Department of Classical & Modern Languages & LiteraturesGraduate Degrees

Texas Tech University's M.A. in Languages & Cultures with a concentration in Applied Linguistics is a 36-credit-hour graduate program focused on how languages are learned, taught, and used in real-world contexts. The program prepares students for careers in language teaching, curriculum development, language program administration, and doctoral study in applied linguistics and related fields. 

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The M.A. in Classics is the highest degree offered at Texas Tech, providing students with extensive opportunities for teaching, research, publishing, and professional development. Graduate students gain pedagogical experience as Teaching Assistants, collaborate on faculty research, contribute to campus-edited journals such as Helios and Intertexts, and engage with organizations including the Archaeological Institute of America and regional K-12 Latin programs. Additional support includes funding for research and conference travel, access to exceptional library resources, and dedicated office space.Applicants are typically expected to have at least intermediate proficiency in both Ancient Greek and Latin (four or more college semesters of each).All students complete a shared core curriculum in Classical Languages, Literature, Culture, and Archaeology and Material Culture. Students may also pursue specialized interests through individualized mentorship and opportunities in Philology, Archaeology and Material Culture, or Pedagogy. These tracks offer options such as advanced interdisciplinary coursework, participation in faculty-led field projects, engagement with secondary Latin education programs, and involvement in faculty research and departmental activities.The Classics Program values the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and interests of its students and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

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Deepen your expertise in German language, literature, and culture through one of two specialized master's degree tracks:

1. Applied Linguistics Track with German Specialization: Combines applied linguistics coursework with German language and culture studies. Students complete four graduate-level German courses and apply through the Applied Linguistics Program.
2. German Track: Focuses intensively on German language, literature, and culture while incorporating applied linguistics. Students complete six graduate-level German courses and customize remaining coursework with applied linguistics, additional German studies, or other humanities disciplines.

The Romance Languages - French MA program is part of the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures, offering advanced two-year training in French and Francophone Language, Literature, and Culture, as well as in linguistics and language teaching. Most MA students are funded through a teaching assistantship, which allows for a substantial tuition reduction and a monthly stipend. Graduate students have the possibility to apply for a summer assistantship at the study-abroad program in Reims, France. Students who have completed the MA program have been admitted to top Ph.D. programs across the United States. Others have gone on to teach in high school, work in government administration, or succeed in international companies.

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Advance your expertise in language, culture, and communication through Texas Tech University's M.A. in Romance Languages, Spanish - Linguistics. This 36-credit program prepares students for careers in education, research, industry, and language-focused professions through advanced study of language acquisition, bilingualism, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, phonetics, and pedagogy.

Students gain research, teaching, and professional development experience while building skills in data analysis, curriculum design, and language instruction. The program offers faculty mentorship, collaborative research opportunities, and flexible completion options through comprehensive exams or a thesis.

Graduate assistantships and teaching opportunities provide funding and hands-on experience, while research labs, guest speakers, and workshops connect students with emerging trends and diverse career paths.

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Advance your expertise in Hispanic literary and cultural studies through Texas Tech University’s Ph.D. in Spanish: Literary & Cultural Studies. This research-focused program examines literary, visual, and cultural texts through interdisciplinary approaches while preparing students for careers in higher education, research, publishing, and cultural institutions. Students complete 60 credit hours, doctoral exams, a language proficiency requirement, and an original dissertation, with opportunities for funding through assistantships, instructorships, and fellowships. Faculty mentorship and a collaborative academic community support student success throughout the program.

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The Literary and Cultural Studies track focuses on the production, distribution, and reception of written and visual cultural texts with an emphasis on critical theory and pedagogy. The Ph.D. program encompasses a range of theoretical frameworks and perspectives that reflect the research expertise of our professionally active faculty. As a community of engaged scholars, we are committed to providing our graduate students with opportunities for intellectual growth, critical and analytical skill-building, a solid theoretical foundation, and the professional preparation needed for careers in and outside of academia.

All prospective Ph.D. candidates must hold an M.A. or an equivalent degree in Spanish, Hispanic Studies, or similar. Admission to the Ph.D. program in Spanish at Texas Tech is selective, and all applicants are required to follow the same procedures.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Spanish must complete at least 60 hours of graduate coursework and pass the Ph.D. examination. Students must also meet a third language requirement (other than Spanish or English). Students who have obtained a Romance Languages M.A. in Spanish at Texas Tech may count all hours earned at the M.A. level with a B or better towards the Ph.D. coursework. Hours earned at the M.A. level from a previous institution are applicable and graduate students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies.

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Develop advanced expertise in Spanish linguistics through Texas Tech University's M.A. in Romance Languages, Spanish Linguistics. Students explore language acquisition, bilingualism, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, phonetics, and language teaching while building research, analytical, and pedagogical skills. With faculty mentorship, active research opportunities, and financial support through assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships, graduates are prepared for careers in education, research, publishing, technology, and other language-related fields.

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