Understand the diverse Central American cultures, ethnicities and world views from a global perspective with our Central American Studies major.
Why Study Central American Studies?
Central Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic and transborder groups in the U.S. Having intimate knowledge and access to this complex and diverse community opens the door to opportunities in a variety of fields, as well as making you attractive to future employers.
A bachelor’s degree in Central American studies allows you to explore, critically examine and understand the diversity of human interests and develops a network of Central American specialists.
The degree offers knowledge that enhances local, regional and transborder experiences, which include politics, nonprofit organizing, education, social counseling, journalism, justice studies and immigration, indigenous rights, medicine, business and entrepreneurship, gender studies, arts, entertainment and film.
Why Study Central American Studies at CSUN?
Academic Excellence
The expansive nature of the program means that you will find rich and relevant courses in fields ranging from history, literature and culture to politics and contemporary society. You'll get hands-on experience in the community, providing you with practical credentials and professional training to prepare you for a dynamically changing world.
Central American Research and Policy Institute
CARPI brings faculty, students and community members together as partners and participants in creating and disseminating knowledge that will enable the Central American community to live up to its tremendous potential.
An Involved Community
The Central American student organizations CAUSA (Central American United Student Association) and TECUS (Transborder Experience of Central American University Students) raise and promote awareness of the Central American community at CSUN, in the Los Angeles area and the Mesoamerican region.
What You'll Learn
We offer a standard major plus a double major, for those who want to major in two subjects.
In your lower-division courses, you'll analyze literary traditions throughout the history of Central America and study artistic traditions throughout the history of Central America from pre-Hispanic times to the present. You'll choose from classes such as:
- Planning the Multiethnic City
- Popular Culture and the Black World
- Race, Racism and Critical Thinking
Upper-level courses include:
- Central American Film
- Ancient to Pre-Modern History of the Central American People
- Changing Roles of Central American Women
- Contemporary Religious Movements in Central America
The double major is designed for students who choose to major in Central American Studies as their second field of study. In this option, you'll study Central American literary traditions and artistic traditions throughout the history of Central America. You'll choose from such upper-level courses as:
- The Central American Diaspora
- Urbanization in Central America
- Contemporary Social Movements in Central America
- Afro-Caribbean Central American Cultures and Identities
Careers & Outcomes
Our majors have gone on to pursue employment in a broad array of fields. Sample job titles are listed below.
Job Titles
- Community leader
- Teacher
- Student services representative
- Immigrants' rights advisor
- Journalist
- Researcher
- Government analyst
- Politician
- Social justice activist
- Social worker
Discover La Ceiba, the undergraduate student journal
La Ceiba: The Undergraduate Journal of Central American and Transborder Studies is edited by students and publishes original works by students within the department.