Spanish Concentration

Earn a BA and an MA in as little as five years!

Emily Kathryn Scheinberg, 2021

Emily Kathryn Scheinberg

What attracted you to the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish?

When I began to consider pursuing a master’s degree, I was unsure of what path to take. During my search, I came across the Spanish program at George Mason University. Immediately I was drawn to this program because it offered a wide variety of classes on numerous topics related to the Spanish-speaking world, from linguistics to literature to bilingual education. As someone who is interested in a multi-faceted approach to understanding Spanish language and culture, this program has been a perfect fit.

What are your primary academic and/or professional interests?

Being a part of Mason’s Spanish program has vastly expanded my academic horizons. I have had the opportunity to explore, investigate, and further connect with my second language. I realized that I am deeply interested in linguistics - especially around the linguistic representation of gender in the Spanish language. In fact, this became the foundation of my thesis research. In addition, this program has presented me with excellent professional opportunities and the Graduate Teaching Assistantship program has provided valuable experience as a teacher that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I am proud of my thesis project because, with the help of my thesis director and committee, I was able to design my own research study. This was a daunting task, but it ended up being a valuable experience.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

All of the professors I have taken classes with have been exemplary and have encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone through challenging coursework and helpful feedback.

Do you have any advice for students in the program?

My advice for future students is to be persistent and always open to learning new things. Although challenges may present themselves, remember that your community of faculty members and peers are there to help guide you. Most importantly, be sure to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.