Master of Arts in Teaching of Spanish

Teaching Spanish or any language begins to unlock the keys to the global world. Giving others the ability to speak can be greatly benefit their personal and professional life. They can grow up with an appreciation of the Hispanic culture in ways that help shape global understanding.

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As a Spanish teacher, you can make a difference in the field of education. Your language skills will enable you to interact with English language learners or enhance English speakers with a growing language and its culture.

The course of study for the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish (MAT) is intended to equip you with knowledge of theories of second language acquisition and effective methods of teaching, as well as the main cultural manifestations of the language in literature. You will understand the relationship between language and society in the Spanish-speaking world and the connections between language studies (language, literature, culture and translation/interpreting) with other disciplines, and you will be able to apply the knowledge of the language system and culture to function effectively as teaching professionals.

Requirements

  • 30 credit hours, all of which must be completed in residence at IU Indianapolis
  • MAT may be completed in four semesters at IU Indianapolis, or three semesters and two summer sessions.
  • Must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B)

Only students taking advantage of the summer program in Salamanca (Summer Institute for Teachers of Spanish) can complete and transfer up to 6 credit hours toward the degree. Any other students interested in transferring credits (6 maximum) from other institutions may do so if contents of those courses are equivalent to any of the courses offered in the MAT, and with prior approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.

Core Required Courses (9 cr.)

  • SPAN S515 Acquisition of Spanish as a Second Language (3 cr.)
  • SPAN S517 Methods of Teaching College Spanish (3 cr.)
  • SPAN S519 Practicum in the Teaching of Spanish (3 cr.)

Elective Coursework (21 cr.)

Choose at least 21 credit hours in consultation with a program advisor. See the list of courses to choose at least 21 credits in consultation with a program advisor.

Students may select from the following options for the course of study:

  1. Thesis Option:  Includes 30 hours of coursework plus a master’s thesis (6 credit hours).
  2. Coursework Option: Requires 30 credit hours of coursework at the Graduate Level.

What Studying Spanish Did to Me?

Enjoying crepes after a hike in the PyreneesStudying Spanish has opened many doors throughout my life. Every job I have had over the last 10 years has been related to my use of the language. From EL programs, to being an Adjunct Professor here at IU Indianapolis, I have always found jobs where I am able to help my community or teach about the wonderful cultures of the Hispanic world.

Studying Spanish has allowed me the opportunity to reconnect with my heritage. As an immigrant living in this country, it is hard to maintain your beliefs and costumes in a new place. Assimilation is normal for us, but the classes that I was able to take gave me so much, personally, and professionally. The program helped me form a stronger sense of identity and pride in where I come from.

I was also very fortunate to have many extraordinary Professors during my time at IUI. They have pushed me and guided me to achieve greater things than I could have imagined at the beginning of my university career. I would definitely not be where I am if it wasn’t for their continuous support.

–Gilberto Huerta Nataren, B. A. in Spanish (2015) and MAT in Spanish (2019)

Study Abroad Option

Students may complete one summer at the University of Salamanca, Spain. Students, who complete a summer five-week program in Salamanca, receive a Certificate from the University of Salamanca attesting to their completion of the summer program(s) in residence there. The University of Salamanca has a well-developed curriculum for international students who aspire to teach Spanish, and its Cursos para Profesores receives a high level of academic prestige internationally. Other study abroad credits must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Teaching Certificate Option

This option combines the MAT in Spanish with eligibility for teacher certification through IU School of Education and their “T2T” (Transition to Teaching) Program. Students enrolled in this option develop a professional teaching portfolio and prepare for a career in Indiana Public Schools. It consists of 47 graduate credit hours including additional courses and field work.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 grading scale) in the student’s undergraduate major. An Undergraduate degree in Spanish is expected, but related degrees are also considered (additional coursework may be required).
  • Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree has been conferred.
  • Proficiency in the Spanish language. There are two options:
    • By examination: Attaining a score of Nivel Intermedio (B2) on the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE = Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
    • The applicant may submit an oral sample of 10-15 minutes of spontaneous speech in Spanish AND an essay in Spanish on some aspect of Spanish culture, literature, linguistics or pedagogy.
  • Three letters of recommendation. At least 2 should be from professors.

For INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, the university requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper version, 213 on the computer-based test. Send scores to Institution Code 1325, Dept. Code 2608. Students, who do not achieve this score, may be admitted to the university conditionally and may be required to take English as a Second Language courses through the Department of English. While taking these courses, students will be allowed to register for a maximum of six credit hours in the MAT. If admitted, international students will also be required to take the ESL placement test before registering for the first semester.

How to Apply

Go to the online application.

The personal statement should explain why you are pursuing the MAT. The statement should be written in English. The application fee, to be submitted by credit card, will be collected at the end of the online application.

Note: Under Educational Objectives, then under Type of Admission, choose Master’s, then under Academic Program, choose Spanish (IU Graduate School) and then as Major, choose Spanish M.A.T.

Note: If you have already submitted an online application for Graduate Non-Degree status or for another graduate program, you must complete a new online application for this program using a new personal identification number (PIN) and password, and submit an additional application fee.

Send all supporting materials (oral sample, academic paper, official transcripts, letters of recommendation) to:

Graduate M.A.T. in Spanish
Department of World Languages & Cultures
Cavanaugh Hall 545
425 North University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140
(317) 278-3658

More Info

Contact Rosa Tezanos-Pinto, Director of Spanish and Graduate Programs.