Master of Arts in Spanish - Hispanic Literature and Linguistics

The mission of the Master of Arts in Spanish is to provide qualified students with a structured yet flexible program of study in the literature, linguistics, culture, and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world, and in the art of foreign language teaching. This program is designed to prepare students for further study at the doctoral level; for careers in teaching at the elementary, secondary, or community college level; or for positions in business, social services, international relations, government agencies, and other organizations in need of trained language specialists. The Master of Arts in Spanish degree program allows students the choice of three areas of emphasis: Option A – Hispanic Literature and Linguistics, Option B – Hispanic Civilization and Language, and Option C – Foreign Language Teaching. Regardless of the option selected, the student’s academic experience will be characterized by classes of the highest quality, which encourage the development of critical thinking, an appreciation of multicultural perspectives, and articulate use of the Spanish language. All students will receive ongoing faculty mentoring. Opportunities for guided and independent research, community involvement, and study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country are central to the graduate student experience in this program.

Additional requirements for admission to the program are as follows: Admission to the University for Graduate Studies (University Application).An overall grade point average of 3.0, and of 3.0 or higher in upper-division Spanish courses.Graduates of universities where English is not the principal language must take the combined Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) examination, and receive a minimum score of 500, and of 4.5 respectively.Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with official verification of graduation.A minimum of three letters of recommendation that assess academic accomplishments and potential for graduate study.A 750-word Statement of Purpose (in English) describing your interests and/or experience in Spanish, relevant educational background, and post-graduate career/educational objectives.One formal academic writing sample (in Spanish), as recent as possible. Preferably this should be a paper from previous college or university coursework and should not be written simply for the purpose of admission.Completed Departmental Application.