salemstate.edu/graduate
“The MAT program at Salem State University is very comprehensive. I’ve been able to acquire new teaching skills that have significantly improved my students’ engagement in the courses I teach at the high school. We are always updated about new changes in world languages in the district, state and the rest of the country. Personal shout out to all the professors, besides learning new ways of teaching, I have improved my Spanish skills and completed a research project. The program is well rounded and a life changer.”
—
Rehana
Yusif ’20
CURRICULUM
Our MAT in Spanish program addresses all coursework needed for the elementary and secondary initial license, as well as elementary and secondary professional license.
PROGRAM: 38-39.5 CREDITS INITIAL
4 SPN courses for the initial program and 5 for the advanced, and a Research Monograph in Spanish for both.
SPN 705 Seminar in Latin American and U.S. Latino Literatures
SPN 706 Seminar in Peninsular Spanish Literature
SPN 710 Seminar in Cultures of Spain
SPN 711 Seminar in Latin American and U.S. Latino Cultures
SPN 750 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics and Sociolinguistics
SPN 900 MAT Research Monograph
• 2 semester-long Spanish-specific methods courses
• 1 semester-long supervised practicum
• Strong field experiences and content courses
LICENSURE:
For those seeking initial license , after completing the MAT in Spanish and finishing three years of teaching under the initial license, students will be eligible for their professional license. With this program, students will receive both their initial and professional licenses and the experience necessary for their teaching careers. Students pursuing professional license (advanced studies) from the start will complete 36 credits . They do not take the practicum or field courses and have flexibility in education course selection. Required Action Research in Spanish with Clinical. Spanish-specific methods courses strongly recommended.
COURSE FORMAT:
Online, mostly synchronous courses.
LENGTH OF PROGRAM:
2.5-3 years, approximate time to complete. Two courses per semester and one/two in the summer. Offerings are focused on students who are teaching, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals.
FACULTY
Offered through Salem State’s World Languages and Cultures program, the MAT in Spanish program is unique, as the instruction is conducted entirely by full-time professors. Beyond the classroom, faculty are actively engaged in field-specific research and are published authors and conference presenters. All share a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to student success. The rigorous Spanish course package is full immersion learning and offers solidly balanced preparation for students as they prepare for their chosen careers.
COST
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $450.80*, which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $543.10*. The program is 36-42 credits. For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
Visit salemstate.edu/tuition to learn more.
*Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
ADMISSIONS
Rolling Admissions, Fall, Spring, Summer
MAT Spanish
Bachelor’s degree
Degrees obtained abroad need to be officially translated. 3 Required, written in Spanish
If you are applying to the initial licensure program, you must also submit MTEL* scores (communication and literacy and Spanish subject test) or documentation of your Provisional license in Spanish P-6 or 5-12.
If you are applying to the professional licensure program, you must submit a copy of your initial teaching license in Spanish.
*MTEL requirement has been waived for admissions purposes through Spring 2026. MTEL is required by Student Teaching for the initial track.
If you attended an institution abroad, additional materials may be required.
The master of arts in teaching (MAT) Spanish is for prospective and current teachers of Spanish. The program combines Spanish content courses conducted entirely in the target language with education courses to meet your licensure needs. Our program meets the pedagogical and content standard requirements for Massachusetts licensure.
There are four licensure options: initial licensure at the elementary (P-6) level, initial licensure at the secondary (5-12) level, professional licensure at the elementary (P-6) level, and professional licensure at the secondary (5-12) level.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply
Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid
Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu
Phone: 978.542.6200
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.
