Latin American Business Certificate

Overview

Learn about the Latin American business environment, culture and language through this certificate program. The Latin American Business Certificate (LAB) offers Mays students seeking a B.B.A. (accounting, business honors, finance, management, management information systems, marketing and supply chain management) degree the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Latin American business by studying its history, politics and business models.

The LAB requires 21 credit hours for completion. These courses can be integrated as part of your regular business curriculum. You are encouraged to plan early and often to facilitate integration of certificate requirements within the regular undergraduate program.

Aside from taking the necessary international business courses, earning the LAB certificate requires a Latin American international experience. You will also be required to demonstrate your ability to conduct business transactions in Spanish or Portuguese.

Requirements

International Business Courses: 12 hours
Three of the 12 hours must be in your major; another three hours must be IBUS 459 or an IBUS 489 course that focuses specifically on conducting business in Latin America. Courses must be selected from a list of International Business Courses or taken on a Mays faculty-led or exchange program.

Area Studies: 9 hours
These nine hours of course work are taken outside of Mays and focus on the history, culture, politics and economic policies of Latin America. A list of acceptable courses can be found HERE.

Latin American Experience: 1 month minimum
A study, exchange, internship or volunteer experience in a Latin American country.

Foreign Language: Students must complete a 10-15 minute discussion about business in Latin America with a Mays faculty member in Spanish or Portuguese. Contact CIBS to schedule this requirement.

Steps to Completion

  1. Plan ahead: You can get started as early as your freshman year. Set up an appointment with the Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) in Wehner 230.
  2. Register carefully: It is important for you to schedule the appropriate classes. You are responsible for completing the required courses and international experience. Need help? Check with your academic advisor.
  3. Complete before graduation: You must complete all requirements of the certificate program prior to graduation. To receive certificate recognition, apply during your graduating semester. The certificate program will be posted to the student transcript upon graduation from Mays Business School.
  4. Submit your application for the certificate here. CIBS will confirm your successful completion of the certificate requirements.