Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish is a graduate program offered by the University at Albany. The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in Spanish linguistics or research, preparing them for careers in academia, business, government agencies, and industry.

Program of Study

Students will be admitted into the PhD program after completing the course requirements for the MA in Spanish or Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and passing the MA/PhD qualifying exam. Admission is not automatic and will be based on course work, the results of the MA/PhD qualifying exam, and the evaluation of scholarly potential by the faculty. Applicants with the MA in Spanish or related areas from other institutions may apply for advanced standing in the program.

Concentration Areas

• Hispanic Literature
  • The concentration in Hispanic Literature is planned with the Director of Graduate Studies, who takes into account the student's preparation, areas of special interest, and professional objectives.
  • The program requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the MA, which may be taken from any Spn, or Llc (maximum 9 Llc credits) courses at the 500 level or above.
  • Areas of study include:
    • Modern/Contemporary Spanish (Peninsular) Literature
    • Modern/Contemporary Latin American Literature
    • Cultural Studies
    • Literary Theory
• Spanish Linguistics
  • The concentration in Spanish Linguistics is planned with the Director of Graduate Studies, and/or a linguist in the Program who takes into account the student's preparation, areas of special interest, and professional objectives.
  • The program requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the MA.
  • Requirements include:
    • 18 credits taken from any Spn, Lin, or Llc (maximum 9 Llc credits) courses at the 500 level or above.
    • 12 credits of relevant extra-programmatic courses in linguistics (Lin) or language teaching (ETap) as advised.

Career Outcomes

With a Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish, students can pursue careers in areas including academia, government, and industry. Potential job titles include:

• Professor/lecturer
• Study abroad coordinator
• Translator
• Diplomat
• Foreign correspondent

Admissions Requirements

• Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • Writing sample in Spanish
• Deadlines
  • Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
    • Fall: March 1
    • Spring: November 1
    • Summer: Not Available
  • No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
    • Fall: August 1
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: Not Available

Student Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to apply a high degree of competency in the discourses of the Spanish language common to functioning in a professional or academic environment.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the problems, issues, and research in either Hispanic literatures or Spanish linguistics.
• Students will be able to apply to their research knowledge of the texts and critical issues that define their chosen field.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to define a thesis, select a coherent methodological framework, and complete original, independent research.
• Students will show that they are prepared for the types of teaching expected of candidates for professional positions at the university level.
• Students will show that they are prepared for the types of research expected of candidates for professional positions at the university level.