Spanish, MA
Sharpen your language expertise with a Master of Arts in Spanish from the University of Tennessee. Whether you seek to refine your knowledge through literary and cultural studies or want to enhance your understanding of the Spanish language and applied linguistics, the Spanish MA program offers advanced training in your area of interest. This program equips you with the skills to pursue advanced careers in education and translation or continue your studies at the doctoral level.
Program Overview
The Spanish MA teaches Spanish language and culture, or Spanish authors and literature, preparing students for academic, education, or translation careers.
With courses in both literature and linguistics, students will learn to master the Spanish language, learning the nuance of grammar, phonetics, and linguistic theory. They can also take courses on Spanish romanticism, medieval Spanish literature, or Spanish prose and realism.
Whether you plan to step into education and teach, continue in academia and conduct research, or become an expert translator, this program provides you with the expertise and confidence to generate solutions and make a meaningful difference.
Plus, with our unique blend of customizable pathways—with two concentrations, thesis and non-thesis options, and five-year BA/MA options—you will be empowered to shape an academic path that’s unique to your goals.
Concentrations
Our current selection of concentrations include:
- Literary and Cultural Studies
- Applied Linguistics & Second Language Studies
Whether you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of Central, South American, or Spanish authors and literature, or you want to study Spanish culture, language, and linguistics, our concentrations equip you with the literary and cultural knowledge to help you hit the ground running.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Our program offers both thesis and non-thesis options so that students can choose the pathways that best fit their career or academic pursuits. Our thesis option is a great fit for students interested in pursuing their doctorate, as they will complete a substantial research thesis and oral exam.
Our non-thesis option allows students to complete coursework only with a comprehensive exam and is a great fit for students who plan to enter industry. Whatever your unique journey, our program prepares you for success.
Accelerated Combined BA / MA Programs
Our department also offers an accelerated combined BA/MA program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Undergraduate students take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in their senior year that counts towards both their BA and MA degrees.
If interested in the BA/MA program, students can choose from two different BA programs while also earning an MA in Spanish.
Our current selection of BA / MA offerings includes:
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – Hispanic Studies Concentration with a Spanish, MA
- World Languages and Cultures, BA – Language and World Business/Hispanic Studies Concentration with a Spanish, MA
Why Study Spanish?
The Master of Arts in Spanish is ideal for students who are passionate about engaging with Spanish-speaking communities and deepening their knowledge of Spanish language, literature, and culture.
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, you will become part of a passionate community of faculty and peers that are dedicated to your success. With one-on-one mentorship and small class sizes, you will graduate equipped with the linguistic and literary skills necessary to excel in your chosen profession.
Plus, our unique blend of customizable pathways—Honors, accelerated combined BA/MA program, and thesis and non-thesis options—means you can choose the pathway that best fits your needs.
What Can You Do with an MA in Spanish After Graduation?
According to ShareAmerica, Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the U.S., meaning a degree in Spanish is highly valued by employers. With opportunities to work as translators in both government and non-government sectors, or in healthcare settings, you will find no shortage of opportunities to practice your skills.
Many students also continue their education in doctoral programs, becoming university professors or teachers in K-12 schools. Others have used their skills working for international companies, in telecommunications, or offering tutoring and language classes in community centers and non-profit organizations.
With a degree in Spanish, you will show up to the professional world equipped to excel.
Featured Courses
SPAN 540 Spanish Romanticism: Literature and Culture
This course introduces students to dramatists, poets, and artists representative of the Romantic movement. Students will study individuals such as Goya, Cadalso, Larra, Duque de Rivas, Espronceda, Zorrilla, Bécquer, and Rosalía de Castro within the historical and cultural context of the late 1700s through the 1860s.
SPAN 553 Topics in Peninsular Cinema, Cultural, and Literary Studies
Topics of this course might include a variety of cultural productions from Spain, such as films, popular genres, the press, scientific, political, and philosophical discourses, and other non-canonical texts. Other approaches may include gender and queer studies, converso studies, new historicism, and other literary theories. This course is taught in Spanish.
SPAN 432 Multilingualism
This course offers a panoramic view of bilingualism and multilingualism from a language acquisition perspective. Topics surveyed include myths about bilingualism, early vs. late bilingualism, first vs. second language acquisition, cognitive models of bilingualism, as well as the sociolinguistics and pragmatics of bilingualism, among other topics.
LING 423 History of Linguistics
This course explores the major trends in linguistic theory and the philosophy of linguistics from ancient times to contemporary approaches. It offers a solid foundation in the core principles of scientific reasoning, illustrated through examples, with a focus on the evolution of linguistics into modern science.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Want to add even more versatility to your unique path? Check out related certificates that might enhance your MA in Spanish.
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