The M.A. in Spanish is designed for students who hold the B.A. in Spanish and who seek to broaden their knowledge of Hispanic literary and cultural traditions through advanced study. The M.A. is generally intended for students who plan to pursue the Ph.D. at UCR. Therefore, prospective students are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program, regardless of whether they currently hold a B.A. or an M.A. As part of their preparation in Hispanic literary and cultural studies, students are introduced to advanced concepts of literary theory and current debates in cultural studies. Students also have the option of taking seminars in areas such as Hispanic linguistics and Brazilian literature.

The faculty in Hispanic Studies offers a wide and diverse group of graduate courses in literary and cultural studies, as well as a core group of courses in linguistics. Research and teaching interests include all areas of Spanish literature beginning with the fifteenth century, and Latin American literature from its origins to the present. Faculty also have strong research and teaching profiles in cultural studies, including Latin American film, gender studies, theories of the body, historiography and fiction, and culture and power.