M.A. in Romance Languages, Spanish - Literary and Cultural Studies

The Literary and Cultural Studies track emphasizes cultural production, distribution, and reception, both written and visual, with an emphasis on both critical theory and pedagogy. The M.A. 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.

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Romance Languages with a concentration in Spanish may complete 30 hours of graduate courses and a thesis, or 36 hours of coursework.

How to Apply

The Fall 2026 application portal opens October 1, 2025.

The priority application deadline is January 15. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their complete applications as early as possible to be considered for university-wide fellowships. Applications for the Fall will be accepted until April 1. 

Program Requirements

Required courses:

• SPAN 5352: Methods of Literary Criticism
• LING 5322: Theoretical and Research Foundations of Second Language Teaching
• SPAN 53XX: One additional linguistics course

M.A. candidates must possess reading knowledge of a third language other than English or Spanish. This requirement can be met by passing with a grade of C or better the second course of the sophomore sequence of the required language, or by passing a standardized examination.

M.A. candidates have the option of writing an M.A. thesis in Spanish, English, or Portuguese language in lieu of 6 hours of graduate coursework. Students opting to graduate through the non-thesis route must complete a qualifying exam to be conducted during he last semester of a student’s M.A. degree plan.

Financial Support

The Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures (CMLL) provides financial support to graduate students through assistantships and instructorships during the academic year (Fall-Spring). Eligible graduate students with a strong teaching record who have completed online pedagogy training may also receive summer teaching assignments. The CMLL Chair oversees financial support offers, typically in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Graduate Part-Time Instructorships (GPTI). Some applicants are considered for additional fellowship funding through the Graduate School. Once applications are complete, the Spanish program recruiter nominates students for additional funding opportunities. For this reason, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their complete applications as early as possible, before the deadline of January 15th.

Per university policy, MA students are eligible for two years of TA/GPTI support.

Who to Contact

For further details about our graduate programs in Literary and Cultural Studies, prospective students may contact the Spanish Graduate Recruiters:

Dr. Pavel Andrade - Latin American Studies, pavel.andrade@ttu.edu

Dr. Susan Larson - Iberian Studies, susan.larson@ttu.edu

Dr. Carmen Pereira, Director of Spanish Graduate Studies (carmen.pereira@ttu.edu), coordinates the graduate program, advising students on degree requirements and deadlines.