Degree: Master of Arts in Education
Program: Spanish Education
Degree Level: Graduate
Credit Hours: 36 credit hours
Delivery Format: Online
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Spanish education)
The MAE in Spanish Education is designed for K-12 Spanish teachers who would like to continue their education through the study of an online graduate degree in Spanish education. The program consists of 18 hours of Spanish coursework and 18 hours of education-related coursework primarily focused on second language acquisition and foreign language pedagogy. Students will have the option of either completing a 6-hour thesis or combining Spanish courses with summer study abroad options.
This graduate program is unique because it is one of the few online programs in the country that focuses on Spanish education. The online format—along with potential study abroad options—enables students to conveniently focus on both their Spanish proficiency as well as their knowledge of foreign and second language pedagogy.
The MAE in Spanish Education would enable graduates to pursue additional career opportunities teaching Spanish at a community college or serve as lecturers and/or adjuncts at colleges and universities. It would also enable graduates to pursue doctoral programs in education. It should be noted that this degree is not designed for students who are interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in Spanish.
- A completed graduate application form (and fee);
- Completion of the bachelor's degree (preferably in education) with at least 21 hours of upper-level (300/400) coursework in Spanish, with a minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.75 and 3.00 in Spanish coursework;
- Spanish teaching certification (K-12 or 7-12) or eligibility;
- Oral proficiency interview in Spanish with members of the Department of Modern Languages (conducted online or face-to-face);
- Submission of a two-page Spanish essay outlining candidate’s professional experience and goals;
- Submission of a one-page English essay outlining candidate’s motivation for post-graduate study at UNK
- Submission of two letters of recommendation from individuals who have knowledge of the candidate’s capabilities and/or performance.
Basic computer literacy is required to succeed as an online student. To decide if online learning is for you, click on http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/ecampus/index.php?id=4788. To determine if you have the minimum hardware and software needed, log on to http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/students/index.php?id=6213.
Required Courses = 15 hours
1. Pedagogy: (9 hours)
FORL 810 Second Language Acquisition—3 hours (even numbered summers)
FORL 872 Foreign Language Pedagogy—3 hours (offered most summers)
FORL 870 TESOL—3 hours (offered most summers)
2. Research: (6 hours)
FORL 800 Curriculum Development & Research –3 hours (odd-numbered summers)
TE 800 Educational Research – 3 hours (offered every semester)
Content Area Requirement = 18 hours
1. Take the following: (12 hours)
SPAN 808 Comparative Grammar –3 hours (spring semester)
SPAN 899 Independent Studies in Spanish (Portfolio)—3 hours (scheduled with the advisor)
SPAN 870 Seminar in Spanish/Latin American Studies—3 hours (offered in the fall semester)
SPAN 897 Directed Readings in Spanish—3 hours (offered in the spring semester)
2. Electives: (9 hours)
a. Choose 6 hours from the following:
SPAN 875 / 876, Study Abroad – 3-6 hours (offered in odd numbered summers)
SPAN 899 Independent Studies in Spanish (Literature)—3 hours (offered every semester)
SPAN 896, Thesis - 6 hours (scheduled with the advisor)
b. Choose an approved graduate elective related to students’ interests and program of study—3 hours (scheduled with the advisor)
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a mid-sized comprehensive public university. UNK is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska system. In a typical year, UNK draws students from 47 states and 50 foreign countries with a total enrollment approaching 7,200 students.
Affordable - UNK has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. For tuitions rates, click here.
Accredited Programs - UNK is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Quality Education - UNK offers the same quality distance degree programs and courses that are offered on the campus. The majority of the instruction is taught by credentialed full-time faculty with doctoral degrees who are committed to quality teaching. Students and teaching remain the first priority with faculty at UNK.
Quality Student Support Services - Quality student support services are a hallmark of education at UNK. To help students get started with their online courses, a set of online video tutorials are available, as well as the Online Student Orientation. Other services include 24/7 library services, discounted software and hardware, a writing center, 24/7 technology help desk, online bookstore, and more.
For tuitions rates, click here.
Contact: Dr. Chris Jochum, Program Coordinator and Advisor
Department: Modern Languages
Email: jochumcj@unk.edu
Phone: 308-865-8536
Address: Thomas Hall, Room 215A, UNK, Kearney, NE 68849