The Department of Latin American and Latina/o Studies (LLS) at John Jay College of Criminal Justice is dedicated to multi-disciplinary teaching and scholarship in the areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, Latinas/os in the United States, and race and ethnicity in the United States.  In the fall semester, ¡Adelante! students take a 100-level justice-focused first year seminar with the LLS department that is paired with a first year writing (FYW) course.

The curriculum offered by the Department of Latin American and Latina/o Studies incorporates innovative analyses, interdisciplinary approaches, global perspectives and best teaching practices in courses that promote a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, historical, and political forces that influence our society. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Latina/o Studies, a Minor in Latin American and Latina/o Studies as well as an Honors Minor in Latin American and Latina/o Studies. Courses offered by the department also play an important role in a number of majors offered at the College. The department is actively engaged in research and also sponsors a Law School Prep Program to help prepare students for law school.