Degree Options - Graduate Handbook

Master of Arts : (Thesis option, 30 credits: 26 in course work and 4 of thesis). This research-oriented degree is intended for students possessing the B.A. degree in Spanish who desire to pursue a traditional approach to the Spanish language and its literature. The emphasis in this program is on a comprehensive study of Spanish and Spanish American literature from its origins to the present day with major consideration given to literary history, linguistics, textual analysis, criticism and theory. Courses developing the student's audio-lingual and reading skills may be included as well. This degree also serves as preparation for doctoral study at other institutions.

Requirements: (26 Credits) + Thesis.
1. Proficiency in a second foreign language (see section XI).
2. At least twenty-six (26) credit hours in regular Spanish graduate courses at the 6000- and 7000- levels.
3. Students must register for at least 4 credits of thesis research (FLSP 7990).
4. Comprehensive written examination (see section XII).
5. The History of the Language course is a requirement whenever it is offered, although, it will not be included in the Comprehensive Exams.
6. Thesis and oral defense: See University brochure entitled "Thesis and Dissertation Guide" for details on preparation format etc. The thesis should be prepared in accordance with the following procedures (consult your Graduate School Bulletin for appropriate dead-lines).
Regulations related to thesis:
- THE THESIS TOPIC SHOULD BE CHOSEN WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF STUDY UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE GRADUATE DIRECTOR WHO WILL THEN RECOMMEND MEMBERS OF A THESIS COMMITTEE, usually consisting of the thesis director, who serves as chairperson, and at least two other graduate professors (generally in the same or related specialties).
- PLEASE NOTE THAT THE STUDENT MUST FIRST CONSULT WITH THE GRADUATE DIRECTOR TO INITIATE AND ESTABLISH A THESIS PROCEDURE. The thesis prospectus, or outline, should be approved by all committee members at least one semester (or longer if the subject so requires) prior to periodic submission of chapters of the thesis during subsequent semesters.
- The final draft of the thesis (with major revisions and corrections incorporated under the supervision of the director) must be approved by all committee members before the oral defense (see section XIII) can be scheduled.
Master of Hispanic Studies: (Non-thesis option). This degree, consisting of at least 36 credit hours , while offering an introduction to the literary and cultural heritage of Spain and Spanish America , places added emphasis on the perfecting of audio-lingual language skills as well as the practice in reading and expository writing in Spanish. It prepares students for several careers; e.g., high school and college teaching, employment in the business world, which is experiencing an ever-increasing demand for well-prepared, virtually bilingual personnel, and also for further graduate study.

Requirements:
1. Proficiency in a second foreign language (see section XI).
2. Comprehensive written examination (see section XII).
3. Optional minor: up to but no more than 6 credit hours of the 36 required for degree in graduate field(s) related to the student's major program.