Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the MA in Hispanic Studies at Loyola
¡Bienvenidos al programa de maestría en estudios hispánicos!
Whether you want to teach one of the world's most widely spoken languages, make information accessible to Spanish-speaking individuals, or explore the rich history and culture of the Hispanic world, the Loyola University Chicago's MA in Hispanic Studies can lead you to a fulfilling and exciting career.
Loyola's master's degree in Hispanic studies not only builds on your knowledge of the Spanish language but also gives you a strong foundation in Hispanic literature and culture. This unique degree opens the door to numerous opportunities to serve in education, government, social services, and beyond.
Program Structure
The MA in Hispanic Studies can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held at the Lake Shore Campus, located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan, in a diverse and dynamic residential area
Typically, it takes two years to complete this master's degree program, however, it is possible to finish the program in as few as 18 months through our accelerated format.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your MA in Hispanic Studies?
At Loyola, you will join a community of peers and faculty passionate about Hispanic literature, language, and culture. As a Jesuit institution located in the multicultural city of Chicago, Loyola offers a distinguished and culturally rich experience.
- Small class sizes
- Covering a wide range of interests
- An opportunity to serve abroad
- Teaching experience and assistantships
- Excellent job placement and career support
- A yearly symposium
Receive individualized attention from professors and make meaningful connections with fellow graduate students. Our Hispanic studies courses, conducted exclusively in Spanish, are intentionally small to foster academic, intellectual, and social growth.
Gain a strong foundation in Hispanic literature and culture while exploring your own academic interests. The program allows you to take courses from other departments and institutions, including study abroad, in such areas as literary theory, history, philosophy, bilingual education, and women’s and gender studies.
Help oversee an undergraduate study abroad program in Spain. Once accepted into the MA in Hispanic Studies, you can apply to be an assistant to the study abroad program director at la Universidad Loyola Andalucía en Córdoba. This gives you the opportunity to experience Spanish culture and practice Spanish instruction and leadership.
Gain experience in teaching Spanish at the college level. Students can be selected to receive tuition funding and a stipend to teach one to two undergraduate Spanish courses each semester as the instructor of record.
Attend a respected institution with a history of preparing successful Hispanists. Loyola has a strong record of placing graduates in nationally ranked doctoral programs and in Chicago area schools. We also offer individual career and academic advising.
Present academic research and network at the Graduate Symposium in Hispanic Studies. The MA in Hispanic Studies program hosts the annual event to explore a theme within the field and allow graduate students to showcase their research and make connections.
Modern Languages and Literatures Department
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is committed to teaching students to develop linguistic, cultural, and literary competencies in world languages that are critical to engaging in our diverse global society. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Hispanic Studies MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Hispanic Studies MA program.
FacultyHispanic Studies: Career Connections
Unlike a traditional Spanish MA program, the MA in Hispanic Studies prepares you for several careers from teaching to international business. Many of our graduates go on to earn doctoral degrees and teach in both K-12 and higher education settings.
Specific job options include:
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Ambassador
- Foreign affairs officer
- Journalist
- Spanish teacher
- College/university instructor
- Editor
- International services consultant
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Hispanic Studies MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Hispanic Studies MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMA in Hispanic Studies Results and Skills
The MA in Hispanic Studies from Loyola helps you gain familiarity with Latin American and Spanish literature, language, history, and culture. Through the program you will learn how to conduct and communicate research, compose original arguments, and teach in Spanish. You will also develop the following:
- Fluency in Spanish (verbal and written)
- Pedagogical development
- Student assessment
- Literary analysis
- Cultural competence
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Global awareness
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Hispanic Studies MA totals $36450.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,215.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Hispanic Studies MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: Rolling admission
Consideration for merit funding: February 1
Spring: Rolling admission
Please note that decisions are typically delivered within a week of complete application submission.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Hispanic Studies MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Spanish OPI Exam
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
Please provide a writing sample, preferably in Spanish.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution or testing agency to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Hispanic Studies MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY