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Spanish - M.A.

Master’s in Spanish – M.A.

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish provides students with an advanced education in the Spanish language, integrating the linguistics, literature, and culture of Spain and Latin America into its program objectives. This also includes the latest methodologies in the teaching of Spanish.

Students interested in learning about Spanish language and literature, teaching Spanish, or fulfilling other educational roles are well suited for our master’s degree in Spanish. Read on to learn about our master’s program, as well as how a degree from our distinguished university can prepare you for your future career.

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About Our Master's Degree in Spanish

Kent State University’s master’s degree in Spanish offers an advanced exploration of the Spanish language, literature, and culture, emphasizing critical analysis and scholarly research. The program provides students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of literary movements, historical contexts, and contemporary issues in Spanish-speaking societies.

With a focus on developing advanced language proficiency and research skills, the Spanish master’s degree program aims to help students engage deeply with the language and its cultural heritage, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully in diverse professional settings.

Looking for the translation track? Visit our M.A. in Translation Spanish concentration page for that specialization.

Program Information for Master’s in Spanish – M.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish provides advanced education in Spanish, which integrates the language, linguistics, literature and culture of Spain and Latin America and the latest methodologies in the teaching of Spanish.

The Spanish major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy concentration is intended primarily for (1) licensed, in-service pre-K-12 Spanish teachers who wish to continue their professional development, advancing their knowledge of the Spanish language, literature and culture and language-teaching practices, and (2) students interested in teaching Spanish in college and university settings. This program does not lead to teaching licensure.
  • The Languages, Literature and Culture concentration is intended for those who wish to increase their knowledge of literature and culture along with their command of the language for various purposes.

Admissions for Master’s in Spanish – M.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the M.A. in Spanish are not being accepted at this time.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • A CD or MP3/wav file with a 5-10-minute oral sample in both applicant's first and second languages (conversational, not read from a script)
    • In lieu of an oral sample, applicants may submit a copy of a recent ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview Certificate (no more than three years old)
  • Writing sample(s) in applicant's second language, which should be accompanied by a signed declaration that the sample is original work and that the applicant received no help in its preparation. International applicants should also submit a writing sample in English.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate in Spanish at advanced-mid or higher proficiency level as measured by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview Test and ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test.
  2. Demonstrate skills in the analysis of Spanish Peninsular, Latin American or Hispanic culture, literature and language.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to carry out and present research projects in their respective concentration areas.
  4. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in their respective concentration area.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
SPAN 58216CONTEMPORARY HISPANIC CULTURE 3
SPAN 68215ADVANCED SPANISH COMPOSITION AND CONVERSATION 3
Spanish (SPAN) Electives (50000 or 60000 level)6
Literary Theory Electives, choose from the following:3
MCLS 60330
APPROACHES TO LITERATURE AND CULTURE
or MCLS 60622
 TEACHING LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Research Method Electives, choose from the following:3
MCLS 63049
SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH METHODS
or TRST 60001
 GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING IN TRANSLATION STUDIES
Applied Linguistics Electives, choose from the following:3
MCLS 60601
LINGUISTICS FOR THE LANGUAGE PROFESSIONS
SPAN 68010
& TRST 60010
THE PRACTICE OF SPANISH TRANSLATION
and THEORY OF TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING
Concentrations
Choose from the following:12
Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy
Languages, Literature and Culture
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33

Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
MCLS 50660METHODS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES 13
MCLS 60661THEORIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 3
Second Language Pedagogy Electives6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12
1

Students who are already licensed to teach language in Ohio may, with departmental approval, substitute a graduate second-language pedagogy elective for MCLS 50660. 

Languages, Literature and Culture Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Spanish (SPAN) Electives (50000 or 60000 level) 1,2,36
Concentration Electives, choose from the following: 1,2,36
Any Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) Graduate course (60000 level)
Any Spanish (SPAN) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level)
Any Translation Studies (TRST) Graduate course (60000 level)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12
1

A maximum 6 credit hours of individual investigation research may be applied toward the degree.

2

Students interested in a thesis option may register for a maximum of 6 credit hours of SPAN 68199.

3

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of their M.A. program at the 60000 level. Electives should be chosen accordingly in consultation with the student's academic advisor.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • All students in the Spanish M.A. are required to complete the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview, ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test and the Spanish. Outcomes Assessment Test, prior to being cleared for graduation. Information about the exams can be found on the ACTFL website and the Language Testing International (LTI) website, the exclusive licensee of ACTFL.
  • Students in the Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy concentration must successfully complete a final project, a portfolio or a comprehensive examination. Students are encouraged to enroll in study­ abroad programs (maximum 6 credit hours) and in specialized workshops in advanced language or pedagogy (maximum 4 credit hours). Departmental permission must be obtained before enrolling in such programs.
  • Students in the Language, Literature and Culture concentration must successfully complete one of the following: (1) comprehensive examination; (2) concentration exam and thesis; or (3) final research project.
  • Students who anticipate enrolling in a doctorate elsewhere after completing the M.A. degree are urged to write a thesis. Students who write a thesis must successfully pass a comprehensive examination.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Applications to the M.A. in Spanish are not being accepted at this time.

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Master’s in Spanish – M.A.

Graduates of Kent State’s M.A. in Spanish are well-equipped for advanced careers in education, translation, and cultural analysis. The program’s rigorous curriculum emphasizes advanced language skills, literary criticism, and cultural studies, preparing students to engage deeply with Spanish-speaking societies and their literary traditions.

After completing the master’s degree in Spanish, graduates often pursue roles as university educators, professional translators, cultural consultants, and researchers, contributing to fields such as academia, international relations, and the arts.

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

-0.2%

little or no change

26,400

number of jobs

$77,010

potential earnings

Interpreters and translators

1.7%

slower than the average

75,300

number of jobs

$59,440

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

-1.6%

decline

1,094,500

number of jobs

$64,580

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Benefits of Kent State’s Spanish Master’s Program

Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in education, translation, or even hospitality, know that the master’s in Spanish from Kent State University is designed to fully prepare you for the dream role of your choosing. Plus, there are many advantages to enrolling in our Spanish master’s program, including the fact that our faculty and staff in the Spanish department will provide you with unmatched support from the moment you step on campus to the time you graduate and start your career.

Additionally, we’re proud to provide numerous networking opportunities for students to help them further build relationships with industry professionals and alumni while also strengthening their professional network. This is facilitated through various workshops and events that aid both personal and professional development.

Along with completing the master’s degree in Spanish, our students are also encouraged to consider the study abroad programs offered through the Office of Global Education. Program locations include several cities in Spain, including Valencia, Sevilla, Salamanca, and Madrid, to name a few, along with other destinations like Guanajuato, Mexico, San José, Costa Rica, and beyond.

Ready to Get Started? Apply to Our M.A. in Spanish

When pursuing a master’s in Spanish from Kent State University, know that a successful and long-lasting career is just around the corner. So, for those interested in starting their journey, please apply to our program today or contact us with any questions you have, as we look forward to assisting you!

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