Application FAQs
Please see this page for the Graduate School's general application FAQs.
The Graduate Program FAQs
Our program provides students with a solid foundation in theoretical linguistics and current issues in Hispanic Linguistics. Many of our students are trained in applied linguistics and Second Language Acquisition in coursework they elect to take outside the department.
No, we do not offer on-line or low-residency programs. All of our seminars are offered face-to-face, Monday-Friday, in the late afternoon or early evening.
Keep in mind that our graduate program is designed to be full time with a commitment to teach five days a week (between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm) and attend seminars usually scheduled from 3:30-6:00 pm or 6:30-9:00 pm. Preparation for seminars (reading, preparing presentations and papers) and for the class you teach as a TA/GPTI requires a great deal of time as well. It is unrealistic to work full time and very difficult to maintain a part-time job while you are enrolled in our program. Likewise, it helps to have plenty of support if you are responsible for child or dependent care in your family.
Additionally, if you are not a domestic student, the terms of your student visa stipulates that you are prohibited from working outside the University of Colorado or beyond your 50% appointment.
Through our program you will not earn a Secondary Spanish teaching certificate, the credentials needed for teaching in the public education system. Our program is mainly intended for students who hope to teach at the post-secondary level. CU-Boulder does offer a secondary Spanish teaching certificate through the School of Education.
The MA takes four semesters. The PhD takes four years, on average, including Dissertation.
Here you have a Sample Calendar (for reference purposes only):
MA Program
Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
---|---|---|
Year 1 | Graduate Seminars (9 units) [Teaching Methodology Course] | Graduate Seminars (9 units) [Select MA Faculty Advisor] |
Year 2 | Graduate Seminars (9 units) [Satisfy Language Requirement] [Select MA Supervisory Committee] | Graduate Seminars (6 units) [MA Comprehensive Exams] |
PhD Program
Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
---|---|---|
Year 1 | Graduate Seminars (9 units) | Graduate Seminars (9 units) [Select PhD Faculty Advisor] |
Year 2 | Graduate Seminars (9 units) Portuguese - SPAN 2350 [Form PhD Supervisory Committee] | Graduate Seminars (9 units) [Satisfy Language Requirement] |
Year 3 | Dissertation Credits (5 units) [PhD Comprehensive Exams] [Select PhD Dissertation Committee] [Submit Dissertation Proposal] | Dissertation Credits (5 units) |
Year 4 | Dissertation Credits (5 units) | Dissertation Credits (5 units) [Dissertation Defense] |
Year 5 | Dissertation Credits (5 units) | Dissertation Credits (5 units) [Dissertation Defense] |
Yes, but you will not be offered a TAship. You should take your classes through Continuing Education. Please be aware that you can only accumulate a limited number of credits through Continuing Education and you cannot get a degree with us as a part time student. Consult the Graduate Manual for further information.
The Department/University will pay for your health insurance premium each semester (Student Gold Health Insurance Plan), that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
You are responsible for the enrollment deposit ($200) which is returned to you upon graduation, the fees and other incidentals can be calculated by visiting the Bursar's Office website. Application fee waivers are occasionally available- please contact spangrad@colorado.edu for more information.
If you accept our offer, you will be assigned a TAship appointment, and you will receive a stipend to teach a lower division Spanish course(s). The amount will depend upon whether you are an MA (TA) or PhD(GPTI) student. In addition the Department/University will pay for your health insurance premium each semester (Student Gold Health Insurance Plan) and your tuition is paid for.
You are responsible for the enrollment deposit ($200) which is returned to you upon graduation, the fees and other incidentals can be calculated by visiting the Bursar's Office website.
Most of the students go on to teaching careers, at four year colleges. In past years, we were able to place students at top colleges, research universities, and comprehensive universities, such as Dartmouth College, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Portland State University, West Point Military Academy, Lehigh University.
We strive to maintain a balance between domestic and international students.
The program is comprised of twelve graduate professors and an average of twenty graduate students, at all stages of their careers. For more information, see “People.”
We accept an average of five students, total, including Literature, Linguistics, and the Teaching Spanish MA. Acceptance numbers are dependent on available funding.