Foreign Area Studies - Latin America Major Standardization v1.0 Foreign Area Studies: Latin America Major As a Foreign Area Studies – Latin America major at West Point, you will develop advanced Spanish or Portuguese proficiency and deep regional expertise while preparing to lead Soldiers alongside partner nations. Your education prepares you for complex security environments where cultural understanding and sound judgment shape mission success.Apply to the academyConnect with our admissions team Breadcrumb foreign area studies latin america major standardization v10 academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Military Immersion & Exchange Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment Foreign Area Studies – Latin America at West PointUnderstand the region. Strengthen partnerships. Lead in the Western Hemisphere.Foreign Area Studies – Latin America prepares future Army officers to operate effectively across the Western Hemisphere. Through focused study of geography, politics, history, governance, and language, cadets develop the ability to assess regional dynamics and apply that insight in operational settings.Quick FactsDegree Type: Bachelor of ScienceDepartment: English and World LanguagesLanguage Tracks: Spanish or PortugueseExperiential Learning: Immersion and exchange programs in Latin AmericaHonors Option: Advanced language coursework and thesisWhy This Major MattersLatin America remains central to United States security cooperation, economic stability, and regional partnerships. Army officers regularly conduct humanitarian assistance, joint training, and security cooperation missions throughout the hemisphere.This major prepares officers who understand governance systems, civil military relations, and regional security challenges. Graduates commission ready to communicate effectively, assess political environments, and strengthen operational partnerships.Core Themes & Focus AreasGeography of Latin America and regional security dynamicsModern Latin American political developmentComparative politics and state capacityAdvanced Spanish or Portuguese proficiencyCivil military relations and security cooperationInternational law and regional economic systemsCadet Perspective (example placeholder)“Studying Latin America at West Point gave me the perspective to work confidently with partner forces and understand the context behind the mission.” - USMA Cadet, Class of xxThe West Point AdvantageWhat makes this program distinct is the integration of rigorous language training with leadership development and close faculty mentorship.Immersive Regional ExperienceCadets apply language skills in professional military and academic settings through semester exchanges and summer programs in countries such as Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. These fully funded experiences reinforce communication skills and decision making in real world contexts.Faculty with Operational PerspectiveFaculty combine academic expertise with military experience.Courses connect Latin American political systems and history directly to current Army missions and planning environments.Interdisciplinary PreparationGeography, history, political science, law, and strategy are integrated into a coherent regional framework.Cadets learn to approach complex challenges from multiple analytical perspectives.Leadership Development Embedded in StudyLanguage proficiency and regional insight are tied directly to officership.Cadets develop communication, ethical reasoning, and planning skills required for security cooperation and joint operations.Research and Honors OpportunitiesCadets may complete independent research or an honors thesis in Spanish or Portuguese under faculty supervision.Many contribute to initiatives supported by the Center for Languages, Cultures, and Regional Studies aligned with Army priorities.The Journey Continues: Leadership Across the HemisphereService first. Responsibility that expands over time.Commissioning PathwaysThis major aligns with branches requiring strategic awareness and communication skills.BranchDescriptionMilitary IntelligenceAnalyze regional actors and political trends to inform operational decisions.Infantry and ArmorLead maneuver units participating in joint training and security cooperation missions.Field Artillery and Air Defense ArtilleryOperate within coalition formations requiring coordination across partner forces.Engineer CorpsSupport infrastructure development and humanitarian missions.Signal and CyberEnable secure communications across multinational environments.Military Police and Civil AffairsCoordinate with host nation institutions in stability and security missions.Foreign Area Officer PathwayOfficers may later compete for designation as Foreign Area Officers specializing in Latin America.Learn how commissioning worksPost-Graduate OpportunitiesForeign Area Studies - Latin America majors are competitive for graduate education and nationally recognized scholarships.Graduate ScholarshipsRhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, and other competitive awards.Army Funded Graduate EducationMaster’s programs in international relations, public policy, security studies, and related fields.Fellowships and Strategic AssignmentsOpportunities with combatant commands, research institutions, and interagency organizations.Explore scholarships and graduate opportunitiesWhat Foreign Area Studies - Latin America Officers Do: Across a CareerEarly Career: Lead Soldiers and SystemsNewly commissioned officers lead Soldiers in operational units, often participating in joint exercises, humanitarian missions, or security cooperation efforts across the hemisphere.Mid-Career: Command, Specialize, and AdviseAs officers advance, they command companies, serve on planning staffs, and coordinate with partner nations. Some pursue selection as Foreign Area Officers, serving in embassies or defense cooperation offices focused on regional engagement.Senior Career: Shape Strategy and CapabilitySenior officers command battalions and brigades, advise senior leaders, and shape policy affecting Army priorities in the region. Their experience in negotiation, analysis, and cross-cultural leadership informs decisions at the strategic level.Beyond Initial Service: A Foundation That TransfersAfter completing their service commitment, many pursue graduate education, public service, or leadership roles in organizations operating across the Americas. The leadership and regional expertise developed in uniform remain enduring assets.Questions Prospective Cadets AskClear answers to help you decide and take the next step.Do I need to speak Spanish or Portuguese fluently?No. Cadets build proficiency through structured coursework and immersion opportunities. Commitment and work ethic matter more than starting level.What makes this major different from similar programs?At West Point, regional study is tied directly to officership. Cadets prepare not only to understand Latin America, but to operate there as Army leaders.Is research required?Research is optional but widely available. Cadets may complete independent studies, language capstones, or an honors thesis.How early can I participate in immersion programs?Cadets may apply for summer programs early in their academic careers. Semester exchanges are available to qualified upperclass cadets.Can I add a minor?Yes. Many cadets pair this major with minors such as International Affairs, Law, or another Regional Studies minor.How much does it cost?West Point provides a fully funded education in exchange for service as an Army officer after graduation.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue a Foreign Area Studies – Latin America major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – Latin America Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. What You Will StudyThe curriculum progresses from foundational regional knowledge to advanced institutional analysis and applied leadership. Cadets develop language proficiency alongside structured study of political systems, security institutions, and economic structures in Latin America.How the Curriculum BuildsFoundational KnowledgeGlobal cultures, Latin American geography, modern history, and intermediate language study.Advanced ApplicationUpper-level courses in governance, economics, diplomacy, and regional security.Leadership and Military RelevanceCourses such as Military Geography and State Building connect academic insight to operational planning.Course HighlightsCourseWhat You'll LearnGE347 Geography of Latin AmericaAssess terrain and demographics to inform operational planning.HI348 Modern Latin AmericaInterpret political transformation and regional security trends.SS384 Politics and Government of Latin AmericaEvaluate governance systems and civil military relations.SS366 Comparative PoliticsAnalyze state capacity and institutional development.LS476 Military Speaking and Reading in SpanishDevelop mission focused language skills for partner engagement.LP476 Military Speaking and Reading in PortugueseBuild operational proficiency for work with Brazilian and Lusophone partners.LW481 International LawUnderstand legal frameworks governing security cooperation.GE491 Military GeographyApply geographic analysis to operational scenarios.Year-by-Year SnapshotFirst Year – FoundationsComplete core courses in composition, literature, and world language while building a base in social sciences and global studies.Second Year – Regional CoreBegin required courses in Latin American geography, modern history, and comparative politics. Continue language development at the intermediate level.Third Year – Advanced Regional StudyTake upper-level courses in Latin American governance, economics, diplomacy, and security. Participate in immersion or exchange opportunities when available.Fourth Year – Integration and ApplicationComplete complementary support courses and your integrative experience, such as Military Geography, State Building, or a language capstone.Capstone and Culminating ExperienceCadets complete an integrative experience demonstrating regional mastery and advanced language proficiency. Honors cadets conduct original research under faculty supervision and present their findings in their target language.View the full DEWL curriculum in the USMA Red BookFaculty & MentorshipForeign Area Studies – Latin America is housed in the Department of English and World Languages, where small class sizes and direct faculty access define the learning experience. Professors know their cadets by name, advise them on academic and professional decisions, and mentor them from plebe year through commissioning.Meet the FacultyCOL John BaskervilleDepartment Head and Professor. A career Army officer and former Foreign Area Officer, he brings operational experience and regional insight to the study of language and security.Dr. Maria GonzalezProfessor of Spanish and Latin American Studies. Mentors cadets in advanced language proficiency and research on political and cultural institutions in the region.Dr. Paulo AlmeidaProfessor of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies. Advises cadets preparing for immersion experiences and operational language application.Dr. James CarterProfessor of Comparative Politics. Guides cadets in analyzing governance systems, state development, and regional political dynamics.Dr. Elena RamirezProfessor of Latin American History. Supports cadet research focused on historical transformation and contemporary regional challenges.Department CultureCadets learn in a disciplined, collaborative environment where faculty know them by name and invest personally in their growth. Small class sizes allow sustained feedback, daily language practice, and direct mentorship. The program fosters intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, and the confidence to lead across languages and cultures.Faculty AchievementsRecognized teaching and mentorship awards within the AcademyFaculty led immersion programs and international exchangesCadet research presentations at regional and national conferencesCompetitive scholarship preparation and graduate school mentorshipMeet the full facultyExpand Your ExpertiseForeign Area Studies – Latin America provides a strong regional foundation, but your academic path does not have to stop there. Tailor your coursework through language tracks, honors research, complementary support courses, and academic minors that deepen specialization and align with future Army roles.Choose Your Language TrackAll majors select one of two professional language tracks:Spanish TrackPortuguese TrackEach track includes advanced language, culture, literature, and military focused communication courses. You may also pursue the honors option, which includes an additional upper-level course and a faculty supervised thesis in the target language.Pair With a MinorComplementary MinorOpportunityRegional Studies – Latin AmericaDeepen historical, political, and cultural specialization across the hemisphere.International Affairs MinorStrengthen preparation for strategic planning, diplomacy, and multinational operations.Middle East MinorBuild cross regional comparative insight for complex global assignments.Eurasia MinorExpand understanding of global power dynamics and comparative political systems.Law and Legal Studies MinorBetter understand international law, comparative legal systems, and legal frameworks shaping military operations.Cyber and Information Systems MinorDevelop technical literacy that complements regional expertise in modern information environments. Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue a Foreign Area Studies – Latin America major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – Latin America Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. Experience Foreign Area Studies - Latin America in Action at West PointCadets apply classroom knowledge through immersion programs, exchanges, and faculty guided research.Hands-On OpportunitiesExperienceWhat You'll Do / Why It MattersInternshipsSemester exchanges and summer programs place cadets in professional environments across Latin America.ResearchIndependent and honors research explores governance, security, and regional development.LeadershipCadets represent the academy abroad and lead regional initiatives on campus.Interdisciplinary StudyCollaboration with International Affairs, History, Law, and Cyber strengthens analytical capability.PartnershipsPrograms align with Army priorities related to security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere.Explore cadet researchCadet Life in This MajorDepartment CommunityLanguage tables, cultural celebrations, and regional guest lectures create a strong academic community centered on the Western Hemisphere.Co-Curricular EngagementConversation tables and peer tutoring reinforce daily language practice.Professional ExposureCadets present research at conferences and engage with national security professionals focused on regional issues, including the West Point Conference on Language, Culture, and Military. Explore more cadet experiencesReady to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue a Foreign Area Studies – Latin America major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – Latin America Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.