latinos/as/x are the largest and fastest growing culturally diverse population in the united states, representing dynamic and thriving american realities. 

u.s. latino/a studies at iowa state university is a cross-disciplinary, coalition-building program that offers well-structured and creative coursework to students interested in the arts, cultures, economies, histories, politics, religions, and literatures of latino/a/x communities throughout the united states. it facilitates the study of a vast array of communities and individuals with roots in the caribbean and latin america, and long-established u.s. citizen communities such as chicanos/as, mexican americans, tejanos, californios, cuban-americans, dominican-americans, and puerto ricans on the island and on the mainland. 

the program aims to serve as a hub that connects classes, service and outreach opportunities across colleges, schools, and departments.  consequently, students can discover a stimulating field of critical and academic research, engage in an exciting platform on which to link different fields of study, and become part of outreach/community networks in which they will grow to become outstanding, conscientious leaders in their respective careers.

the program in u.s. latino/a studies is well suited to careers in education, psychology, history, sociology, business, journalism, spanish language and cultures, women’s and gender studies, and agriculture. a u.s. latino/a studies minor, or a double major with a latino/a studies track in interdisciplinary studies, strengthens student profiles as they compete for jobs on the global market because they have attained an in-depth experience of local and global experiences of latin america and the caribbean, as well as a sophisticated understanding of diversity and inclusion.