Spanish Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Spanish offers proficiency in the Spanish language as well as exposure to various forms of cultural production of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. It is valuable for professionals seeking additional language training in Spanish for whom language proficiency and cultural knowledge are crucial for successful communication and cultural/diversity understanding in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States. Spanish teachers can earn PDPs through this graduate certificate.

The goals of the 15 credit certificate program are:
• To raise the level of communicative competence of native and non-native speakers of Spanish;
• To provide critical and practical skills necessary for analyzing, assessing and addressing academic and societal issues related to the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world;
• To provide knowledge and advanced skills in Spanish language and Hispanic cultures necessary for higher-level graduate work;
• To increase, improve and promote cultural understanding and awareness of regional, national and international Spanish-speaking communities.

Applicable Career Paths

Translation services with hospitals, school districts, government agencies, law enforcement, communications, and professional development for Spanish educators.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). If the undergraduate degree is not in Spanish, students
must have completed the appropriate advanced level conversation, composition or advanced language course, or equivalent. Equivalency is determined in consultation with the faculty advisor,or through an oral and written exam. It is strongly recommended that students consult with the advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish when applying.

Application Requirements

Applicants who want to be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish must submit the following:

  1. An application for admission;
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
  3. Two letters of recommendation describing the individual’s potential to complete the program requirements.

The graduate certificate in Spanish requires 15 credit hours at the graduate level, some of which may be applicable to other graduate programs at Westfield State University. All courses will be offered online.

Requirements

Program Objectives

The Graduate Certificate in Spanish offers proficiency in the Spanish language as well as exposure to various forms of cultural production of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. It is valuable for professionals seeking additional language training in Spanish for whom language proficiency and cultural knowledge are crucial for successful communication and cultural/diversity understanding in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.  Spanish teachers can earn PDPs through this graduate certificate.

 

This 15-credit hour certificate program has as its goals:

  1. To raise the level of communicative competence of native and non-native speakers of Spanish;
  2. To provide critical and practical skills necessary for analyzing, assessing and addressing academic and societal issues related to the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world;
  3. To provide knowledge and advanced skills in Spanish language and Hispanic cultures necessary for higher-level graduate work;
  4. To increase, improve and promote cultural understanding and awareness of regional, national and international Spanish-speaking communities.

 

Admissions Requirements

Students applying for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). If the undergraduate degree is not in Spanish, students must have completed the appropriate advanced-level conversation, composition or advanced language course, or equivalent. Equivalency is determined in consultation with the faculty advisor, or through an oral and written exam.

 

Applicants who want to be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish for the Professions must submit to the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education:

 

  1. An application for admissions;
  2. All official transcripts;
  3. Two letters of recommendation describing the individual's potential to complete the program.

 

Program Requirements

The graduate certificate in Spanish requires 15 credit hours at the graduate level, some of which may be applicable to other graduate programs at Westfield State University.  All courses will be offered online.

Students must complete the five courses (15 credit hours) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to earn the certificate.  A student who receives a grade of F or two grades below B- may be barred from further enrollment in graduate courses.

 

Students must complete the Graduate Certificate Program within six years; certificate students may move toward completion at their own pace within this time period.  In order to remain a certificate student, the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.

 

It is strongly recommended that students consult with the advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish.

 

Required Coursework

Students need to take five courses, two of which must be LSPA 0516 Intensive Spanish Conversation and LSPA 0517 Intensive Spanish Composition. The remaining courses may be taken from the following list.

Questions? We're here to help.

Visit the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions

image of the globe on the campus green with Courtney Hall in the background

Contact Us