Why study Spanish?

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures offers an MA in Hispanic literatures with emphasis on Spanish and Spanish American poetry, narrative, theatre, and film; or interdisciplinary studies, literary theory and creative writing, and teaching and pedagogy. The areas of faculty expertise span all the major periods of Spanish and Spanish American literature, and are active scholars at the national and international levels. Professors work closely with graduate students in their course work, and many of our students are engaged in joint projects or research and teaching with faculty members. In addition to financial support, the teaching assistants receive helpful supervision, including a two-week teacher training seminar prior to classes and an ongoing teaching practicum during the school year.

The graduate students are an essential and vital part of the department. The success our students have had in finding teaching positions attests to the effectiveness of this program. Students are expected to register for three 4-credit courses each quarter, and expected to present for comprehensive examination in the spring quarter of their second year. The MA in Spanish at UC is an ideal degree both for students wishing to teach at high school or college level, as well as for students wishing to continue to the Ph.D. level.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelors degree or its equivalent, preferably in Spanish or literature
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV, resume, hoja de vida)
  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from recent language or literature professors
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • A 500 word statement of purpose, preferably in Spanish
  • A writing sample in Spanish
  • For non native English speakers:
    • TOEFL scores, the minimum: 520 (paper), 190 (computer), 80 (internet)
    • Oral English Proficiency Test administered by UC

Students graduating with an MA in Spanish have pursued diverse academic and professional trajectories.Many continue their studies by entering doctoral programs in Spanish and Latin American literatures, Comparative Literature, or Linguistics at competitive universities in the U.S. and abroad. With a strong foundation in pedagogy and second-language acquisition, alumni frequently move into careers in secondary and postsecondary teaching, benefiting from thorough training in orientation, practicum, and pedagogy courses. Graduates also have opportunities for community-based teaching through programs like the Clifton Area Neighborhood School (CANS), where they deliver Spanish instruction to young learners. The program’s emphasis on critical analysis, communication, and intercultural competence also equips graduates for professional paths in translation, publishing, nonprofit organizations, and business. 

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Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Romance and Arabic Languages and Literatures

Application Deadlines

February 1

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Dr. Siham Bouamer
Clifton Court Hall 5270
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0377
(513) 556-1962
bouamesm@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MAS-SPAN-MA