Spanish, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Spanish Ph.D. program offers concentrations in literature and linguistics. Students specialize in a major area and select supporting fields. Coursework includes advanced courses, electives, and research credits. Graduates are prepared for careers in teaching, research, and other fields related to Spanish language, literature, and linguistics.

Program Outline

Outline:

Spanish Ph.D. with a concentration in literature

• Major Area: Students select a major area of specialization and are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the currents, primary works, and critical bibliography pertaining to it.
• Supporting Fields: Students select two supporting fields, either in the concentration of literature or linguistics.
• Course Requirements:
• Introduction to the Profession (SPANISH 770)
• 12 advanced courses in the major area
• Variable number of electives and research credits
• Total of 51 credits

Spanish Ph.D. with a concentration in linguistics

• Major Area: Students select a major area of specialization from theoretical/formal Spanish linguistics, language variation and change, or applied linguistics and second language acquisition.
• Supporting Fields: The other two areas of specialization automatically become supporting fields.
• Course Requirements:
• Introduction to the Profession (SPANISH 770)
• 12 advanced courses in the major area
• 6 advanced courses in the supporting fields
• Variable number of electives and research credits
• Total of 51 credits

Assessment:

• Preliminary Examination:
• Written component with take-home exams and a dissertation prospectus
• Oral defense of the written component
• Doctoral Dissertation:
• Final oral examination focused solely on the dissertation

Teaching:

• Teaching assistantships are offered to graduate candidates in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Faculty includes professors, associate professors, and assistant professors with expertise in various areas of Spanish and Portuguese language, literature, and linguistics.

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for careers in teaching and research in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Potential career paths include:
• University professors
• High school teachers
• Researchers
• Translators
• Interpreters
• Cultural affairs specialists