Master of Arts in Spanish

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Master’s in Spanish Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the masters degree in Spanish will:

• Develop Deep Literary and Cultural Knowledge: Gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural and literary production of Iberia and Latin America across historical periods and in their broader interconnected contexts.
• Apply Critical and Theoretical Approaches: Build proficiency in the analytical frameworks and methodologies essential for advanced literary and cultural study in the Hispanic world.
• Communicate Effectively as a Scholar and Teacher: Cultivate the written and verbal communication skills needed for graduate research, classroom instruction, and professional pursuits in Spanish.
• Prepare for Doctoral or Professional Pathways: Demonstrate the research, analytical, and pedagogical preparation required for Ph.D. programs or careers where advanced expertise in Spanish language and culture is essential.

What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Spanish?

Earning a masters degree in Spanish opens doors to careers that require advanced bilingual communication, cultural fluency, and analytical expertise. Graduates of Spanish masters programs pursue opportunities in education, research, public service, nonprofit leadership, publishing, and global industries.

Career pathways may include:

• Teaching: Teaching Spanish at the secondary or postsecondary level, both in the U.S. and abroad.
• Translation and Interpretation: Providing translation and interpretation services for businesses, government agencies, or nonprofits.
• International Relations: Working in diplomacy, foreign service, or international organizations where proficiency in Spanish is essential.
• Cultural Heritage and Preservation: Working with cultural institutions to preserve and promote Spanish-language literature and traditions.
• Writing and Editing: Writing, editing, and publishing content for Spanish-speaking audiences.

According to Lightcast, professionals with graduate-level expertise in Spanish-related fields earn median national wages of approximately $63,000 annually, with opportunities varying by industry, region, and level of experience.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Master’s in Spanish program at KU is affordable, and a range of financial aid options are available. Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid may be available to help reduce the cost of tuition. Graduate assistants may also receive tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities.

For more information on tuition, financial aid, and graduate assistantships, visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the master’s degree in Spanish program at the University of Kansas, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution plus 15 semester hours of literature courses at the survey level or above in Spanish, or the equivalent of the undergraduate major in Spanish at KU.
• Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A two-page single-spaced statement of academic objectives in English describing your intellectual development, previous academic training, and areas of academic interest.
• Resume/CV
• Academic writing sample in Spanish (not to exceed 30 double-spaced pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A 5-minute video file (mp4) or a sound file (mp3) in spoken Spanish and another 5-minute video in English (10 minutes total). Recording should describe your background with Spanish, your reasons for seeking a graduate degree in Hispanic Studies, and the goals you intend to achieve as a student and instructor at the University of Kansas.

For additional details, please visit Spanish Graduate Admissions.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students pursuing the masters degree in Spanish join a collaborative graduate community dedicated to scholarship, mentorship, and professional growth. The program encourages close faculty interaction, independent research development, and participation in scholarly events. Graduate students may:

• Present research at academic conferences.
• Participate in departmental lectures and colloquia.
• Collaborate with faculty on research initiatives.
• Engage in cultural programming connected to Spanish-speaking communities.

These experiences position graduates of this master in Spanish to compete successfully for doctoral programs or professional roles requiring advanced expertise in language and culture.

Master’s in Spanish Sample Courses

The masters degree in Spanish includes graduate seminars in literature, linguistics, and cultural studies. Sample courses may include:

• Teaching Spanish in Institutions of Higher Learning
• Print Culture in Early Modern Spain
• Don Quixote
• Trans-Atlantic Literatures and Cultures
• The Spanish Novel Since the Civil War

Students in Spanish masters programs work closely with faculty advisors to select coursework aligned with their research interests and professional goals. For a complete list of courses, please visit the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes