Spanish Concentration

An innovative, interdisciplinary program that can be completed fully online

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MA-FRLN-SPN

The Master of Arts in Foreign Languages aims to enhance the linguistic and cultural proficiency of students through courses in sociolinguistics and second language acquisition, film studies, cultural studies and literary studies. Students may select from five concentrations: Chinese, French, Spanish, French and Spanish, and Spanish/bilingual-multicultural education. Located only miles from Washington, D.C., students take advantage of the program’s existing relationships with schools, embassies, federal agencies, and international businesses—providing opportunity for internships and other educational experiences outside the classroom. 

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30

Six of the total credits may be earned with a thesis. All students must meet the core and distribution requirements given below and demonstrate proficiency through a portfolio, thesis, or capstone project.

Concentration in Spanish (SPN)

Required Core Courses 1  
SPAN 502 Hispanic Sociolinguistics 3
SPAN 510 Methods of Literary and Cultural Studies 3
Latino, Latin American, or Spanish cultures, literatures, or linguistics  
Select any five courses with the SPAN subject code. 15
Electives  
Select three electives in consultation with an advisor. 2 9
Directed Reading and Research  
Thesis  
Total Credits 30
1

Students must take the core courses within their first 15 credits.

2

They can include additional courses in Latin American or Spanish culture, linguistics, or literature, courses with the subject code FRLN, up to 6 credits of courses in related fields, and up to 6 credits of thesis research and writing. Students who do not complete their thesis during one semester of SPAN 799 will need to register for additional credits. Independent studies courses are not available for graduate students of Spanish.

 

Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking foreign languages or global affairs with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.

Foreign Languages, MA and Global Affairs, MA Dual Degree

The Department of Foreign Languages and the Global Affairs Program offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Foreign languages MA (concentration in French, Spanish, or Spanish-bilingual/multicultural education) and the Global Affairs MA in a minimum of 48 credits rather than the minimum of 60 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Requirements

Students pursuing a dual master's program linking the Foreign Languages MA with a concentration in French, Spanish, or Spanish bilingual/multicultural education with the Global Affairs MA can share 12 credits between the two programs.