The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) is pleased to offer a Doctoral Specialization Certificate for currently enrolled Brown University Ph.D. students.

Doctoral certificates at Brown allow students to complement their home discipline with interdisciplinary training. They help strengthen academic and professional profiles while fostering scholarly community and collaboration across fields.

Certificate Requirements

Language Proficiency (as applicable)

• Students working in languages other than their native language may be required to demonstrate proficiency. Students whose native language is English and whose research is conducted in English do not need to submit language certification.

Coursework

• Complete four graduate-level courses related to Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinx populations (including diaspora studies).
• Courses must span at least three different departments.
• One course may be taken in the student’s home department.
• Only one may be a language course.
• Courses may be taken for a grade or S/NC.
• A minimum grade of Satisfactory or C in courses at the 1000-level or above is required.
• Courses must be approved by the CLACS Director (retroactive approval is possible).

Written Rationale

• Submit a brief 3–5 page narrative explaining how your coursework forms a coherent interdisciplinary specialization.
• Email to: clacs@brown.edu

Scholarly Presentation

• Present your Latin American and/or Caribbean-focused research through a CLACS-sponsored event or venue during your time in the program.

Transcript Submission

• Send a PDF of your Brown transcript to clacs@brown.edu (unofficial copies are acceptable).

Recognition:

Upon successful completion, the specialization will appear on the official Brown University transcript. While commonly referred to as a “certificate,” no separate printed certificate is issued by the Registrar.

For questions or to apply, please contact: Neil Safier, neil_safier@brown.edu