Grow your expertise, expand your opportunities, and earn two master’s degrees in 18 months—without stepping away from your career.
Curriculum Overview
The program includes 36 graduate credits focused on Spanish linguistics, pedagogical foundations, curriculum development, and Spanish culture. Students deepen their expertise in both language and teaching practice through coursework delivered jointly by JMU and USAL.
The curriculum includes:
- Advanced coursework in Spanish language and linguistics
- Coursework on teaching methodologies and learning theories
- Curriculum design and instructional best practices
- Cultural studies supported by USAL’s faculty expertise
Students also complete an applied research project, designing and implementing a research-based instructional initiative in their own classroom or field setting. This culminating project allows them to apply what they have learned and strengthen their professional practice.
Students progress through the program as a cohort, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and strong professional connections.
Program Structure
- Summer 1 — JMU (Harrisonburg, VA): Six weeks of in-person coursework taught entirely in Spanish at JMU by faculty from USAL, including cultural excursions, faculty office hours, and access to JMU’s libraries and campus technology.
- Fall & Spring — Online Coursework: Evening classes (synchronous and asynchronous) allow students to continue teaching full time. JMU’s Canvas platform and USAL Studium platform are used for course materials, assignments, communication, and grading.
- Summer 2 — USAL (Salamanca, Spain): Six-week in-person session at the University of Salamanca. Students access USAL’s library, WiFi, faculty offices, and course materials through Studium and Canvas.
- Fall 2 — Online Coursework: Students complete their remaining online requirements and finalize their culminating project.
Tuition and Deadlines
Apply by January 15 to join the next cohort beginning summer 2027. The total estimated program cost is:
- $18,620 — Virginia residents
- $19,120 — Non-Virginia residents
Tuition includes a supplemental program fee that covers program activities and excursions. Airfare, books, meals, lodging, passport fees, and personal expenses are not included. Financial aid is available.
Learning at JMU
- Technology-equipped classrooms (projectors, AV systems, instructor consoles, document cameras, and more)
- Faculty office hours available in person or by appointment
- Full access to JMU’s libraries and WiFi network
Learning at USAL
- Technology-equipped classrooms at the Facultad de Filología
- Access to USAL’s WiFi and libraries
- JMU office in Salamanca for student support
- Faculty office hours at USAL
Academic Advising & Support
Each university provides robust academic guidance to ensure student success.
- A program director and two-person faculty committee at each institution oversee academic quality.
- Students receive support from faculty and staff at both JMU and USAL.
- Students are encouraged to connect with faculty early for guidance related to coursework, research planning and professional development.
