It also meets the needs of students for whom the master’s degree is a terminal degree and who wish to pursue job opportunities in areas where critical thinking, leadership qualities, and clear, persuasive communication are valued, especially when a superior knowledge of Spanish language and culture is called for.

The M.A. program provides all students with an intensive and balanced introduction to the literature and culture of the Hispanic world, from the pre-Columbian period to the present. Students may take courses in the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Spain and Latin America, the literatures and cultures of contemporary Spain, the Caribbean and Southern Cone of Latin America, and Hispanic linguistics. In addition to the traditional coverage of literary periods, genres, and major authors, students are introduced to a variety of current theoretical and methodological approaches and to the orientations of contemporary theory. Those students interested particularly in linguistics may study general linguistics as well as Hispanic linguistics in the department.

In the M.A. program students work to improve proficiency in the use of the Spanish language. All but three credits of coursework must be taken in Spanish and students have ongoing opportunities to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at a professional level. The program also permits students to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.