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Elissa is a senior in the advertising program within the Texas Media sequence. As a third-generation Mexican American, Elissa was attracted to the Latino Media Studies program because it seemed like a perfect way to merge her interest in Latino culture with her studies in communication. Elissa's other pursuits have included a staff writer position for The Weekender-Texas Intensive English program in Austin, a summer internship with Diversity Inc. in Newark, New Jersey, and participation in a study abroad program to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where she had the opportunity to enhance her Spanish-language skills. She currently holds two leadership positions in Sigma Lambda Gamma, a historically Latina sorority. Contact Elissa.
Ben is in his junior year of studies in radio-television-film, and enrolled in the Latino Media Studies Program one year ago. He grew up in Mission, Texas, and has lived in California, Virginia, and North Carolina. After taking RTF 316M, Communication & Ethnic Groups, with Sharon Shahaf, Ben was drawn to the Latino Media Studies program because of his experience in the Rio Grande Valley and his desire to highlight his admiration and respect for the Latino community in his films and writing. He is planning to continue his education at UT by seeking a graduate degree in RTF. Ben is also a line producer for the Texas Student Television program Sneak Peek, a member of the University Filmmakers' Alliance, loves the Austin film and music communities, and enjoys cooking. Contact Ben.
The Latino Media Studies program is a unique academic opportunity offered to all undergraduate students in the College of Communication. The program, in existence since 1996, is designed to introduce students to United States Latino and Latin American issues in media and communication, and to provide an opportunity to prepare for professional work related to these areas.
Completion of the program leads to a concentration in Latino Media Studies. Students who complete the concentration will receive a certificate that demonstrates their advanced knowledge in this area and can list this distinction throughout their professional career.
Download the Latino Media Studies Program brochure (PDF).
This concentration requires twelve semester hours of coursework, which consists of one required lower-division course and nine hours (three courses) of upper division elective work. The required course, Communication and Ethnic Groups (COM 316M/ RTF 316M), introduces students to media issues related to ethnic groups and their interrelations in the U.S. Three additional courses should be selected from a list of pre-approved Latino Media Studies Program electives, which is updated each semester and made available for downloading on this site.
Shortly before completing the required coursework, students will be required to submit an application for certification. Certificates will be mailed once official grades are available each semester.
Important! Participants should plan to meet with the academic advisor for this program at least twice: upon enrollment, and as they near completion of the concentration requirements. Participants must meet the minimum College of Communication course prerequisites for each concentration course before enrolling, and must adhere to all College of Communication academic policies, including the following:
• A 2.25 cumulative GPA is required for enrollment in upper-division Communication courses.
• All courses must be taken on a letter-grade basis. No grade less than a "C" will be applied to the concentration.
Enrollment in the Latino Media Studies Program is open to all College of Communication undergraduate students regardless of major, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
It is not necessary to enroll in the program prior to taking the first course, however, it is highly recommended. To enroll, please click on “application” (see upper right navigation bar).
Latino Media Studies update (e-newsletter)