Graduate Admissions

The MA program offers students the opportunity to specialize in French or Spanish literature, Spanish Linguistics or a combination of these fields. This is a terminal degree for students who do not plan to complete the PhD, and is ideal for students planning a career in business, government, healthcare, tourism, architecture, history, education, etc. Applicants seeking an academic career in higher/postsecondary education who desire a teaching assistantship and scholarship support should apply for the PhD, even if they do not already hold an MA.

Students who wish to pursue an MA in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures must submit an online application:

The department accepts applications for both fall and spring semesters. Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by November 15 for the following academic year. 

In addition to completing application, please gather and submit the following materials. All documents must be attached to your online application.

• Three letters of recommendation. You will be asked to identify three individuals who will submit letters on your behalf. 
• Transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended, to include all undergraduate or graduate coursework. These can be unofficial transcripts
• Personal statement of two-three double-spaced pages that explains 1) Your background; 2) Your educational and career aims; and 3) Your reasons for applying to this department. 
• Writing sample of 5-10 pages in the language of study (e.g. term paper or other essay)
• Resume/CV

Students in the doctoral program acquire competence in theoretical approaches and methodologies that inform their own research, and obtain familiarity with a diversity of critical approaches that allow them to engage meaningfully with the scholarship of colleagues in neighboring disciplines.

Students who wish to pursue a PhD degree in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures must submit an online application: 

The department accepts applications for both fall and spring semesters. Priority consideration, including consideration for enhanced teaching assistantships, will be given to those who apply by November 15 for the following academic year.

In addition to completing the application, you must gather and submit the following materials:

• Three letters of recommendation. Once an application is submitted for final review, these individuals will receive an automated email requesting that they upload their recommendation letter.
• Unofficial transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended, to include all undergraduate or graduate coursework. Official transcripts will be required only after acceptance. 
• Personal statement of two-three double-spaced pages that explains 1) Your background; 2) Your educational and career aims; and 3) Your reasons for applying to this department. 
• Two writing samples, one in the language of study, the other in English (e.g. term papers, published articles or conference papers). Each writing sample should be a minimum of 3,000 words in length.
• Resume/CV

Please note that all documents must be attached to your online application.

International applicants to the MA or PhD should first review all UB requirements for International Student Admission. After completing the application, international applicants must also submit:

• An online International Student Graduate Financial Form, as well as certified bank statements proving the information submitted on the financial form.
• Proof of English proficiency, in the form of official test scores from one of the university-approved test providers.
  

With questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Enrollment team at arts-sciences@buffalo.edu

For academic-related questions, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies at rll-dgs@buffalo.edu.