engage complex questions about power, policy, geography, and justice while becoming part of a community dedicated to thoughtful scholarship and meaningful impact.
This minor can be a valuable addition to various majors, such as Global Affairs, Sociology, Economics, Education, Humanities, or Environmental Studies, as it provides a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in development work, policymaking, advocacy, and research for developing nations. This interdisciplinary approach is valuable for addressing the complex issues surrounding inclusive governance, social justice, and sustainability in the Latin American context.
Explore Development, Justice, and Social Change in Latin America
Rooted in Trinity’s commitment to social justice, ethical leadership, and global engagement, this minor challenges students to critically examine inequality, migration, democratization, sustainability, indigenous rights, gender dynamics, urbanization, and economic transformation. Students learn not only to understand development challenges, but to ask why countries facing similar structural problems produce different outcomes and what that means for policy, equity, and human dignity.
Is This Minor Right for Me?
The Latin American Development Studies minor is designed to complement a wide range of majors. It helps students deepen their understanding of Latin America while strengthening the cultural knowledge, analytical skills, and global perspective that are valuable in many professions. Whether you are interested in health, education, business, communication, public service, or social research, the minor can broaden your academic preparation and professional opportunities.
Explore how the minor connects with your field of study:
2026 cohort of Latin American Development Studies
What You’ll Learn
Why Choose This Minor?
At Trinity, we prepare students to become ethical leaders and agents of change. This minor will help you:
- Analyze structural inequality and poverty
- Understand migration and transnational connections
- Evaluate development models and public policy
- Explore environmental sustainability and climate challenges
- Engage issues of gender, race, and indigenous rights
You will gain strong comparative research skills that are applicable not only to Latin America but to global development contexts more broadly.
Curriculum Overview
Required Core Courses
- POLS 215 – Gender, Politics and Development in Latin America (3 Credits – Fall)
- POLS 230 – Exploring Latin American Politics (3 Credits – Spring)
Plus four elective courses from different disciplines
Students customize the minor by choosing four elective courses from several disciplines. Options in History explore colonial legacies, migration, race, and political change in Latin America. Courses in Global Affairs, Public Policy, and Economics examine development theory, governance, globalization, inequality, and structural reform.
Spanish and language courses strengthen cultural competency, while literature, art, and humanities courses deepen understanding of identity, culture, and representation.
Many electives also fulfill Trinity General Studies requirements, allowing students to advance multiple academic goals while preparing for ethical leadership and meaningful engagement with development challenges in Latin America.
Global Careers
Graduates of the minor are well prepared for careers and graduate study in:
- International development organizations
- Public policy and government service
- Migration and refugee services
- Nonprofit and humanitarian sectors
- Human rights advocacy
- Law, public policy, global affairs, or development studies programs
- Community organizing and grassroots advocacy focused on equity, immigration, environmental justice, and social services
- Students with a minor in LADS can use their knowledge in Latin America to apply to graduate school.
Minor
Africana Studies
Minor
Environmental Justice
Major
Global Affairs, B.A.
Major
Political Science, B.A.
Applying to the Latin American Development Studies (Minor) Program
Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.
We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.
Applying to the College of Arts & Sciences
Steps to Apply
- Apply to Trinity. Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.
- Have your School Administrator submit your Official Transcripts (High School/College/Home School/GED) – International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
- Submit Essay “Where do I see myself after obtaining a TWU degree?”
- Submit your Recommendation Letter(s) (Teacher/Guidance Counselor/Mentor)
- Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status
Trinity Admissions is here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.
Admissions Criteria
- First-Time Freshman candidates for admission should complete a secondary school program that includes 16 academic units: English, Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), Science to include Lab work (biology, chemistry, and physics), History, Foreign Language, and Social Science.
- Transfer candidates must submit official college transcripts from each previously attended college or university.
- Optional Standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) and/or the American College Test (ACT) can be submitted. To have your scores sent to us use SAT code 5796 and ACT code 0696.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.0 (on 4.0 Scale).
