What are the required courses for the Online MA in Spanish degree?

This is a very good question. The answer is that there are no required courses per se. Remember, that students are required to take 36 credit hours from a list of possible courses. Ideally, students will take courses in their area of interest - Linguistics or Literature - as this will help them prepare for the written and oral exams at the end of their studies. This link:

http://catalog.nmsu.edu/grad-2008-2009/19-departmental/span.html

contains a list of courses offered at the graduate level. Please keep in mind that all of these courses are not offered every semester o every year. There will be at least 4 online courses per academic cycle. They are taught on a rotating basis.

How do I register for courses?

First, you must have either completed the non-degree application and submitted it to the Graduate School, or, you need to be formally accepted into the program (please see our website for instructions: http://www.nmsu.edu/~langling)

Once one of those steps has been completed, please visit the link to register and do other things as an NMSU student.

http://distance.nmsu.edu/current/index.html

We highly recommend visiting the NMSU Distance Education web site http://distance.nmsu.edu/, please see all the additional information under both the Prospective Students link and the Current Students link.

What is the overall program cost and is financial aid available?

Currently, tuition to the complete Online MA in Spanish in the projected two-year time period, not including books and other fees associated with individual classes, is around $10,000 USD. Again, keep in mind this projection is based on current tuition. Remember, tuition prices are subject to change. All-in-all, a pretty good deal for a two-year Master’s degree from a quality university.

Consider this cost-benefit analysis. If, after obtaining a Master's degree, you were to receive a $20,000 a year pay increase, simply for having a Master's degree, you would pay for your entire tw0-year degree in your first year after having graduated.... Again.... a pretty good deal.

As for financial aid, there are many possibilities available. We invite you to visit: http://distance.nmsu.edu/

Click on the Prospective Students link, then click on Financial Aid. All the information you need is there.

Many students also ask if it is necessary to pay the entire amount upfront… the answer is NO. This is a pay as you go program where you pay for the courses you take in the academic cycle that you take them.

What if I don’t have a degree in Spanish or a related area? Will I be able to enroll in the MA program?

What we recommend for students that do not have a degree in Spanish specializing in Literature or Linguistics is to enroll in the program as a non-degree seeking student. You may take up to 3 classes as a non-degree student and have those credits apply towards your degree. And, in the meantime, you can take that time to complete your formal application to the program. This gives both you and us the opportunity to ensure that you will be successful in the program. For instructions on applying as a non-degree seeking student, please see the Graduate School Website at:  gradschool.nmsu.edu

What is the teaching format for Online courses?

This is a very good question. First, we will say that it varies by instructor and by course. The base platform for course delivery beginning Summer 2012 will be Canvas. Within this platform, instructors use an array of tools. There will be tests (mostly essay in format), papers, collaborative group projects, graded discussion forums, BLOGs, presentations, observations, etc. Content delivery will be via PowerPoint presentations, Podcasts, iTunesU, live conferences and other prepared media formats.

How long will it take me to complete the degree?

We will offer 3-4 courses per academic cycle (Fall, Spring, Summer) per year beginning Fall 2009. During Summer 2009, we are offering 2 courses. The MA in Spanish Online requires 36 graduate-level credits. Our courses are 3 credits each. So, if a student is able to take 2 courses per cycle, they could finish in 2 complete years (that is 18 credits per year, 6 per academic cycle). It is possible to take only 1 course per cycle (which would extend the program), or 3 courses per cycle (which would shorten the program). The beauty of the online program is that it is as flexible as you need it to be. But, we have designed it thinking that most students would do 2 courses per cycle.

How Long Do Courses Last?

Courses during the summer vary depending on the instructor’s schedule. Courses maybe as short as 5 weeks – or – they may last 10 weeks.

Courses during the fall and spring semesters will follow the regular semester schedule of 15-16 weeks unless otherwise indicated.

For a complete list and to see actual dates, please see the course schedule online at: http://www.nmsu.edu/course/

Then, click on the Academic Cycle you wish to view.

Current Program Costs

Cost per credit for students for up to 6 credits in any academic cycle:

$212.85 per credit
$25 per credit Distance Ed fee (this fee is subject to change)
__________________________
237.85 per credit

Total for 6 credits = $1427.10

The program requires 36 credits.

For general information on Distance Education at NMSU, please visit:

http://distance.nmsu.edu/

and read the information under the Prospective Students link.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH OTHERS!!!

Visit our Web Page

Information on a complete OnLine Master's degree in Spanish.


Courses in areas of Linguistics and Literature.


Visit the link below and click on "Master of Arts in Spanish Online"

http://www.nmsu.edu/~langling

Send us questions here!!! We'll be glad to help!!!