The School of International Letters and Cultures offers a Master of Arts in Spanish. This program trains students for entrance into academia, as well as other professions such as a career path as a lawyer, diplomat or business professional.
Recognizing the many demands put upon the scholar in the modern world and the wide variety of specialized interests, this program is designed to build an education for your desired career path. You will be able to work alongside experts in the field which will enable you to develop a dynamic understanding of this Master of Arts.
Because of Arizona’s placement to the U.S.- Mexican border, you will also be able to practice your Spanish speaking skills with locals and students located on campus. The School of International Letters and Cultures provides the opportunity for you to dive into studying an exceptional romance language, Spanish.
Degree Overview
The 30-hour program of study includes an option to choose between two tracks, literature and culture or linguistics, and a portfolio needed as a culminating experience. Students choosing the linguistics track can focus their coursework on one of two areas: sociolinguistics or second-language acquisition and applied linguistics.
Prospective masters candidates should have a passion and interest in Spanish literary works and culture or in teaching Spanish in grades K-16, have demonstrated knowledge of the Spanish language and have a minimum of a 3.00 GPA.
Tracks
The program has two tracks:
- literature and culture
- Linguistics track (sociolinguistics or second-language acquisition and applied linguistics)
How to apply
All candidates for the masters in Spanish must fulfill the general requirements of the Graduate College concerning admission and residence. Please visit here to learn about what materials are needed to apply.
Students who wish to be considered for a teaching assistant position must apply by January 15, for the Fall semester. All other applications for the Fall semester are due by April 15.
"I completed a Masters in Spanish Applied Linguistics and a Masters of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages concurrently. Through rigorous coursework, I learned more in my first year of the Master's program in Spanish about language learning that I had in my previous 16 years of education. Dr. Barbara Lafford was a key component to that success as her unparalleled knowledge, dedication, and passion for linguistics and teaching helped position me for a smooth transition from graduate student to language educator.
My advice to future students would be; come hungry, stay organized, work hard, and take care of your body and mind. "--Steven Flanagan, 2016
Curriculum
The School of International Letters and Cultures' master's program offers training in innovative, mentored research that is tailored to the unique needs of the student. Master's students will develop expertise in research methods and cross-cultural studies. The program also offers a breadth of courses in history, textual analysis, literary criticism, and contemporary critical discourse.
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
| Core Courses | 3 |
| Required Electives | 21 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours Required | 30 |
Courses and electives
The coursework for each student is individualized and based upon the student's previous training, research goals, and mentor and committee consensus. Students will take core courses, electives, and seminars based on their interest in literature or linguistics. Our program requires students to participate in the development of their portfolio.
Core (3)
- SPA 540 History of Spanish Language
Required Electives (21)
- Curriculum for each student is designed according to their interest. Students must complete at least 21 credit hours of content courses chosen in consultation with their faculty advisor
Electives (6)
- Electives should be chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor
Culminating Experience
- Portfolio