Essential Information
Spanish master's degree programs have become commonly available online. The few distance learning programs offered focus on Spanish language education, Spanish literature, Spanish for the professional workplace or Spanish linguistics. Spanish education programs are the most common, and they may be designed for current Spanish teachers seeking professional development or for individuals fluent in Spanish who would like to move into a teaching career.
Applicants should be fluent in Spanish and prepared to take the majority of coursework entirely in Spanish. They need to hold a bachelor's degree in Spanish or otherwise prove their eligibility. While some programs may be completed 100% online, others require some in-person training and/or testing. Programs with a teaching concentration may require a practicum and student teaching.
Online Spanish Master's Degrees
Online master's programs in Spanish are appropriate for students who wish to become English as a Second Language (ESL) or K-12 teachers. Students who are not interested in a teaching concentration can choose a Spanish program in literature or linguistics. Some online programs may not require a thesis for graduation; however, a written and oral exam may be required. Many courses demand a high level of proficiency in the language and are taught exclusively in Spanish.
Requirements for Master's in Spanish Online
Typically two years in length, online master's degrees in Spanish maintain stringent requirements for entry. Some Spanish graduate programs online require a bachelor's degree in Spanish, while others require extensive undergraduate credits in Spanish literature and grammar or a high score on language proficiency exams. Other submission materials may include a biography, curriculum vitae and statement of intent written in Spanish, recommendation letters from past professors and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Some programs also require writing and speaking samples in Spanish in order to confirm the student's existing level of proficiency.
Classes are delivered via a combination of streaming video lectures, emails and online discussion forums. Most programs offer online students a rolling admission, which enables them to enroll in fall or spring semesters. Some programs are also taught through a hybrid option, which combines limited face-to-face coursework with online instruction.
Courses in Master's in Spanish Online
Coursework in Spanish master's programs online covers such topics as writing, speaking, history and culture. The curriculum can vary depending on whether the student chooses to study linguistics, literature or Spanish education.
Spanish Language History
This course covers the origins of the Spanish language. Students learn about the political, cultural and social influences that shaped the Spanish language, as well as the evolution of regional Spanish dialects.
Hispanic Cultural Studies
This class explores the current and historical cultural issues affecting Hispanic populations in Central and South America, the U.S. and Spain. Students analyze Hispanic culture through books, movies, comics, articles and songs.
Research and Theory in Spanish
This course teaches students the popular theoretical and critical approaches to Spanish literature and language. Students learn how to research, organize and analyze source materials.
Teaching Foreign Languages
Students study methods and theories for research and teaching in foreign language learning. This course emphasizes instructional methods in a variety of educational settings.
Advanced Grammar
Students in this class will build on what they already know by studying a range of different grammar and composition topics at the advanced level.
Advanced Conversation
Students in this class will build their ability to conversate in Spanish at an advanced level by expanding vocabulary and languages resources.
Spanish Master's Programs Online
While there are many options for master's degrees online in Spanish. Below are some of the best available online Spanish master's degree programs.
- New Mexico State University
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Kent State University
- University of New Orleans
Career Information
Careers for master's-degree holders in Spanish are varied. Many programs are geared toward college-level instruction, and there were more than 24,860 foreign language teachers at the college level in 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Others may seek work as interpreters or translators. Median salaries for these fields in 2019 were $69,990 for teachers and $51,830 for interpreters and translators.
Continuing Education Information
A growing number of Spanish language experts are earning graduate certificates in English as a Second Language (ESL). These programs focus on English language acquisition from the perspective of non-native speakers. Some graduate degree programs allow students to earn an ESL certificate as part of their master's curriculum, but many autonomous online programs are available.
Students who would like to earn a master's in Spanish online have the option of enrolling in a program that focuses on a master degree in Spanish language online, Spanish literature or Spanish linguistics. Coursework that's studied in these programs vary, but could include Spanish language history, Hispanic cultural studies and teaching foreign languages.
