The degrees offered are the master of arts and doctor of philosophy in Spanish. In addition, the department offers a doctoral minor in Spanish or Portuguese, consisting of nine credits of graduate study.
An integrated curriculum in Spanish language, literatures, cultures, and linguistics provides training at the master's and PhD levels and assures that graduates are prepared to contribute as professionals in the fields of teaching and research. An active program of research contributes to new knowledge in Spanish. A comprehensive group of courses is offered in rotation during the academic year so that candidates may take courses in all fields. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
The department's graduate program in Spanish is consistently among the finest in the country. Teaching assistantships are offered each year to graduate candidates in Spanish and Portuguese. A full complement of courses in Spanish and Spanish American, literatures, cultures, and linguistics is offered on a regular basis.
Fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships, and project assistantships are available to qualified graduate degree candidates.
Students pursuing advanced degrees in this department are advised to include in their training work in other languages and literatures, art, social sciences, linguistics, film studies, and philosophy. Knowledge of other languages is required for advanced work in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian fields.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | January 5 |
| Spring Deadline | The program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
This program is designed for individuals to finish their academic career with an MA and for those who decide to pursue the PhD. Its general, non‑specialized approach is beneficial to both types.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Spanish, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and a GPA in Spanish courses of at least 3.25. Exceptions to these requirements may be made by the admissions committee.
Admitted applicants will be asked to supply supplementary information regarding courses taken previously, experience abroad, scope of readings in Spanish and Spanish‑American literatures, and preparation in linguistics.
All new admitted applicants will write a sample essay during the orientation week of their first semester of study. If the department determines that an admitted applicant needs to improve their written Spanish, they will be asked to meet several times during the semester with their selected advisor to work on composition skills.
Required Documentation for MA Applications
- Three letters of recommendation are required for all graduate student applicants, using the Graduate School's online application.
- Unofficial transcripts from each institution attended. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Official transcripts will only be requested by the Graduate School upon program recommendation for admission.
- Reason for Graduate Study/Statement of Purpose: What are your reasons for graduate study? Please describe your current degree goals and your reasons for selecting your program(s). Your statement can be either in English or Spanish. It should not exceed three single-spaced pages, or the equivalent when double-spaced.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 18 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | No other grade requirements. |
| Assessments and Examinations | Students must submit a research portfolio consisting of three term papers from graduate courses in this program. Students submitting portfolios shall be allowed, but not required, to include in their portfolio a brief statement (approximately 1000 words) explaining their anticipated doctoral research agenda. Each term paper included in the portfolio shall represent a different curricular area. Before submitting their portfolio pieces, students should revise them in accordance with the corrections and comments provided by their course professors during the initial evaluation of those materials. Students must submit their portfolio by March 1, and the portfolio review committee will bring their recommendations to the Departmental Committee for discussion and final decision at the committee’s March meeting. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements beyond English and Spanish. However, candidates who expect to go on to the doctoral program are urged to acquire the basic reading knowledge of a second foreign language before completing the portfolio. It should be another Romance Language, Latin, Arabic, or German. Other languages may be considered, with the approval of the department. |
Required Courses
Students are introduced to Spanish and Spanish-American literature, literary criticism and linguistics. All departmental graduate courses are considered advanced courses with the exception of survey courses. First-year students must have advisor permission and instructor consent to enroll in a seminar course.
Courses in an outside department may satisfy minimum credit requirements if approved by the Chair. This is not allowable if the student receives advisor approval for up to six credits in non-Spanish language coursework.
Spanish MA with a Concentration in Literature1
This pathway is based on six literary areas:
- Medieval Literature
- Golden Age Literature
- Modern Peninsular Literature
- Spanish-American Literature I (Colonial through Modernismo)
- Spanish-American Literature II (From Modernismo to the present)
- Latinx Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 2 | 15 | |
| SPANISH 770 | Introduction to the Profession (required for all new teaching assistants) | 3 |
| Area Coursework | ||
| Students must complete one course in each of the six literary areas. | ||
| Advanced Courses | ||
| Students must complete at least 6 credits in advanced courses (numbered 600 and above). | ||
| Literary Area | ||
| Students must complete a course in the literary area in which they choose not to be examined on the MA/PhD qualifying exam. | ||
| Electives | 14 | |
| Students may take up to 6 credits of language courses other than Spanish or English. | ||
| Remaining credits typically taken in literature areas | ||
| Total Credits | 32 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
SPANISH 323 Advanced Language Practice with Emphasis on Expository Writing, SPANISH 320 Spanish Phonetics and SPANISH 770 Introduction to the Profession do not satisfy any of the literary or linguistic areas.
Spanish MA with a Concentration in Linguistics1
This pathway is based on four lingustics areas:
- Phonetics & Phonology
- Syntax
- Language Variation & Change
- Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 2 | ||
| SPANISH 770 | Introduction to the Profession (required for all new teaching assistants) | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| Students must complete at least 6 credits in advanced courses (numbered 600 and above). | ||
| Area Coursework | 3 | |
| Choose 3 credits from one of the following areas: | ||
Phonetics Phonology | ||
Syntax | ||
Language Variation Change | ||
| Applied Linguistics Second Lanuage Acquisition | 3 | |
| Choose 3 credits in Applied Linguistics Second Language Acquisition. | ||
| Linguistics | 6 | |
| Choose 6 credits from any of the linguistics areas | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| One literature course | ||
| Electives | 14 | |
| Students may take up to 6 credits of language courses other than Spanish or English (see "Language Requirements" above) | ||
| Remaining credits typically taken in linguistics areas | ||
| Total Credits | 32 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
SPANISH 323 Advanced Language Practice with Emphasis on Expository Writing, SPANISH 320 Spanish Phonetics, and SPANISH 770 Introduction to the Profession do not satisfy any of the literary or linguistic areas.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
Master's students are not allowed to transfer in graduate credits from other institutions.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
No credits from undergraduate courses from a UW–Madison or other institution's undergraduate degree are allowed to fulfill degree requirements. But students who have taken graduate level courses are allowed to petition with their advisor’s consent up to a maximum of 7 credits.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special student at UW–Madison
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 6 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
Students must take a minimum of two graduate-level courses in Spanish and/or Portuguese for credit each semester, exclusive of independent reading courses and audited courses. A student who is not in compliance with this requirement is not making good progress toward the degree, and will therefore be deemed not in good academic standing. Advisors should be aware that only the Graduate Studies Committee may grant exemptions.
Satisfactory progress depends on: maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0, adhering to the rule whereby students must take two courses within the department (or have the rule waived by petition), and fulfilling all academic requirements. Students who are not in good standing will not be given sections to teach as Teaching Assistants, and those whose GPA goes below 3.0 are put on academic probation. If a semester of 3.0 is not attained during the subsequent semester, the student may be dismissed from the program.
Advisor / Committee
An advisor is assigned to incoming students when they join the program. The student and the advisor will plan a program that takes into account the candidate's interest, strengths and deficiencies. If, for example, the student has a strong undergraduate background in a particular period of literature, the advisor will not recommend further exposure to the same field. Likewise, a student with extensive experience abroad and/or undergraduate preparation in composition or conversation may not need further study in these areas.
All students must have a substantial meeting with their advisor every semester to review their progress and work out the best strategies for future coursework and degree progress.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credits
Time Limits
The MA/PhD portfolio is submitted in the fourth or fifth semester of the MA program, very rarely beyond that.
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.
Other
Guaranteed funding through teaching assistantships. Many additional sources of funding are available on a competitive basis, including the Advanced Opportunity Fellowship, summer research Mellon fellowships, one-semester dissertation fellowships, Title VI FLAS fellowships for summer and year-long foreign language study, Nave summer research travel grants, and numerous others.
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulates, critiques, and elaborates the theories, methods, and terminology of the field of study
- Identifies and pursues promising avenues of inquiry, finds and makes use of appropriate bibliography, evaluates or synthesizes pertinent information and analyzes evidence
- Demonstrates breadth of knowledge and understanding the field of study in a historical, sociocultural and global context.
- Develops speaking and writing skills and communicates fluently and clearly in Spanish in ways appropriate to the field of study.
- Develops academic professionalization through participation in conferences and other extracurricular activities in preparation for a career path related to the field.
- Develops effective teaching skills (for beginning and intermediate classes).
People
Spanish Faculty: Professors Beilin (modern Spanish literature), Bilbija (modern Spanish American literature), Close (modern Spanish American/trans-Atlantic literature), De Ferrari (modern Spanish American literature), Egea (modern Spanish literature), Hutchinson (Golden Age literature), Medina (modern Spanish American literature), Podestá (colonial Spanish American literature); Associate Professors Alcalá-Galán (Golden Age literature), Ancos-García (medieval Spanish literature), Goldgel-Carballo (colonial Spanish American literature), Hernández (modern Spanish American literature), Pellegrini (modern Spanish American literature), Rao (Spanish linguistics), Stafford (second language acquisition and linguistics), Tejedo-Herrero (Spanish linguistics); Assistant Professors Armstrong (Spanish linguistics), Cerezo Paredes (modern Spanish literature),
Portuguese Faculty: Professors Sapega (Portuguese and Luso-African literature and culture) and Sanchez (Portuguese and Brazilian literature and culture).