Masters

Spanish

Overview

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spanish. The department offers graduate students the opportunity to take classes from experts in the fields of pedagogy, linguistics, culture, and literature. Our alumni have gone on to personally and professionally rewarding positions in education, business, social and health services, and academia.

Point of Pride

Students may choose either Theoretical and Applied Linguistics or Literary and Cultural Studies as their area of emphasis. In addition to coursework, students do either a thesis or comprehensive exams.

Ryan Davis
(309) 438-7759
Stevenson 215

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

Undergraduate Coursework and GPA

You must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work.

You also must have an undergraduate major in the intended language (Spanish). You may still be admitted to the program if you don’t meet this requirement, but you will be expected to take additional coursework. Courses will not apply to the 33 credits necessary for the M.A. degree.

Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement that describes your:

Background in language and culture
Academic experience
Goals
Reasons for pursing graduate study

Writing Sample

Include a photocopy of a paper from an advanced undergraduate course in Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Literary Studies, or Cultural Studies. Applicants with an undergraduate degree from a Spanish-speaking university may submit a writing sample in English or Spanish. All others should submit the writing sample in Spanish.

Letters of Recommendation

Have two letters of recommendation that address your academic training, language ability, and potential to succeed at graduate study.

One letter should preferably be written by a professor or instructor familiar with your academic work.

Letters must be on letterhead and uploaded directly by the evaluators.

Application Deadlines

Fall (August) Term — February 1 (for priority consideration)
Spring (January) Term — October 1

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
be in good-standing
be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.