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Spanish Master's Program Admission Requirements and Additional Information

Application Deadlines

  • Rolling admission: Applications are accepted throughout the year. Check the academic calendar to see when classes begin.
  • We recommend, however, a deadline of March 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. If you are interested in a teaching assistant (TA) position, we highly suggest applying early to increase your chances of securing a spot.

GRE Requirements

We do not require GRE scores.

GPA Requirements

Graduate applicants are evaluated holistically, based on specific departmental and program requirements.

GPA requirements for the graduate applicants:

  • 3.00 GPA in the undergraduate degree
  • 3.00 GPA or higher in Spanish
  • Note: However, in certain cases, exceptions may be granted. Students who do not meet the criteria may present their case by explaining any extenuating circumstances in their cover letter. If your GPA for the last 60 credit hours has improved, you should highlight that as well. If approved by the Spanish graduate faculty, you may be admitted to the program with the condition that you earn a grade of B or better during your first 12 credit hours in the Master's program.

Undergraduate Requirements

Candidates applying for the Spanish MA program are expected to demonstrate high proficiency in the areas of oral and written Spanish. They must provide evidence of being familiar with literary analysis and advanced grammatical concepts in Spanish.

A total of 9 advanced undergraduate credit hours in Spanish are required as prerequisites. To meet these credits the following courses or their equivalents are expected to be completed.

1. An introductory Spanish literature course or/and any Latin American or Spanish Literature survey course

2. Any upper division Spanish course at the third-fourth-year level (e.g. culture, linguistics, grammar, education, history)

3. Choose one (3 credit hours)

    • Highly recommended: SPAN 3003, 4210, 4250 or 4260
    • Any upper division Spanish course at the 3000 or 4000 level (including a second course from category #2 above)

Exceptions may be granted based on your academic background. If you have questions about your undergraduate coursework or prerequisites, please contact the Graduate Advisor, Dr. Jiyoung Yoon jiyoung.yoon@unt.edu.

How to Apply

For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the Graduate Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit materials including transcripts, a cover letter, and other items.

  • If you are applying for Spring 2025, click the ApplyTexas link on the Graduate Admissions website above to submit your application and send the departmental supplemental application materials listed below to the Spanish Graduate Advisor, Dr. Jiyoung Yoon jiyoung.yoon@unt.edu
  • If you are applying for Fall 2025 or later, click the GradCAS link on the Graduate Admissions website above to apply and upload the departmental supplemental application materials directly in the same application portal.

Supplemental Application Materials Required by the Department of Spanish:

Please note that the Department of Spanish conducts a holistic evaluation of the materials you submit, and the final admission into the program requires departmental approval. To complete your application, you must provide the following:

  1. Cover letter (Statement of Purpose)
    • Explain your reasons for applying to the UNT Spanish MA program.
    • Indicate whether you plan to attend full-time or part-time.
    • Mention if you are interested in a Teaching Assistant position in Spanish (note that full-time enrollment in the Spanish graduate program and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are required).
    • At the end of your cover letter, include the names, titles, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and work phone numbers of three professional references.
    • These references should be former professors, supervisors, or professional contacts related to your educational or professional background, and should include complete contact details: full name, phone number, email, and work address. We will contact these references if needed.
    • Provide any additional relevant information, such as research and job experience, previous education, and special skills.
  2. Curriculum vitae

    • A resumé of your studies and employment related to your plan of study.

  3. Research paper sample in Spanish
  • A well-organized paper, 4-6 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, with a bibliography formatted according to Modern Language Association (MLA) standards.
  • The topic can relate to literature, culture, linguistics, pedagogy, or similar areas. It may be a polished and well-proofread version of a term paper.

4. Audio file of applicant's spoken Spanish

  • Deliver a 3-5 minute speech on any subject of your choice.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs)

  • Once accepted, students may apply for a limited number of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) to help offset costs. These positions require full-time enrollment (9 credit hours per semester).
  • These positions are competitive, so apply as early as possible to secure your spot.
  • Teaching Assistants receive tuition benefits and coverage for 3-6 credit hours, along with a competitive monthly stipend based on a 9-month salary.
  • TAs will work closely with the TA Mentor, who will help them develop the necessary teaching and classroom management skills.
  • Successful TAs can advance to become Teaching Fellows (TFs) in their second year of the program, where they will teach courses.
  • TAs receive a 9-month salary set by UNT and an additional $2000/year departmental supplement.
  • TFs receive a 9-month salary set by UNT and an additional $3000/year departmental supplement (the TA supplement plus $1000).
  • TA and TF salaries and supplemental payments are contingent on adequate academic progress in the masters program as stated in graduate students' offer letters.

Graduate Students in Other Graduate Programs May Take Spanish MA Classes as Electives

  • Graduate students in good standing (with a GPA of B or higher) from UNT or any accredited university may take Spanish graduate courses as electives.

  • No formal admission is required. However, students must obtain approval from the professor teaching the graduate course before registering.

  • Students must demonstrate native or near-native fluency in reading, speaking, and writing in Spanish.
  • Interested students should present their case either in person or via email to the relevant Spanish professor, who will then notify the Spanish Graduate Advisor about their enrollment.