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OHIO Spanish graduate students enjoy a hike together
Spanish M.A. Degree

Spanish M.A.

The Master of Arts in Spanish is an interdisciplinary two-year program that spans literary, cultural, linguistic and translation studies, while also allowing students to develop their practical skills through teaching.

 

Careers with a Master's Degree in Spanish

Our graduates go on to pursuing careers in different fields. Some pursue careers in academia, starting with Ph.D. programs and continue as university professors.

Some accept teaching positions in K-12, both in private and public schools. Some are hired as instructors, adjuncts or instructional faculty members in colleges and universities and others teach abroad privately and/or with programs such as Fulbright or agreements with universities in other countries.

Some pursue non-teaching or academic careers such as medical and court interpretation, law school, and non-profit work. 

More about Modern Languages Careers

Four OHIO Spanish M.A. students put their heads together

Spanish M.A. Courses & Degree Requirements

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The Department of Modern Languages offers students a rigorous program wherein they learn to analyze literature, become informed observers of linguistic usage, and acquire advanced language and cultural skills.

The Spanish M.A. requires the successful completion of four semesters of graduate-level course work, in which students/TAs must enroll in a total of 48 hours (TAs will enroll in a total of 50 hours).

Comprehensive Exams for M.A. in Spanish

Culminating Experience

All students must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination designed to assess the synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study. Students may choose to write a research thesis.

Dual Program Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to pursue two graduate programs simultaneously at no additional tuition cost. Common combinations include Spanish and Latin American Studies, Spanish and Applied Linguistics, and Spanish and the Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

Key Features of Our Spanish Graduate Program

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    Practice-Driven Teacher Development

    Our program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, equipping future educators with evidence-based strategies to design inclusive, engaging and effective language learning experiences. Students gain theoretical understanding of second language acquisition while engaging as instructors teaching Spanish to second language learners. 

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    Cross-Disciplinary Perspective

    Drawing on insights from diverse fields and approaches, students attend engaging courses and develop an interdisciplinary foundation that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability to work in diverse contexts.

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    Experiential Professional Learning

    We offer hands-on professional development opportunities such as workshops, conducting research and presenting at academic conferences, and designing curriculum, classroom materials and assessment. These experiences, together with a “learning by doing” approach, build scholarly networks, enhance pedagogical expertise, and prepare graduates for different career paths.

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    Personalized Mentorship & Academic Support

    Students benefit from close faculty mentorship and individualized guidance throughout the program. Small class sizes foster collaboration and tailored feedback, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive in the program and in their future careers.

Funding Opportunities

Prospective students considered for admission to the M.A. program are automatically considered for financial support in the form of teaching assistantships, unless the student has external funding (i.e. Fulbright programs).

Students who are appointed as Teaching Assistants (TAs) receive a monthly stipend for services provided to the department, plus a full tuition waiver for the academic year. It is estimated TAs provide a minimum of 15 hours of work per week.

Spanish M.A. Funding Opportunities – Teaching Assistantships

Highlights of the Spanish M.A. Program

Attend Conferences

Students are encouraged to attend and present their work in regional, national and international conferences. Funding available.

Study Additional Languages

Students are encouraged to study additional languages. Options include: Italian, German, French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Swahili, Akan, Hindi, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, and Wolof). Students appointed with a TAship can enjoy tuition waiver for these programs as well.

Gain Global Experience through International Internships

Our international internships are more than just work experience — they're life-changing opportunities to build your career while immersing yourself in a new culture. The School of International Studies and Languages connects students with hands-on international internships that provide real-world experience in business, health care, education, diplomacy, engineering, international development, and beyond.

OHIO students at a Sigma Delta Pi event

Join Organizations

FLES (Foreign Languages in Elementary Schools)

Students interested in exploring teaching as a career path are encouraged to volunteer with our FLES outreach programs.

Sigma Delta Pi

Students can join our award-winning chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Sigma Delta Pi organizes cultural events leads community engagement (such as the ), and supports camaraderie and community building.  

Active members can of up to $2,000 to support travel abroad to do research related to Hispanic Studies.

ĢƵ University Translation Club

The ĢƵ University Translation Club organizes guest lectures, workshops, and professional projects to explore the art and practice of translation and interpreting. Members gain hands-on experience through real-world projects—such as interpreting for visiting delegations and translating materials for the university, while fostering cross-linguistic dialogue and collaboration.

Contact Us

For further information regarding admissions, program options, or degree requirements, email our Graduate Chair Carisa Trapp directly at trapp@ohio.edu.