Hispanic Applied Linguistics M.A.

Hispanic Applied Linguistics (15 credits – 5 courses of 3 credits each)
You will complete 15 credit hours (5 courses) in Hispanic applied linguistics.
Download here the description of our HISPANIC APPLIED LINGUISTICS COURSES

Latin American/Spanish/Latino(a) Literatures (6 credits – 2 courses of 3 credits each)
You will complete 6 credit hours (2 courses) in Latin American/Spanish/Latino(a) literatures.

The following are some examples of capstone projects developed in recent years by graduate students in the M.A.:

• Integrating Pragmatic Instruction in the L2 Curriculum 
• A Critical Discourse Analysis of Maryland Language Education Policy
• Curriculum Development for Spanish Programs in Elementary Education
• Available Lexicon of Hispanic Students at the University of Maryland
• Bimodal vs. Reversed Subtitling: Effects on Foreign Language Reading Comprehension
• Target Language Practice in Study Abroad Programs
• Perceptions of Language by Heritage Language Learners of Spanish
• The Effects of Parental Attitudes upon Bilingualism in Their Children
• Vocabulary Retention Among Adult ESL Learners: Differences Between Ages
• Linguistic Human Rights and Educational Policy in Guatemala
• Learning Processes in Explicit Instruction
• Assessment in Heritage Language Courses
• Pedagogical Grammar in Teaching Spanish as an L2

The comprehensive examination is given three times per year, on designated days in January, May and August. The examination is based on a READING LIST prepared and periodically revised by the faculty. 

Further information about exams may be obtained from the Spanish MA Program page. 

Upon completion, students in the M.A. in Hispanic applied linguistics program will demonstrate:

• An understanding of key concepts in Hispanic applied linguistics and sociolinguistics.
• Advanced language capabilities essential for communicating in Spanish in a variety of academic and professional contexts.
• Intercultural skills necessary for interacting with Spanish-speaking populations, in educational, business or political venues.
• An understanding of the social, cultural and political conditions of Spanish-speaking heritage communities in general and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in particular.
• Mastery of specific major works and concepts of Latin American / Spanish / US Latina/o literatures and cultures, as relevant to the student’s professional goals.

The following are some of the possible options for students interested in participating in an internship as part of their M.A. in Hispanic applied linguistics. Specific details will be discussed with the advisor.

• Center for Applied Linguistics, Washington, D.C.
• Prince Georgeʼs County Schools, MD
• World Bank, Washington, D.C.
• National Foreign Language Center, UMD
• National Geographic, Washington, D.C.
• CASA de Maryland
• CARECEN, Washington, D.C.
• Latin American Youth Center, Washington, D.C. and MD
• La Clínica del Pueblo, Washington, D.C.
• EuroAmerican Journal of Applied Linguistics and Languages
• Foreign cultural institutes and embassies
• Immersion schools in Spanish

The requirements for application to the internship are:

• Students are in their 3rd or 4th semester of M.A. program (it is highly recommended that students conduct an internship during their 3rd semester)
• Excellent academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher)
• Letter of recommendation from advisor
• Statement of purpose after initial meeting with internship supervisor at host institution

The academic requirements to be completed during the internships are:

• Biweekly written progress reports, to be signed by supervisor and submitted to internship coordinator
• One report on a research issue/problem in the internship
• Presentation at the end of the internship to faculty and students
• A final evaluation of the placement
• Updated resume to include the internship and a final portfolio of the internship

M.A. students interested in participating in research projects in the area of Hispanic applied linguistics should schedule an appointment with Dr. Lacorte or Dr. Gironzetti to discuss available opportunities. Current faculty members specialize in the following areas:

• Discourse Analysis
• Sociocultural theory
• Language Program Management
• Pragmatics
• Curriculum Development
• Language Teaching Pedagogy & Methodology 
• Humor Studies
• Language Teaching Materials Design

The American Association for Applied Linguistics defines applied linguistics as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that addresses a broad range of language-related issues in order to understand their roles in the lives of individuals and conditions in society. It draws on a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches from various disciplines—from the humanities to the social and natural sciences—as it develops its own knowledge-base about language, its users and uses and their underlying social and material conditions. 

A full-time student typically completes the M.A. in two years if s/he is only taking courses during the spring and fall semesters. However, part-time students typically need more time to finish the program, depending on how many courses per semester they are taking. Keep in mind that M.A. students have a limit of 5 years to complete their degree.

Students can determine the cost per semester from the UMD Bursar website or contact the Office of the Bursar for clarification (billtalk@umd.edu, Tel. 301-314-9000).

The answer to this question depends on your goals. If you are planning to pursue a Ph.D. at UMD or other institutions, we recommend the thesis option. You can choose one of these options at the beginning of the program or later, until the third semester (depending on what electives you may have taken). The non-thesis option may be more convenient for those students who are not interested in further graduate work. 

This program is not only for people who want to become teachers of Spanish. Other career options include pursuing a Ph. D. in a related area (such as applied linguistics, second language acquisition, curriculum and instruction or higher education), work at companies in the fields of communications or editing services or enter the educational administration field.

This program does NOT provide you with a teacher certification for USA schools K-12. If you are interested in obtaining this certificate, please refer to any of these sources:

• Maryland Teacher Certification
• UMD College of Education

Yes, but only if you start as a part-time student and you are not applying to a teaching assistantship. 

Yes, but these are very competitive and the number of TAships offered varies on an annual basis.

It is not necessary to have a B.A. in linguistics to apply, but you should have a minimum of four (4) courses at the advanced undergraduate level in either Spanish or Latin American/US Latina/o literature, Hispanic linguistics or a combination of these. Please refer to the admissions process and requirements section of our webpage

This is not a problem, provided that you can demonstrate at least a low advanced (ACTFL) or C1 (CEFR) proficiency in Spanish. Keep in mind that as part of your application you will need to submit a writing sample in Spanish and participate in an oral interview. If you are not a native speaker of English, please see UMD requirements.

Please find more information here.

You will be able to find information about deadlines for national and international students here.

Information about application fee waiver here.

There are no study abroad opportunities for graduate studies. 

Yes. You can take summer classes at the 400 level up to a maximum of two or as many classes as you want if these are offered above the 400 level. You can take online classes only as electives.