Requirements & Application

A prerequisite for admission to the Spanish M.A. is advanced proficiency in Spanish (speaking, aural comprehension, reading, and writing) and significant previous study of the Spanish language and Hispanic literatures and cultures. Applicants who do not hold a B.A. in Spanish or the equivalent by their intended start date may be required to take remedial coursework to make up for any deficiencies.

Applications are considered throughout the academic year for admission in fall, spring, or summer, although priority will be given to applications received at least six weeks prior to the intended start date. The Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish reviews applications and, in consultation with the Spanish graduate faculty, makes all admission decisions. In rare cases, applicants may be admitted on a conditional basis even though application materials are incomplete.

The complete application includes:

  • Graduate School application and application fee. (Go to Online Graduate Application for Admission for full instructions.)

  • Transcripts from all accredited institutions where undergraduate and/or graduate credit was earned (submitted directly to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies by the institution). Minimum GPA required for undergraduate work: 3.0 on a four-point scale.

  • Two letters of evaluation (submitted directly to the Graduate School by the evaluators). Detailed comments should accompany the evaluation form and address specifically the applicant’s proficiency in both Spanish and English, preparation in Hispanic studies, and potential to do graduate work.

  • A personal statement of 400-500 words, written in Spanish, discussing how the M.A. in Spanish relates to the applicant’s professional or personal goals.

  • A sample of academic writing of at least five pages, preferably a research paper written as part of the requirements for a university-level course. (May be in English or Spanish.)

  • (for applicants for whom English is a second language) TOEFL scores. Minimum required: 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 550 or higher on the paper-based test. Applicants holding a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

NOTE: While submission of GRE scores is not required for admission to the Spanish M.A. program, it is strongly recommended for applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship or other university-awarded fellowship.

All application materials should be submitted via the online application at http://louisville.edu/graduate/apply.

Complete applications to the Spanish MA program are considered throughout the academic year, although priority will be given to applications received at least six weeks prior to the intended start date. The Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish reviews applications and, in consultation with the Spanish graduate faculty, makes all admission decisions. In some cases, applicants may be admitted on a conditional basis even though application materials are incomplete.

Admission in non-degree status

Applicants who do not seek the Spanish MA but wish to take graduate course work in Spanish may be permitted to enroll in non-degree status. Application credentials must include the application form, application fee, and an official transcript showing the award of a baccalaureate degree. Should a non-degree student be admitted at a later date into the degree program, up to nine hours of course work taken in non-degree status may be applied to the degree with departmental approval. No more than fifteen hours may be accumulated while in non-degree status.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Tomás Edison Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish, at