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Masters in Spanish Online
Spanish is not just spoken in Spain or Latin America alone but is one of the most spoken languages in the world. A master’s program in Spanish is geared to improve a student’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Spanish to improve their communicative abilities in this foreign language. Effective communication in another language needs more than just learning it. Therefore, students enrolling in this master’s degree acquire insight into another culture, which frequently provides invaluable views and a greater awareness for alternative ways of life and thought. Being the second most spoken tongue in the U.S, the demand for bilingual workers will continue to grow in today’s interconnected world, which is why an online master’s degree in Spanish is a practical program to pursue. Teaching Spanish and working in a variety of professions, such as international business, travel, and diplomacy, as well as pursuing doctoral studies, are all viable career options. People who desire to learn new things or just broaden their horizons will be well served by this graduate program.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Masters in Spanish
The Spanish program is a popular one among international students, and those in the U.S. Interested graduate students will most likely find it very hard to zero in on a university that offers an excellent degree in Spanish. To identify the best American university for a master’s in Spanish, a student must factor in the quality and experience of teaching staff, the university’s reputation, structure, and format of the program, access to financial aid, accreditation, value for money, etc. OMC has put together a list of every university that scores well against these criteria. Accordingly, here are some of the best master’s in Spanish online degree programs across the United States:
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 University of North Carolina,Wilmington 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 |
$4,719 | 74% |
|
#2 American University(oncampus) 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 |
$34,533 | 79% |
|
#3 Georgetown University 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057-0001 |
$53,136 | 94% |
|
#4 Kent State University, Kent Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 44242 |
$11,766 | 65% |
|
#5 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849 |
$6,216 | 59% |
|
#6 New Mexico State University 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 |
$4,981 | 51% |
|
#7 Minnesota State University South Rd and Ellis Ave, Mankato, Minnesota 56001 |
$7,994 | 51% |
|
#8 Central Connecticut State University 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, Connecticut 06050 |
$7,674 | 52% |
|
#9 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 |
$8,786 | 50% |
|
#10 The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539 |
$6,458 | 47% |
|
#11 Texas A & M University 2600 South Neal Street, Commerce, Texas 75428 |
$3,630 | 43% |
|
#12 University of New Orleans 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148 |
$6,090 | 41% |
|
#13 The University of Texas, Permian Basin 4901 E University, Odessa, Texas 79762 |
$2,384 | 41% |
|
#14 Southern Oregon University 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, Oregon 97520 |
$17,676 | 47% |
|
#15 Idaho State University 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 |
$7,982 | 34% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online Masters in Spanish
Education generally costs a lot, and graduate school is mainly an expensive pursuit. The cost of a master’s in Spanish degree varies by university, location, and several other factors. For a student to get the most and best out of their program, affordability and quality must be well balanced. After scrutiny, here is a list of universities that offer the most affordable online masters in Spanish:
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 The University of Texas, Permian Basin 4901 E University, Odessa, Texas 79762 |
$2,384 | 41% |
|
#2 Texas A & M University 2600 South Neal Street, Commerce, Texas 75428 |
$3,630 | 43% |
|
#3 University of North Carolina, Wilmington 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 |
$4,719 | 74% |
|
#4 New Mexico State University 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 |
$4,981 | 51% |
|
#5 University of New Orleans 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148 |
$6,090 | 41% |
|
#6 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849 |
$6,216 | 59% |
|
#7 The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539 |
$6,458 | 47% |
|
#8 Central Connecticut State University 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, Connecticut 06050 |
$7,674 | 52% |
|
#9 Idaho State University 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 |
$7,982 | 34% |
|
#10 Minnesota State University South Rd and Ellis Ave, Mankato, Minnesota 56001 |
$7,994 | 51% |
|
#11 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 |
$8,786 | 50% |
|
#12 Kent State University, Kent Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 44242 |
$11,766 | 65% |
|
#13 Southern Oregon University 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, Oregon 97520 |
$17,676 | 47% |
|
#14 American University(on campus) 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 |
$34,533 | 79% |
|
#15 Georgetown University 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057-0001 |
$53,136 | 94% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in Spanish Programs
The master’s program in Spanish is meant to enhance the teacher-scholar and equip individuals who want to continue their education in the subject or use the language and its cultural background in their profession. The curriculum not only provides advanced studies for high school and community college teachers, but it also assists learners who want to take up careers in subjects including international relations, international business, foreign service, translation, and tourism and culture development (usually in Spain).
Typically requiring two years to complete, this master’s program is generally delivered in an online on an in-person format. Most colleges also require a certain number of hours to be spent in their foreign language lab, which includes interactive computer-assisted language learning instructional equipment and material.
Masters in Spanish Degree Types
There are largely two types of master’s degrees prospective applicants can consider – the Master of Arts or MA in Spanish and the Master of Science or MS in Spanish.
Master of Arts in Spanish
The MA or Master of Arts in Spanish supplements an interdisciplinary study of literature with the structure and complexity of the language. The MA program banks on several other departments and subjects, such as political science, social sciences, history, etc. This degree type usually requires a thesis to be submitted towards the end of the program and is preferred for those looking to teach Spanish at the college level, prepare for a Ph.D., or enhance their research and writing skills.
Master of Science in Spanish
The MS or Master of Science in Spanish emphasizes the technicalities of the language, such as applied linguistics, history/dialectology, phonology/morphology, syntax, and semantics. This degree type is preferred for those who want to engage in cultural-based careers, work in diplomatic, tourist, or government sectors, or take up research as a profession.
Specializations in Masters in Spanish Programs
Graduating with a concentration or specialization ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in academia and research. Some such concentrations that lead to specific and rewarding careers are:
- Spanish Literature
- Hispanic Linguistics
- Hispanic Literature and Linguistics
- Spanish Literature and Culture
- Spanish Translation and Interpretation
- Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language
Curriculum and Skills Gained in a Masters in Spanish Program
The master’s degree program in Spanish may have a different curriculum depending on the chosen specialization or concentration. Spanish language classes that obtain and develop hearing, reading, speaking and writing skills may be included in introductory course work. Additional classes may help to improve Spanish reading comprehension and prepare students for Spanish literature and culture classes. Phonetic analysis and research methodologies in sociolinguistics, Spanish movies, and specific cultural and literary periods in Spanish history may be covered in advanced courses. It is always best for a prospective student to check with the graduate coordinator or Spanish department about the actual course work in the master program. In general, however, prospective students can expect the following graduate-level Spanish courses online:
Core Courses
- Historical Linguistics
- Graduate Seminars in Literature
- Peninsular Literature
- Spanish:
- Drama
- Poetry
- Prose and Narrative Fiction
- Grammar
- Spanish-American Novel
- Spanish-American Literature
- Spanish-American Poetry
- Spanish Grammar
- Hispanic Topics
- Advanced Structure and Style
- Teaching Heritage Languages
- Sociolinguistics for Teaching Spanish
- Grammar for Teaching
- Spanish Curriculum Design
- Bibliography and Methods of Research
- Research Literature and Techniques
Some Elective Courses include but are not limited to:
- Spanish:
- Literature to Neoclassicism
- American Literature to Modernismo
- American Literature Since Modernismo
- Literature Since Neoclassicism
- Phonology and Dialectology
- Morphology and Syntax
- Linguistics
- Culture in the Southwest
- Spanish-English Bilingualism and Language Contact
- Hispanic Literature
- Spanish Teaching Methodology
- History of the Spanish Language
- Semantics & Pragmatics
- Phonology and Morphology
- Generative Syntax
- From Multiculturalism to Nationalism: Early Spanish Literature & Culture
- Spanish Literature & Film of the 20th & 21st Centuries
Additionally, some colleges require students to submit a thesis or conduct independent graduate research as part of their master’s.
Those who obtain a master’s degree in Spanish may reap numerous rewards. Students can often increase their ability to converse in multiple languages, which can be beneficial in various vocations. Studying a language can also help students develop their cultural awareness and interpersonal skills, which are both helpful in a career as well.
Among other skills, graduates:
- would have received advanced and specialized training that would enable them to develop teaching and research activities in Spanish as a foreign language at home and abroad.
- have a strong understanding of Spanish and will be conversant with the most effective teaching approaches and methodologies.
- can teach and research Applied, Computational, and Forensic Linguistics, and the use of ICTs in Linguistics study.
- will be able to demonstrate translation and interpretation skills.
Accreditation for Masters in Spanish Programs
Accreditation means that a program or institution has attained or exceeded the established standards to which it must adhere. It is a mark of trustworthiness, excellence, and reliability. For the degree to be acknowledged by the industry, it must be earned from an accredited Masters in Spanish online school. While some schools offer programmatic accreditation, the majority are regionally accredited. Some organizations that provide accreditation regionally are:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Graduate Spanish students should look for an accredited college or program accredited by at least one agency. The Accreditation Guide provides more information on accreditation.
Timeline for Graduating from an Online Spanish Masters Program
The intake for Spanish master’s programs is generally year-round, with programs beginning with the spring semester or fall semester. In general, most programs require about 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the course work and college. Full-timers who also study during the summer session can finish within a year or so. The upper limit to complete the master’s degree is 3 to 5 years.
Admission Requirements for an Online Spanish Masters Program
The application process and admissions requirements for graduate-level studies in Spanish are pretty standard across universities. For a student to seek admission to a graduate school that offers a master’s in Spanish, they are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, as well as complete required courses for entry into the program. Some such criteria and requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- A Grade Point Average (GPA) minimum score of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted
- Major in Spanish consisting of 33 units (or equivalent) of upper-division studies
with a minimum GPA of 3.0 - Upper-division English writing course with a grade of “C” or better
- Satisfactory evaluation of language proficiency
- Two letters of recommendation
- A Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
Where an applicant did not earn a bachelor’s in Spanish, they are required to submit a 5 to 7-page Spanish writing sample additionally. Most universities do not ask for GRE scores. International students may have to fulfill certain additional requirements as well.
In some instances, before beginning the graduate program, the college may require a candidate with a Bachelor of Arts degree who has less than 24 units of upper-division language coursework or whose background is otherwise lacking to take additional prerequisite courses and/or proficiency exams to complete a full undergraduate major.
Free Spanish Education Programs
A master’s degree can seldom be earned online for free. Free degrees, if available, are generally not accredited and, in consequence, do not carry much weight in the job market. Free programs and courses best serve a curious learner or complement a graduate student’s coursework. Here are a few free tools, resources, and courses for online master in Spanish students:
- FluentU
Although not free, FluentU does have a 14-days free offer to learn Spanish with real-world videos through movies, commercials, business videos, music videos, and more. All videos are subtitled in Spanish and have an English translation. - Duolingo
Duolingo is a well-liked platform that provides exciting reading, writing, and speaking sessions for people of all skill levels. It offers a fun way to learn spoken Spanish (as spoken by locals in Spain) and covers topics and vocabulary that may not be found in conventional textbooks. - Speaking Latino
Speaking Latino is a fantastic website for learning authentic Spanish. This site, which is organized by nation, contains a wealth of resources for understanding both general vocabulary and slang from a variety of locales. It includes content from 13 countries, including Mexico, Spain, Peru, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Chile, Cuba, and Colombia, as well as articles, books, movies, websites, podcasts, and more. - Mondly
Mondly provides structured Spanish classes that cover a wide range of topics. Each lesson, created by language specialists, prepares the learner for real-life interactions by focusing on specific topics like family, travel, shopping, animals, grammar, and more.
How to Pay for an Online Spanish Masters Program
The prohibitive cost of online education puts off most prospective graduate students. Online masters can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making them too expensive for most individuals. Because graduate school is so expensive, students can benefit from a variety of financial aid programs. Some examples of financial aid for an online master’s degree in linguistics include:
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students who are deserving of them, allowing them to reduce or
eliminate the expense of their education. During the selection process for a scholarship, the school takes into account the student’s personal and professional history, as well as their academic achievements.
Grants
Grants are available to students in need of financial assistance. Unlike scholarships, grants are awarded based on financial need, not academic merit. Student grades and test scores are taken into account by institutions that award need-based financial aid.
Graduate Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships – Teaching assistantships are available at some universities in exchange for the student’s time and effort. The duties of a professor’s assistant can include anything from assisting with lesson plans to working with students in the lab and/or workshop. An assistantship can reduce the cost of higher education considerably.
Student Loans
The federal government, banks, and private lenders may all offer loans to students, but students must be prepared to make interest payments on any such loans they receive. It’s also important to remember that missing or delaying payments will almost certainly result in an increase in student debt.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, can evaluate financial aid eligibility.
More detailed and precise information about the FAFSA can be found here.
FAQs about an Online Masters in Spanish Program
| Q: Can I receive my master’s in Spanish online? |
| A: Even though the majority of master’s in linguistics programs are held in-person, current trends and circumstances have resulted in an increase in online degree programs. Some institutions also offer a hybrid model, in which online courses are delivered in addition to traditional classroom sessions. Whatever the structure of the program, it is possible to earn a Spanish master’s degree online. |
| Q: What is a Spanish master’s degree different from a linguistics degree? |
| A: Despite the fact that both degrees may lead to comparable careers, a linguistics degree focuses on the scientific study of language, which is distinct from translation or foreign language teaching. As a Linguistics major, students will learn about the structure and components of language, such as Phonetics, Lexicography, Phonology, Morphology, Grammar, Structuralism, Syntax, etc., as well as the language’s purpose and growth. Students who want to learn Spanish as a native or foreign language will spend a lot of time immersing themselves in the language, literature, and culture of a specific country. |
| Q: Where can I study Spanish? |
| A: Several colleges across the country offer online masters in Spanish programs. Some of the best ones are listed in this article. |
| Q: How long is an online master in Spanish? |
| A: A master’s degree in Spanish typically takes two years to finish. A 12- to 18-month time frame is typical for students enrolled in an accelerated program. |
| Q: Is a master’s in linguistics degree worth it? |
| A: A master’s degree in Spanish is well worth pursuing, even if it is expensive, because of the wide range of rewarding and well-paying jobs available in research, education, and linguistics. |
Careers and Salary Outlook for Masters in Spanish Online Graduates
Advanced education in Spanish can open a wide range of professional options for graduates, especially those with an international focus. In addition to becoming a linguist who studies Spanish, graduates may choose to take up translation, interpretation, or even become language analyzers. The annual median compensation for interpreters and translators in the United States was $52,330, with employment predicted to grow by 24% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than average, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graduates can also work as teachers or professors, passing on their knowledge and teaching Spanish to students who aren’t native speakers. Foreign language and literature professors at the college, university, or professional school level earned a mean annual income of $80,560. However, in most cases, these jobs would require a Ph.D.
Some of the jobs graduates go on to take up are:
- Private Corporate Spanish Instructor
- Spanish Secondary Teacher (prior certification needed)
- Language Institute Coordinator
- College Spanish Instructor, Lecturer, or Professor
- Private School Spanish Teacher
- FLES Teacher/Spanish Elementary Teacher (prior certification required)
- Cultural Development Officer
Students should note that job prospects are not guaranteed and are based on a variety of circumstances, including where they work, where they reside, their level of experience, and the role they occupy.
Certifications and Licensure for Online Masters in Spanish Students
A certification provides objective evidence that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a quality service, such as translation, interpretation, or teaching. Relevant certification will always give a master’s in Spanish graduate an advantage in the job market and greater possibilities. An example of an excellent certification is the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), which is a valid and reliable means of assessing how well a person speaks a language spontaneously, and unrehearsed. Similarly, the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) measures how well a person spontaneously writes in a language (without access to revisions and/or editing tools).
Certifications are valuable and necessary in the specific fields of translation and interpretation. The ATA certification, offered by the American Translators Association (ATA), for example, is one of the most well-respected credentials for translators in the industry. It is the sole commonly accepted indicator of translation proficiency in the United States. Other certifications may be necessary for licensure for Spanish language teaching in academic institutions. These certifications and licenses vary by state.
Additional Resources for Online Masters in Spanish Students
There are always new methods to express oneself through language. Language enthusiasts must always be aware of the subtleties of their subject matter. Graduate students and working professionals who want to get the most out of their master’s degree in Spanish should therefore interact with people, exchange ideas, network, conduct research, and do much more to broaden their perspectives and expand their understanding of Spanish and the literature and culture associated with it. Students pursuing an online master’s degree in Spanish can benefit from the following resources:
- DELE
DELE is an organization that offers Spanish Diplomas, which are official titles certifying the degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by Spain’s Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport. The diplomas are divided into six levels: Breakthrough, Waystage, Threshold, Vantage, Effective Operational Proficiency, and Mastery, and can provide an added advantage to a Spanish graduate student. - Lingopie
Lingopie is the world’s only language learning application that helps people learn a new language by using simple TV programs and movies. The goal is to make learning a language as easy as watching your favorite television show. Lingopie uses authentic TV programs and films from the country where one wishes to learn the language. Each show is accompanied by subtitles in the original language (for example, a Spanish TV show with Spanish subtitles). Every word, phrase, or slang is clickable to provide you with a real-time translation to aid learning. - CARLA
The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) is a grammatical glossary that comes in handy for students who are still learning the principles of Spanish grammar. It’s a “must-have” for beginning and intermediate Spanish students, as well as advanced students who need to brush up on their skills! - Spanish Language & Culture
(with Barbara Kuczun Nelson) ‘Spanish Language & Culture,’ available through Colby College’s website, contains materials for absolute beginners to expert students, ranging from verb conjugation practice to more open-ended exercises and even engaging multimedia activities with music. - SpanishDict
SpanishDict offers free online dictionaries, translations, and language learning resources. The site also has a discussion forum where visitors can ask each other questions about the Spanish language. Additionally, SpanishDict has a translator that delivers remarkably accurate information from three separate sources, including audio to hear how the word sounds, dictionary meanings, all word usages, and example phrases.
