Boston University

Overview

The PhD program in Hispanic Language and Literatures at Boston University is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct original research in Spanish and Hispanic literatures, languages, and cultural studies. This comprehensive program emphasizes the development of advanced research, teaching, and scholarly communication skills, preparing graduates for both academic and professional careers.

What you'll study

The doctoral training encompasses coursework, teaching preparation, and dissertation research.

• Theory seminar: Engage in an advanced study of critical and theoretical approaches pertinent to Hispanic studies.
• Pedagogy: Receive training for teaching language and literature at the university level.
• Hispanic literature: Participate in graduate-level seminars that focus on key authors, texts, and literary movements.
• Hispanic film and cultural forms: Analyze film and related cultural media within Hispanic contexts.
• Portuguese for Spanish speakers: Explore language-focused preparation that supports comparative research and reading.

Dissertation component: Students will create a research proposal, fulfill required coursework, and write a dissertation based on original scholarship. Progress is typically assessed through departmental milestones.

Teaching and professional development: Doctoral candidates receive support in developing teaching competencies and academic communication skills, including research presentation and scholarly writing preparation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent graduate-level preparation in Spanish, Hispanic studies, comparative literature, linguistics, or a closely related field. Specific degree and course prerequisites may vary based on individual applicant backgrounds and faculty research interests.

GRE/GMAT and GPA minimums are not explicitly listed; admission decisions are typically based on a holistic review of the application, including academic qualifications and writing samples.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Hispanic Language and Literatures can pursue a variety of career paths. Many find opportunities in academia, engaging in teaching and research roles at universities. Others may enter fields such as cultural institutions, publishing, translation, and international relations, leveraging their expertise in Hispanic languages and cultures.