MA in Spanish Language and Literature

The MA in Spanish combines rigorous scholarship with close faculty mentorship. Students develop research and analytical skills while studying literature, language and culture across the Hispanic world.

At UB you will benefit from: 

• small graduate seminars with direct faculty mentorship 
• interdisciplinary dialogue across humanities and social science fields 
• opportunities to design a focused academic path 
• strong preparation for doctoral study and academic careers 
• a collaborative community of scholars 

UB is the flagship public research university for the State of New York. As an R1 research institution, it offers access to world class libraries, research centers and faculty expertise while maintaining a supportive graduate environment. 

Degree type: Master of Arts (MA)
Field: Spanish Language and Literatures
Program length: Typically two years

The MA in Spanish is a research focused degree that allows you to shape your coursework around your intellectual interests while building strong theoretical and methodological foundations. 

Students begin with a graduate seminar in literary theory and research methods and then select courses aligned with their research goals. 

Areas of study may include: 

• Spanish American literature and culture 
• Peninsular literature and culture 
• medieval and early modern Hispanic studies 
• modern and contemporary Hispanic literature 
• Hispanic linguistics 

Students work closely with faculty mentors to design a coherent course plan that supports their research interests. 

The program concludes with a substantial master’s research project completed under faculty supervision. 

Graduate courses explore literary, cultural and linguistic traditions across the Spanish speaking world. Topics vary by semester but may include: 

• medieval and early modern Spain 
• Spanish American literature and cultural movements 
• contemporary Hispanic philosophy and theory 
• Spanish linguistics and language structure 

Students also develop strong skills in research methods, textual analysis and scholarly writing. 

Through coursework, research and mentorship, students develop the intellectual and professional skills needed for advanced scholarship and teaching. 

Graduates of the program will learn to: 

• locate, evaluate and interpret primary texts and cultural sources 
• apply critical theories and scholarly methods to literary and cultural analysis 
• develop specialized knowledge in a chosen research area 
• conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field 
• communicate complex ideas clearly in academic writing and discussion 
• understand the cultural value of literature and language in global contexts 
• develop teaching skills and pedagogical approaches for language and culture courses 

Core courses and requirements include: 

• one graduate seminar introducing research in Romance languages and literatures 
• elective coursework in Spanish literature, Hispanic cultural studies or linguistics 
• language proficiency in a language relevant to the student’s research 
• a final mentored MA research project demonstrating scholarly research and writing 

Graduate students are encouraged to include study abroad in their academic plans. Students may conduct research or coursework in Spanish speaking regions depending on their research interests.

Studying abroad can deepen language proficiency and provide direct engagement with the cultures studied in the program.

An MA in Spanish prepares graduates for careers that require strong analytical thinking, cultural knowledge and communication skills.

Graduates pursue paths such as:

Advanced language proficiency, research skills and cultural knowledge are valued across many sectors.

The MA in Spanish at UB offers rigorous scholarly training within a supportive academic community. Whether you plan to pursue doctoral study or a career that values global cultural knowledge, this program will help you deepen your expertise and expand your opportunities.