Doctor of Philosophy in Hispanic Languages and Literature

The Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers different curricula leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, and Master of Arts. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree engages in research leading to a dissertation. Part-time study is permitted with graduate courses usually offered during the late afternoon. The Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature has a yearly allocation of teaching assistantships for its graduate students. Each year, the assistantships are awarded to the most promising applicants. Teaching assistants are assigned to teach one section of a course each semester. During the first semester of their assistantship, they are required to attend an orientation session and a practicum given by the department in order to provide instruction in the methodology of language teaching. In the performance of their teaching duties, teaching assistants must conform to the program and University regulations regarding examinations, class attendance, textbooks, office hours, grading systems, and syllabi.

Besides filing the official graduate application forms, the prospective student must provide transcripts covering all previous college-level studies. This usually includes a bachelor’s degree with a major in Spanish, three letters of reference, and a sample of written work (an essay or term paper). GRE scores, while not required, are taken into consideration. The department encourages students to take it, but all applicants with strong academic records will be considered for admission.

International applicants must score at least 90 on the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) with a minimum score of 22 on each of the four subsections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) and must show that they have the necessary funds to finance their education (living expenses plus tuition). It is strongly recommended that applicants take the TOEFL exam in their country of origin. An applicant whose qualifications seem deficient may be admitted on a part-time basis as a Graduate School special student (GSP) through the School of Professional Development.