A group of three tourists in Barcelona, Spain looking at a guidebook.

Doctor of Philosophy in
Spanish

Sharpen Your Spanish Language Expertise

Become a master of your area of interest in Spanish linguistics or research by earning a PhD in Spanish from the University at Albany.

Enroll in courses that are completely taught in Spanish to improve your practical skills. Refine your knowledge by selecting a specialization within the program. Make use of UAlbany's convenient location in the New York State capital to attend program-relevant events and participate in immersive internship programs. The doctoral program in Spanish prepares you for a career in areas such as 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.

Improve your breadth and depth in Spanish through instruction by renowned academics. UAlbany's faculty specializes in a variety of linguistic, cultural and academic backgrounds.

 

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Carmen Serrano at [email protected].

Concentration Areas
Hispanic Literature

The concentration in Hispanic Literature is planned with the Director of Graduate Studies, who takes into account your 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.

The following areas of study are available:

  1. Modern/Contemporary Spanish (Peninsular) Literature
  2. Modern/Contemporary Latin American Literature
  3. Cultural Studies
  4. Literary Theory

You must demonstrate reading knowledge of one foreign language other than Spanish and English by means of course work or a translation exam.

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 your preparation, areas of special interest, and professional objectives. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the MA.

  1. 18 credits taken from any Spn, Lin, or Llc (maximum 9 Llc credits) courses at the 500 level or above.
  2. 12 credits of relevant extra-programmatic courses in linguistics (Lin) or language teaching (ETap) as advised.
  3. Reading knowledge of two languages in addition to Spanish and English demonstrated by course work or by a translation exam.
Career Outcomes

With a Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish, you can pursue a career in areas including academia, government and industry. You will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, which can be shared with peers and faculty at professional conferences.

Potential job titles include:

  • Professor/lecturer
  • Study abroad coordinator
  • Translator
  • Diplomat
  • Foreign correspondent
A professor working with students in a library
careers

"As a Teaching Assistant in the Spanish PhD program at UAlbany I felt well-prepared to pursue a career in academia. In addition to conducting research and writing my dissertation, I was also teaching and engaged in service to the department as a course coordinator. Learning to balance these three areas as a graduate student helped ease the transition into a full-time faculty position."

-Ashley LaBoda, PhD, 2015, Assistant Professor of Spanish at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Hispanic Literature & Spanish Linguistics Concentrations

Required Application Materials

  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • Writing sample in Spanish

The statement of goals is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

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

Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Ph.D.
  • 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
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