Guidelines for Applying to the MA & PhD Spanish Program

To begin studies in this Department, you must apply for admission through the Graduate Admission Application, and you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee.

Deadlines

Fall semester only.

Priority deadline: January 12, 2024 (for Ph.D. students wishing to be considered for the University Fellows Program)
Extended deadline: March 11, 2024, for M.A. students in Spanish.
 

Please note that the completed online application requires one set of official or unofficial transcripts/records from all institutions attended. Once officially accepted to the program, official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the University of Arizona or enclosed in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution. A separate degree certification is required if the degree is not posted on the transcripts/records. All foreign documents for admission to the University of Arizona must be sent with a certified English translation. To be official, transcripts/documents must have the original seal of the institution and the signature of a responsible official/Registrar. See link: http://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/transcript-requirements​

You will also submit three letters of recommendation via the online Graduate Admission Application. Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by your recommenders online. Specifically, your three recommendations should be by professors with whom you have studied and who can inform us of your academic potential in your chosen area. It would be helpful to us in evaluating your candidacy if you would ask your professors to comment on how long and in what capacity each has known you, your Spanish, your pronunciation, your knowledge of grammar, your knowledge of literature, and your probable or demonstrated teaching ability. Very important will be their opinion of your personal qualities, your initiative, your dependability, and your ability to work with others.

A Statement of Purpose (written in Spanish, 1-2 pages) where you address your reasons for wanting to join the graduate program, your academic strengths and preparation, and your academic and professional goals, will need to be uploaded. It would also be helpful if you address your evolution as a student of the Spanish language and literature. Please note, if you are also applying for a GA position, the aforementioned Statement of Purpose is to be submitted in addition to the statement of purpose required for the GA position.

Additionally, you will need to submit a writing sample in Spanish. A term paper from your most recent degree related to your field of study is acceptable.

    If you are interested in a GA position you will be able to indicate on the online Graduate Admission Application. If Spanish is not your native language you will upload a recorded presentation from the "Guidelines for Preparing a Presentation". The award of GA appointment provides a waiver of out-of-state tuition. It may be of interest to you to know that a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Graduate Minority Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis by the Graduate College. Additionally, a limited number of Graduate Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Academic Scholarships are available on a competitive basis through the Graduate College to students participating in our graduate program.

      Acceptable English Proficiency tests are: 

      Foreign students, who must obtain a student visa through this University, are required by the U.S. Government to provide a Financial Guarantee Worksheet. Foreign students must certify they possess adequate financial resources to support themselves while in residence at the University of Arizona and must provide proof of financial support. 

        Please prepare a recorded presentation in the language you will be teaching that describes your professional goals. Please use your normal speaking voice and do not read from a prepared text.

        The following questions will guide your presentation. Do not limit yourself to just this information.

        • What has your experience been in learning a second language? (Where did you learn it? What methods were used to teach you the language?)
        • If you have taught a second language, what techniques did you use?
        • Why do you want to teach Spanish or Portuguese as a second language?
        • How do you feel that teaching Spanish or Portuguese in a proficiency-oriented program will help you in your career?
        • What do you think you will learn from the experience of teaching Spanish or Portuguese as a second language at the University of Arizona?
        • What talents and/or experiences will you bring to the program that will enhance your teaching?

         


            If you have any questions, please call the office of Graduate Studies or write to:

            Director of Graduate Studies

            Dr. Faith Harden
            Department of Spanish and Portuguese
            ML 565
            fharden@arizona.edu
            University of Arizona
            Tucson, AZ 85721
            (520) 621-5240 or (520) 621-3125
            Fax: (520) 621-6104

            Your application will be considered once you have submitted all required documentation online. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied.

            Revised 1-8-21