Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies

The Master of Arts (MA) in Hispanic Studies curriculum is designed to provide broad preparation through research and creativity. The graduate program offers options for scholarship, creativity, and practice. Besides learning and discussing ideas from the close reading of texts, students have the opportunity to explore modes of original expression and knowledge creation. Students gain skills for advanced research and the analysis of literary and cultural texts from the Hispanic world and from in-depth comparative study of Spanish-speaking and bilingual cultural production. Students can choose to concentrate in literary studies, linguistics or creative and professional writing, or an interdisciplinary blend. The Master of Arts degree offers the opportunity for an in-depth view of Hispanic studies in specialized areas that underscore the diversity of the Hispanic world. Interdisciplinary elective courses work offers an opportunity to further understand the Hispanic world in its geographical, cultural, and social variations. 

The MA coexists with the PhD program in Hispanic Studies, an interdisciplinary graduate program. Using a wide range of methods and theoretical frameworks, and with a wide range of research interests, our graduate faculty has expertise in cultural studies, digital humanities, film and performance, gender and diaspora studies, Hispanic literatures, historical and comparative linguistics, history and presence of Spanish in the U.S., iconography, language acquisition and pedagogy, language variation and change, photography, post-hegemonic and infrapolitical thought, and sociolinguistics. Several faculty members are accomplished creative writers.

Students can choose between the thesis and the non-thesis options. For the creative/professional writing concentration, students must pursue a thesis option Master of Arts degree. A thesis track requires the submission of a monograph or major area paper. It is recommended for students who want to focus on their writing skills. The non-thesis track can include different combinations of discipline-focused course work, research and practice. Students develop their degree plans, research and writing projects with the guidance of an advisor and an advisory committee. 

The MA in Hispanic Studies prepares students to pursue a range of career paths, from going to study for a PhD, to careers as teachers at the high school or junior college levels, as well as other professions for which a knowledge of Spanish and Hispanic cultures is important: international business, cultural affairs, homeland security, public administration, non-profit organizations, tourism and entertainment.

For more information, visit our website at https://artsci.tamu.edu/global-lang-cultures/academics/graduate/degrees/hispanic-studies-ma.html.