Spanish M.A. graduates who subsequently wish to pursue the Ph.D. are very advanced in the process of mastering the area in which they wish to specialize in their doctoral studies. Those who choose not to continue studying toward a Ph.D. or a career in teaching will be able to pursue employment in other fields that require full proficiency in the Spanish language as well as mastery of Hispanic literature and culture.

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese has identified five learning outcomes for our M.A. majors in Spanish. These educational goals relate closely to the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, as recommended by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages.

Students will be able:

• To communicate with an advanced or high-level of Spanish proficiency in all four skill areas including listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• To develop an advanced understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures and communities throughout the world, and analyze and draw cross-cultural differences which will be essential to future careers in a growing global environment.
• To build a foundation of knowledge in the areas of Spanish and Spanish-American literature, culture, and linguistics, which will give students the breadth necessary for subsequent specialization in doctoral studies.
• To develop and expand research and analytical skills within the area of Hispanic Studies, including literary analysis, cultural studies, and linguistic analysis.
• To develop basic reading competencies in an additional romance language to prepare students for further research and provide broader career options.