PhD Spanish at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Study the literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world in our vibrant doctoral program, and develop as a confident scholar prepared to research, teach and publish. Achieve linguistic competence comparable to a native Spanish speaker, and conduct original research in Spanish and Latin American literary and cultural studies. Work closely with interdisciplinary faculty members with special strengths in film, gender and cultural studies, literary history and theory, linguistics, pedagogy and comparative literature.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Languages, Literatures, and Cultures | Duration: 12 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Produce original research on the literature and cultures of Spain, Latin America and other Hispanic cultures around the world. Demonstrate fluency comparable to native speakers, both orally and in writing, through advanced stylistic, critical and theoretical discourse. Expand collaborative research and teaching venues with other disciplines.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Teacher, Researcher, Writer/Editor, Business Executive, Translator, Diplomat.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): To be admitted to the Ph.D. program in Spanish, candidates typically have an M.A. in Spanish or related fields. A total of 30 credit hours may be approved toward the doctoral program. The Graduate Advisor in Spanish is responsible for the approval of the credit hours and for designing individual programs of study. Students with an M.A. in a related field may need to take a Proficiency Test to show verbal, written and reading skills in Spanish. Exceptions may be considered when the student’s first language is Spanish. Students who desire to pursue the Ph.D. in Spanish may enroll concurrently in the M.A. program in Spanish. In order to be admitted to the doctoral program, they must pass a Qualifying Examination during their third semester of M.A. work.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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