Graduate
Degree Programs
Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish (M.A.T.)
General Description
The graduate program in Spanish has been designed specifically for teachers or future teachers of Spanish. It offers graduate-level course work in the Spanish language, Hispanic cultures, teaching methodology, applied linguistics and Hispanic art and literature. It provides for the professional development of Spanish teachers through the improvement of their language and teaching skills, and it aims toward career advancement. Graduates of the program will in turn contribute to better teaching of Spanish in schools, improving the language skills and the cultural awareness of students who study Spanish.
Main Objectives
The course of study for the program is intended to equip students with knowledge of theories of second language acquisition and effective methods of teaching, as well as the main cultural manifestations of the language in literature. Students will understand the relationship between language and society in the Spanish-speaking world and the connections between language studies (language, literature, culture and translation/interpreting) with other disciplines, and they will be able to apply the knowledge of the language system and culture to function effectively as teaching professionals. For more detailed objectives click here.
Design
The degree program consists of 36 credit hours of which 24 must be completed in residence at IUPUI. The Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish may be completed in three to four semesters and two summer sessions. See course offerings here. Students may select from the following options for the course of study:
Thesis Option: Includes 30 hours of coursework plus a Master's Thesis (six credit hours).
Coursework Option: requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
Study Abroad Option: Students may complete one or two summers at the University of Salamanca, Spain. Students who complete a summer study in Salamanca receive a Certificate from the University of Salamanca attesting to their completion of the summer program(s) in residence there. The University of Salamanca has a well-developed curriculum for foreign students who aspire to teach Spanish, and its Cursos para Profesores receives a high level of academic prestige internationally. Other study abroad credit must be approved by the graduate director.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the student’s undergraduate major, documented by an official transcript. Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in Spanish, but admission is also considered for those who otherwise demonstrate the competency necessary for successful graduate work in Spanish. Students must have knowledge of Spanish phonetics, linguistics, and literary genres and periods. Students with deficiencies may be admitted on a conditional basis until they complete the relevant undergraduate courses in these areas.
- Proficiency in the Spanish language. There are two options:
- EXAM. Students may take the Diploma in Spanish (DELE) issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. The official exam determining this proficiency is offered once a year at IUPUI. Students must attain a passing score at the Nivel Intermedio (B2).
- a tape including applicant’s oral sample of 10-15 minutes of spontaneous speech in Spanish AND an essay in Spanish on some aspect of Spanish culture, literature, linguistics, or pedagogy. The essay may be in the form of a paper written for a course
- Three letters of recommendation. At least two of these should be from professors.
- For international students, the university requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper version, or 213 on the computer-based test. Send scores to Institution Code 1325, Department Code 2608. Students who do not achieve this score may be admitted to the university conditionally and may be required to take English as a Second Language courses through the Department of English. While taking these courses they will be allowed to register for a maximum of six credit hours in the Master of Arts for Teachers of Spanish. If admitted, international students will also be required to take IUPUI’s ESL Placement exam before registering for the first semester.
PLEASE NOTE: While the GRE is not necessary for admission to the Master of Arts for Teachers Program in Spanish, it is required for application to certain financial aid programs. (See “Financial Assistance” below.)
- Online application. Please access the online portion of the application.
This segment requires basic information such as your name, address, program of study, residency status, etc. Please pay careful attention to the personal statement, in which you explain your reasons for pursuing the M.A.T. of Spanish. The statement should be written in English. The application fee may be submitted by credit card at the end of the online application. Please check with the Graduate Office for the current amount of the application fee.
Please note: Under Educational Objectives you must choose "Master's" as your type of admission, "Spanish (IU Graduate School)" as your academic program, and "Spanish M.A.T." as your major. Please also note that if you have already submitted an online application for Graduate Non-Degree status or for another graduate program, you must still complete a new online application for this program using a new personal identification number (PIN) and password and submit an additional application fee.
Financial Assistance
Various sources of financial assistance are available to graduate students at IUPUI. Applicants should contact:
IUPUI Office of Student Financial Services
CE 250 (Campus Center)
420 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140
Phone: (317) 274-4162
www.iupui.edu/~finaid