COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Spanish.

About the Program

The graduate program in Spanish integrates the established fields of Literature and Linguistics. At the MA level, the program develops advanced Spanish-language skills for diverse careers and trains students in the exercise of research and pedagogical skills necessary for the pursuit of the PhD.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Study Abroad: Students may apply one approved non-Temple graduate course done in a Spanish-speaking country toward fulfillment of the MA requirements in Spanish. Opportunities for graduate study abroad through Temple programs are available occasionally.

Areas of Specialization: Areas of specialization include:

  • Spanish Peninsular Literature
  • Latin American Literature
  • Hispanic Linguistics

Job Prospects: Graduates of the MA program in Spanish typically find employment in secondary education, in business and government, and in social and medical services.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may take up to three courses with approval of the department or Graduate Chair.

Financing Opportunities: Teaching Assistants typically teach basic and intermediate Spanish or specialized language-skills courses. Assistantships carry a stipend and tuition remission. Candidates for Teaching Assistantships should express their interest and special needs in an addendum to the personal statement of the application to the graduate program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 15
Spring: September 30

Applications are evaluated as they arrive, with attention paid to deadlines. Late applications may be considered.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members with personal knowledge of the applicant's academic achievements.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: An undergraduate major in Spanish or its coursework equivalent is required for entrance into the MA program.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree, preferably in Spanish, is required for admission.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 2 to 3 pages, share your interest in Temple's Spanish program, future career goals, research goals, academic achievements, and any related experience. Applicants interested in Teaching Assistantships, fellowships or other financial support may describe special needs in an addendum to their personal statement.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional. Scores may be submitted if available.

International applicants are required to provide scores from one of the following tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS™), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic™).

Resume: Current resume required.

Writing Sample: A paper or journal article written in Spanish is required.

Transfer Credit: One course (3 credits) undertaken while the student is enrolled in Temple's Spanish MA program may be transferred from a program in a Spanish-speaking country. The course must be a graduate course, and it must be approved by the Graduate Advisor. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 3.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Non-advanced (5000-level) courses 112
Advanced (8000- and 9000-level) courses 218
Total Credit Hours30
1

Twelve credits is the maximum number that a student may take of 5000-level coursework.

2

Eighteen credits is the minimum number that a student may take of 8000- and 9000-level coursework.

Language Examination: Students must pass a written reading-comprehension examination in a foreign language other than Spanish. Examinations are usually taken in the Romance languages or German. Other languages may be accepted with approval.

Culminating Event:
Comprehensive Examination:
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to evaluate the breadth and depth of students' knowledge of the discipline. Students must write a four-hour written comprehensive examination based on a customized reading list agreed on through consultation with three faculty members from the three course fields within the department: Spanish Peninsular Literature, Latin American Literature, and Hispanic Linguistics. The examination is taken after the student fulfills the 30-credit course requirement and passes the reading-comprehension exam in a language other than Spanish or English.

All examinations must include representation from each of three course fields: Spanish Peninsular Literature, Latin American Literature, and Hispanic Linguistics. Graduate Faculty from each of the three fields write the questions and evaluate responses on a scale of "A" to "F." To be evaluated as passing, a grade of "B-" or higher must be achieved in response to each examination question. 

Comprehensive examinations are administered once a term. They are scheduled by the Graduate Chair, with whom students must register. 

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/spanish-ma-la-span-ma

Department Information:

Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese

428 Mazur Hall

1114 W. Polett Walk

Philadelphia, PA 19122-6090

spangrad@temple.edu

215-204-8285

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://apply.temple.edu/CLA/

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Victor Pueyo, PhD

vpueyozo@temple.edu

215-204-5129

Program Coordinator:

Annette Vega

avega1@temple.edu

215-204-2877

Graduate Chairperson:

Victor Pueyo, PhD

vpueyozo@temple.edu

215-204-5129

Chairperson:

Montserrat Piera, PhD

montserrat.piera@temple.edu

215-204-1706