Programs

The department offers several options for advanced study.

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) option in Spanish literature and culture prepares students for careers in research and teaching in Hispanic literatures and cultural studies. The Ph.D. option in bilingualism and second language acquisition prepares students for careers in research and teaching in the areas of linguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociolinguistic approaches to bilingualism and second language learning. The M.A. option in translation and interpreting prepares students for careers in commerce, industry, the judicial system, and health/medical fields. The master of arts for teachers (M.A.T.) program, presented online, is designed for individuals already teaching Spanish at the secondary education (K-12) or junior college level. Both the M.A. option in translation and interpreting and the M.A.T. are terminal degrees.

The Ph.D. option in literature and culture deals with Spanish and Spanish-American literatures and cultures, as well as the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world. This program is open to applicants with distinguished academic records and high Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Doctoral candidates are expected to complete 48 credits of coursework beyond the master's degree. Candidates must pass a written qualifying examination and complete 24 credits of research. They are expected to submit their doctoral thesis proposal when they take their written examination.

While the Ph.D. comprehensive examination is considered a take-home format, students can opt to take the exam at the department. An office and laptop computer can be provided for their use. The examination is based on reading lists covering the student's major field of concentration and theories. Once the student has finished the coursework, fulfilled the language requirement, and passed this qualifying examination, he or she is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. and may then proceed with the preparation of the dissertation. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation which is open to the public. The committee members and the graduate director must approve the dissertation. 

The Ph.D. option in bilingualism and second language acquisition focuses on linguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociolinguistic approaches to the study of bilingualism and second language acquisition. Doctoral candidates are expected to complete 48 credits of coursework beyond the master's degree.

After completing the coursework, students are required to defend a qualifying paper, defend a dissertation proposal, and complete 24 credits of research. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation which is open to the public. The committee members and the graduate director must approve the dissertation. 

The terminal M.A. option in translation and interpreting provides advanced training for translators and interpreters who are preparing for careers in legal, commercial, medical, technical, and social service fields. Applicants are admitted on the basis of academic record, GRE general test scores, and a personal statement submitted in English and in Spanish. The 24 credits of coursework may include theory and practice of translation and interpretation and linguistics. There is a foreign language requirement and a 6-credit thesis or 6-credit practicum. A practicum can consist of an advanced internship in a translation company or department, or a project.

The terminal M.A.T. online program is designed for individuals who already teach Spanish or hold a valid teaching license for teaching Spanish. Applicants are admitted on the basis of prior academic and/or professional performance. The GRE is not required for admission. The 30 credits of coursework may include language, linguistics, methodology, literature, and culture. Courses considered as core for the degree are also offered in the curriculum under the program code 16:617 (Literature and Language).