Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2021-22 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2021-22 [Archived Catalog]

Spanish - MA


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Master of Arts in Spanish

Spanish – MA5229

Department of Modern Languages
Gordy Hall, Room 283
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.2765
modern.languages@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The Master of Arts program in Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages offers students a rigorous program wherein they learn to analyze literature, become informed observers of linguistic usage, and acquire advanced language and cultural skills. This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is four semesters (two academic years).

Program Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of our Master of Arts program will be able to:

  • demonstrate deep knowledge of the target language and culture
  • compare and contrast world cultures
  • identify and describe major literary movements
  • explain how an individual literary work reflects the literary movement in which it was created
  • analyze literary and other cultural products creatively through appropriate theoretical and historical lenses
  • analyze linguistic phenomena in terms of syntax, dialectology, phonology, and historical linguistics
  • design and carry out an original research project, write up results using conventions appropriate to the discipline
  • present research results to an audience of professors and peers
  • implement teaching strategies in line with current language acquisition theories

Opportunities for Graduates

Approximately 25% of M.A. graduates go on to Ph.D. programs, 25% accept teaching positions in high schools or colleges/universities, 25% go abroad to teach or work, often via nationally competitive awards such as Fulbright, and the remaining 25% pursue a variety of other endeavors.

Further Information

Link to Program: http://modlang.ohio.edu/graduate/graduate-spanish/

Admission Requirements

Admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or graduation from a foreign institution with a degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

The following application materials must all be submitted online prior to January 15th for priority consideration:

  1. Online application form along with a nonrefundable application fee submitted to the Graduate College via the following link: http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply/. Information on fees, reference forms and graduate programs can also be found at this link.
  2. Official transcripts and diplomas from post-secondary schools, sent to the Graduate College.
    • Students can upload a copy of their transcript, marksheets, diploma and/or degree certificates with their on-line application, but they must also submit official copies by mail. An official transcript is one that arrives in an envelope that has been sealed by the issuing institution.
    • If these documents are not in English, students will need a certified translation into English.
  3. All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL scores must be sent directly from ETS to Ohio University (code 1593). On the TOEFL, we require a minimum of 80 on the Internet based exam with all section scores at least a 17 and a speaking score of 24 to be considered for an assistantship.  On the IELTS, we require a composite score of 6.0 with a speaking score of 7.0 and at least a 6.0 on all bands.
  4. Three letters of recommendation (preferably from professors who can comment on students’ academic progress).  A letter from an employer is also very valuable.
  5. A written statement of purpose in either English or Spanish, and an essay response in the language not chosen above to: Describe an episode in your life where you needed to show leadership qualities, and explain how you grew from the experience.
  6. After initial review of applications, the graduate committee will schedule a telephone interview with the strongest candidates prior to making offers of admission.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 48 credit hours as follows:

Coursework Requirements


Elective Courses


Complete at least three more courses (min. 12 additional hours) from the focused content lists above or from the following courses. Students on a Teaching Assistantship will take SPAN 5640 and a minimum of two elective courses (8 hours).

Requirements for Teaching Assistants


      Students serving as Teaching Assistants must take SPAN 5640 in their first semester of study.

Additional Requirements


All students participate in organization and running of colloquia and conferences that the Department of Modern Languages hosts.

Students are encouraged to present at conferences whenever possible.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the FLES (Foreign Languages in the Elementary School) program.

Culminating Experience


All students must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination designed to assess the synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study. Students may choose to write a research thesis.

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