Spanish Master of Arts

Goals for the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Spanish M.A. program are to provide instruction in graduate theory and research, to provide enhanced study of the literatures, cultures, and linguistic practices of Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latinos, to provide training in heritage and second language teaching pedagogies, and to offer development in professional areas like translation and interpreting. These goals are accomplished through courses that provide opportunities for proficiency development, critical thinking, and hands-on application.

Application and Admission

Students with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may apply to the university for post-baccalaureate status and simultaneously to the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures for admission to the master's degree program in Spanish. Please consult the CSUB Graduate Application Guide to start the application process. Admission to the graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Spanish requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree in Spanish from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or a baccalaureate degree in a field other than Spanish with demonstrated language proficiency to satisfy the core requirements of the undergraduate B.A. program and leveling courses as determined by the graduate coordinator.  Applicants who have a baccalaureate degree in a subject other than Spanish must have taken equivalent courses to the undergraduate Spanish requirements OR, under conditionally admitted status, successfully complete SPAN 3000 and at least one approved upper-level course from each of the designated areas of literature, linguistics, and cultures (4 classes total)
• Acceptance to the university as a post-baccalaureate student

As part of the general CSU Apply application, submission of program specific documents and information: 

• Letter of Intent. A one-page (300-500 words) letter of intent describing objectives of study; for example, the applicant may discuss any or all of the following: educational and personal background, professional status and goals, specific interests in the field, reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Spanish language studies.
• Letter of Recommendation. A recommendation from an academic/professional reference, preferably a professor who can speak to the student's abilities. Note: When completing the application, a link will be generated to the recommender who will complete an online recommendation form. Please inform your recommender to watch for this email request.
• College Transcripts. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Not necessary if applicant is a CSUB alumnus.
• GPA. Overall undergraduate GPA and upper division Spanish coursework GPA.

Application Deadlines

• For Fall Admission:
  • Priority: May  1
  • Final: June 30
• For Spring Admission:
  • Priority: November 1
  • Final: November 30

Time-frame in which admission decisions will be made. Earlier applications may receive earlier notification.

• For Fall Admission: July 15
• For Spring Admission: December 15

Want to apply? Start your application here: Cal State Apply.

Spanish MA Contact Information

Questions? Contact the Spanish MA Program Director.

Dr. William Flores
wflores@csub.edu
661-654-3312
HOB 236

Classification of Graduate Students

There are three classifications for students in the Spanish graduate program:

Conditionally Classified

A student may be admitted conditionally if, in the judgment of the MLL graduate committee, the student has (1) the potential to fulfill the conditions specified by the committee for subsequent admission as a classified graduate student, as well as (2) potential for successful completion of all the requirements of the Spanish master's program.  Upon fulfillment of all conditions specified by the committee, usually in the form of coursework at the undergraduate level, the student's status will be administratively changed to "classified graduate student" and the student may commence official graduate-level coursework.

Classified

A student who meets all the requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Spanish will be admitted as a classified graduate student.  A classified graduate student may take any graduate-level course meeting the requirements of their plan of study.

Candidate

Classified students who have maintained a 3.0 GPA advance to candidacy prior to the semester in which they intend to graduate.  Candidates will be awarded the M.A. degree after successful completion of all degree requirements.

MA Comprehensive Exam

The MA Comprehensive Exam consists of long and short essay questions in the areas of Literature, Linguistics, and Culture. Students should consult with the MLL Graduate Faculty during their first semester in the graduate program to ensure that they take the appropriate courses necessary for successful completion of the exam.

Graduate Faculty

• Dr. Teresa Fernández-Ulloa
• Dr. William Flores
• Dr. Anthony Nuño
• Dr. Maryann Parada
• Dr. Lena Taub Robles
• Dr. Marco Antonio Huerta Alardin

Program Requirements

Students participating in the Master of Arts in Spanish program must successfully complete a minimum of 30 units of approved graduate courses in Spanish which include the following:

1. 6 units of required foundational courses: SPAN 5400 (Graduate Research Methods) and SPAN 5410 or 5420 (Literary Theory or Methods of Teaching Spanish)
2. 21 units of elected Spanish offerings (7 courses) at the graduate level.  Students must take at least one course in each of the areas of literature, linguistics/pedagogy, and cultures, and at least two courses must be at the 6000 level or above.  Courses previously taken at the 4000 level may NOT be retaken for credit at the graduate level.
3. To be accepted for degree candidacy, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
4. 3 units of required culminating experience: SPAN 6900 to be completed in the final semester of program study.  The culminating experience is intended to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline and will integrate what the student has learned over the course of graduate study.  The default culminating experience is in the form of a comprehensive exam. If the student prefers to pursue the master's thesis or culminating project option, it must be approved by the graduate committee. In all three cases, the student will present their work to an established panel for evaluation.

Spanish MA Course Descriptions

For a copy of the Spanish MA Course Descriptions, click on the link below:

• Spanish MA Course Descriptions

Spanish MA Course Outline

For a copy of the Course Requirements Outline, click on the link below:

• Spanish MA Coursework Outline

Academic Advising for the Spanish MA

Meeting with the graduate program director is an important first step in the Spanish MA program. It is the student's responsibility, in consultation with the graduate program director, to choose appropriate courses.  The graduate program director is there to guide students during the period of graduate study and respond to any concerns they may have while in the program. Students are encouraged to reach out often for any needed support and to schedule advising appointments each semester.