How do I get a Master's Degree in Spanish?

There are many steps involved with getting a master’s degree in Spanish. The process typically begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related topic and then requires additional coursework and research at the graduate level to complete. How long it takes and the exact process can vary depending on an individual’s circumstances and the focus of study.

The first step in getting a master’s degree in Spanish is typically to complete a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. This generally requires four years of study at an undergraduate college and successful completion of numerous Spanish courses covering topics ranging from language to history to culture. Some master’s degree programs may also accept students with degrees in related subjects or with only minors in Spanish, but who are fluent Spanish speakers.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, the next step in earning a master’s degree in Spanish is to apply to a graduate school that offers the degree. There are many such schools around the world, and even some that offer classes online. The individual components required to apply to these programs may vary, but typically includes proof of the above education requirement, recommendations from previous teachers, writing samples in Spanish and certain tests scores, such as from graduate school entrance and/or language exams. Some programs may also require applicants to complete a verbal interview to help assess their language skills.

Once a person is accepted into a master’s program in Spanish, he or she can typically begin the actual work of earning the degree. In general, students are required to take graduate courses in subjects including Spanish literature, linguistics and culture. The mix of this may vary depending on the focus of their degree. For example, some master’s programs offer specialization solely in Spanish literature or Spanish translation, and require students to take more classes in the area of their specific focus. The courses typically take at least one year to complete, though they may often be spread out over longer periods if needed.

Upon successful completion of the required courses, master's degree students typically move on to working on a thesis or master’s project. Such a project generally includes research and a presentation of findings on a topic related to the student’s area of study. It can often take several additional months of work beyond the completion of required classes. In place of, or sometimes in addition to, a thesis or master’s project, some graduate programs in Spanish require testing at the completion of courses. Once any required project and/or test is successfully completed, a student is generally then awarded his or her master's degree in Spanish.