Master's Degree

Graduate Program

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offers the Master of Arts degree in Spanish.

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish language and literature serves several categories of students: those anticipating doctoral studies, those teaching or preparing to teach in high school and community college, and those interested in further study beyond the baccalaureate degree. For specific requirements, consult the department graduate program advisor and coordinator, Dr. Paula Sanmartín.

For general requirements, see Division of Graduate Studies.

 

Graduate Program Advisor and Coordinator

Contact Dr. Gloria Medina-Sancho for initial and continuous advising in the Spanish MA Requirements.

 

Spanish M.A. Handbook

All information concerning the M.A. in Spanish may be found in the Spanish M.A. Handbook, which may be downloaded in PDF format here: Spanish M.A. Handbook

Master of Arts in Spanish

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a 30-unit program of study. For the culminating experience, students may select either a thesis/project or a comprehensive exam.

Program Prerequisites

Admission to the M.A. degree program in Spanish requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and assumes an undergraduate major in Spanish but it is open to others with a bachelor's degree who show intellectual promise and ability to perform at a satisfactory level during their graduate studies. Students lacking the B.A. in Spanish will be required to make up deficiencies prior to acceptance into the M.A. program.

(See also Graduate Studies-Regulations regarding Admission to Graduate Standing, Advancement to Candidacy, Program Requirements, and Criteria for Thesis and Project in the General Catalogue.)

Admission Prerequisites

The MCLL Department's Spanish M.A. program requires applicants to have a 3.0 overall GPA.

Supplementary Admissions Materials

In addition to the materials required for application to Fresno State via Cal State Apply, the Spanish program requires the following supplementary materials to be submitted directly to the graduate advisor and coordinator, Dr. Paula Sanmartín, psanmartin@mail.fresnostate.edu:

1) Three (3) original letters of recommendation.

2) A 500-word statement of purpose, written in Spanish or English.

3) A 10-12 page writing sample in Spanish.

Program Requirements

Students meet the Graduate Writing Requirement by writing three five-page essays in English - a minimum of 15 pages - which are assessed in content, organization, and writing style. For more information, please contact the graduate program advisor and coordinator, Dr. Paula Sanmartín, psanmartin@mail.fresnostate.edu.

In order to achieve classified standing, students must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in Spanish by passing a written departmental examination on grammar and composition. In addition, under the direction of the graduate advisor and coordinator, students prepare a coherent program that will best meet their professional needs, within one of the following frameworks. Each student's program of study must include at least 24 units of 200-level work.

Thesis/Project Plan

• Graduate seminars in Spanish (18-24 units)
• Independent Study (SPAN 290) (0-6 units)
• SPAN 298 and/or 299 (3-6 units)
• Electives (must see adviser) (0-6 units)
• Select from SPAN 137, 139, 142, 143, 145, 147, 148T, 149, 150
• Approved elective in related fields (0-3 units)
• Total (30 units)

Comprehensive Examination Plan

• Graduate seminars in Spanish (18-30 units)
• Independent Study (SPAN 290) (0-6 units)
• Electives (0-6 units)
• Elect from SPAN 142, 143, 145, 147, 148T, 149, 150
• Approved elective in related fields (0-3 units)
• Total (30 units)

Specific Requirements

The following areas must be covered by graduate or undergraduate courses and may be satisfied in undergraduate preparation: Peninsular Spanish literature (two courses including SPAN 142), Spanish American literature (two courses including SPAN 143), Hispanic linguistics (one course).

Students who intend to go on to a Ph.D. program at another institution are strongly advised to study at least one other foreign language.

M.A. Language Exam

Students are expected to take the Language Exam during their first semester as graduate students in the Program. Find a M.A. Language SAMPLE Exam here.

Teaching Associate (TA) Information

For more information on Teaching Associateships in Spanish, please click here.

Student Resource Links

• Future Student Information
• Four Year Degree Roadmap
• International Student Services & Programs
• Division of Graduate Studies
• Scholarship Office
• Financial Aid