Spanish (MA)

Beginning Fall 2023, the Master of Arts in Spanish is not accepting applications for admission.

Admission Requirements

A prerequisite for admission to the Spanish MA is advanced proficiency in Spanish (speaking, aural comprehension, reading, and writing) and significant previous study of the Spanish language and Hispanic literature and cultures. Applicants who do not hold a BA in Spanish or the equivalent by their intended start date may be required to take remedial coursework to make up for any deficiencies.

Applications are considered throughout the academic year for admission in fall, spring, or summer, although priority will be given to applications received at least six weeks prior to the intended start date. The Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish reviews applications and, in consultation with the Spanish graduate faculty, makes all admission decisions. In rare cases, applicants may be admitted on a conditional basis even though application materials are incomplete.

The complete application includes:

  • Graduate application and application fee.
  • Transcripts from all accredited institutions where undergraduate and/or graduate credit was earned (submitted directly to the Graduate School by the institution). Minimum GPA required for undergraduate work: 3.0 on a four-point scale.
  • Two letters of evaluation (submitted directly to the Graduate School by the evaluators). Detailed comments should accompany the evaluation form and address specifically the applicant’s proficiency in both Spanish and English, preparation in Hispanic studies, and potential to do graduate work.
  • A personal statement of 400-500 words, written in Spanish, discussing how the MA in Spanish relates to the applicant’s professional or personal goals.
  • A sample of academic writing of at least five pages, preferably a research paper written as part of the requirements for a university-level course. (May be in English or Spanish.)
  • All applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test. English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam or official Duolingo overall score of 105.  Students holding a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States may be exempt from this requirement.

NOTE: While submission of GRE scores is not required for admission to the Spanish MA program, it is strongly recommended for applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship.

All application materials should be submitted electronically to the Graduate School.

Beginning Fall 2023, the Master of Arts in Spanish is not accepting applications for admission.

Program Requirements

The MA in Spanish requires 30 credit hours of academic coursework at the graduate level, of which at least 18 credit hours must be taken at the 600-level. Upon approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, up to six (6) credit hours of graduate coursework taken at another institution or through an accredited study abroad program may be applied toward the degree.

Required Coursework

SPAN 524Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics3
SPAN 544Advanced Grammar and Stylistics3
SPAN 644Approaches to Hispanic Literature3
or SPAN 648 Hispanic Cultural Studies
SPAN 668Directed Study Project3
Emphasis Area9
Select an area of emphasis, Translation and Interpretation or Language, Culture, and Linguistics
Electives at 500 or 600 level9
Minimum Total Hours30