What is a Master's Degree in Spanish?
The M.A. program in Spanish provides students with the skills necessary for research
in Latin American, Peninsular and Transatlantic Literature as well as Hispanic Linguistics
and Cultural Studies. In our graduate program, students advance their critical thinking
skills, explore a variety of analytical and theoretical paradigms and carry out research
projects in their area of interest.
Faculty members work closely with graduate students, aiding in project design, helping
them to seek funding and supporting them through the writing process.

Application Deadline
The preferred application deadline is January 31 to be considered for fall admission,
but applications will remain open until all available positions are filled.
International Students
International applicants, who are not native English-speakers, must submit TOEFL or
IELTS scores. International students with Teaching Assistantships require proof of
English speaking proficiency.

For more information and guidance regarding admission to the program, contact the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.
Flexibility for Success
Maintain your current lifestyle while earning your degree. The master's degree in
Spanish at UW is offered in a variety of formats to ensure your success.
- UW Main Campus
- Online
- Hybrid
Our grad program has Teaching Assistantships available for traditional students, as
well as summer, evening and online classes available for non-traditional students.

What can you do with a Spanish Master's degree?
A master’s degree in Spanish enhances your career with advanced language skills and cultural insight. UW graduates often pair their Spanish studies with fields like law, medicine, education or international affairs—broadening their expertise and deepening their ability to engage diverse communities in our increasingly globalized world.
- Writer
- Interpreter
- Translator
- International Relations Consultant
- Teacher
- Foreign Service Officer
- Cultural Affairs Officer
- Curriculum Developer
- Bilingual Editor
- Localization or Global Content Specialist
- Study Abroad Coordinator
- Nonprofit Program Director
- Immigration or Legal Services Advocate
- Healthcare Interpreter
- Cultural Competency Trainer
- ESL Program Administrator
- Corporate Trainer in Cross-Cultural Communication
- Museum or Heritage Center Educator
- Purdue University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Virginia
- Duke University
- Cornell University
- and more!
Definitely! The Spanish program at UW is an immersive experience. We offer faculty-led study abroad courses each summer, where students can travel to fantastic places such as Spain, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Mexico while improving their language skills and gaining intercultural understanding and a global perspective.
Yes, a Spanish master's degree can lead to careers in government, diplomacy and international relations. Your advanced language and cultural skills are valuable for roles in the Foreign Service, immigration services, international NGOs and global policy work. It all depends on your career goals!
“Doing my MA at UW helped my career tremendously. The program gave me the opportunity to teach for the first time while having a strong support system. The small ratio of professors/students allowed me to develop strong relationships, as well as among my peers and instructors. Overall, I loved being part of the UW community, which made me a better professional and deepened my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.”
- M. Isabel Martin Sanchez | Class of 2016