Hispanic Linguistics MA
What is Hispanic Linguistics?
All natural languages are aesthetic codes. Among other things, this means that they vary, change and are beautiful. Linguistics explores how language is generated by the brain, how we use our speech organs to transmit the messages the brain encodes, and how these messages are decoded by the hearer. Linguistics also explores how language, in all its facets, evolves over time and varies across social and geographical space. In the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, we study these and many other related topics, including the formidable challenges posed by translation, as they apply to Spanish—one of the world’s great languages.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Spanish Teaching, or the equivalent
- Previous experience teaching Spanish preferred
- Proficiency in a second foreign language; through 205 course level for Spanish (Intermediate High Level), or through 201 course level for other modern languages (Intermediate Mid Level). If not completed during undergraduate studies, this requirement may be fulfilled by Challenge Exam concurrently with MA program coursework no later than the third semester of study.
- For teaching eligibility, complete a teaching methods course (SPAN 376 or equivalent). If not completed during undergraduate studies, this requirement may be fulfilled concurrently with MA program coursework in the first semester of study.
- Strong academic writing skills and a capacity to conduct independent research
- Strong language skills in Spanish
- GRE (required)
- English Proficiency Exam
Program Requirements
- Complete the required 27 credit hours of coursework and 6 project or thesis credit hours, totaling 33 credit hours
- Teach at least one semester during the program
- Complete a Specialty Exam which covers readings and coursework
- Complete a project or thesis
Tuition Scholarships
- Department tuition scholarships typically cover 50–80% of LDS tuition rates for courses in a student's Program of Study for the first two years.
- Paid teaching assistantships are available.
For More Information, Contact:
Merrie Kay Ames, Graduate Program Manager – merrie_kay@byu.edu – 801-422-2196
Brian Price, Graduate Coordinator – brian_price@byu.edu
Rob Smead, Linguistics Section Head – rob_smead@byu.edu