Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
M.A. in Spanish
Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Department Chair
Dr. Yolanda Doub, Graduate Program Coordinator
Graduate Program in Spanish
Our M.A. program is intended for those who wish to increase their understanding and their expertise of the Spanish language and of Peninsular Spanish and Spanish American literatures. Many of those who earn a master's degree from Fresno State are teachers at various levels, and have made use of the knowledge and experience they acquired to enrich their Spanish classes. While some students may simply desire to broaden their understanding of the Hispanic world, others may have plans to enter doctoral programs. An important component of the M.A. program is its interdisciplinary approach to literature -many courses emphasize a literary analysis using critical theory, history and art from the specific period in question. All will benefit from the program.
Graduates of our M.A. program in Spanish have accepted employment in the community colleges of the Fresno area, and in many cases have been appointed to chair high school language departments. Other graduates have continued their studies at highly prestigious universities throughout California and the country. A graduate possessing an M.A. in Spanish encounters many opportunities for employment, especially in California where an advanced knowledge of Spanish and an understanding of the Hispanic population and culture are vital.
Although the program is relatively small, with a graduate student population of 25-35 students, this size has proven to be one of the program's greatest benefits in that it permits the faculty to work more closely with individual students. Our graduate seminars are all offered in the late afternoon (5-8 p.m.) for the convenience of working professionals. Typically, each seminar enrolls 10-12 students only.
Each semester we offer at least six graduate seminars covering a broad variety of topics, such as: Spanish Syntax, Medieval and Renaissance Literatures, Cervantes, Spanish American and Peninsular Modern Literature, Hispanic Women Writers, Poetry, and Critical Theory. The rotation of topics for the seminars is prepared two years in advance, so students know exactly what topics will be taught, in which semester, and who will teach them. This rotation of seminars provides the opportunity for students to meet their goal of completing the M.A. in four semesters if they so choose. The university provides the student five years to complete all the requirements.
Financial Assistance
Students interested in financial aid have a variety of options available. Traditional loans and scholarships are available through the Office of Financial Aid. In addition, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offer several teaching associateships in Spanish. Each graduate associate receives a monthly salary and has the responsibility for teaching — under supervision — an elementary Spanish class at the university. At times, some of our graduate students are invited to teach in our summer program in Mexico.
One program that has helped many minority students is the Graduate Equity Fellowship grants. In past years, several of our M.A. students have received such assistance, in amounts ranging from $500-$2,000. Details about these grants can be obtained from the Division of Graduate Studies.
Program Requirements
Students must show academic and intellectual promise for admission to our program. Normally, they must have completed a major in Spanish from an accredited university. However, students with a bachelor's degree in other areas may be admitted, provided they complete certain prerequisite coursework. A 3.0 GPA is also required for admission to the program, and students must take the Spanish Writing Examination during the first semester in residence. It is the goal of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures to seek students who enjoy Hispanic language and literature, and who wish to acquire greater depth and under-standing in the area.
We welcome interest in our program and will make every effort to make graduate study a worthwhile and rewarding experience for our students.
Graduate Program in Spanish | Financial Assistance | Program Requirements | Faculty | Quick Facts