Prospective Students
The M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Spanish Language and Culture for Educators is an 18-month program. You will begin with a summer on JMU’s campus, complete two semesters of evening/online coursework, spend the second summer in Salamanca, and wrap up in the final fall semester—designed so you can keep working while you study.
The M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Spanish Language and Culture for Educators is designed for licensed Spanish teachers and professionals in related fields who want to deepen their expertise in pedagogy, Spanish language, and Spanish-speaking cultures. It is ideal for educators who want to advance their skills while continuing to work full time and for those interested in teaching Spanish.
Find everything you need to know about applying for the Spanish Language & Culture program here. This page includes ideal instructions on how to apply and a list of documents to prepare.
Absolutely. The program is structured for working professionals. Online coursework takes place in the evenings during the fall and spring, allowing you to maintain your full-time teaching job. Only the summer residency periods require you to be on campus at JMU and USAL.
The Spanish Language and Culture for Educators program is considered full time, but it is designed for working educators. You will take online evening classes during the fall and spring semesters while keeping your job, and attend two six-week summer residencies at JMU and USAL.
The dual degree program from James Madison University and University of Salamanca enables students to:
- Teach Spanish as a second/foreign language
- Learn about the Spanish culture and language
- Master their Spanish speaking, listening, and writing skills
Graduates of the JMU/USAL Master in Education will find high demand for their skills around the world. Some of the fields include:
- Teaching
- Business
- Hospitality
- Government
- Non-profit sector
To demonstrate Spanish proficiency, applicants must complete one approved language assessment if they are not native speakers or do not hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
Applicants living in the United States must take the DELE exam. Applicants residing outside the U.S. should review each testing agency’s availability to determine which exam can be taken in their country.
Approved tests include:
Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) test
- DELE website: http://diplomas.cervantes.es
- Exam dates: http://diplomas.cervantes.es/aprender_espanol/fechas_examen_dele.html
- How to register: http://diplomas.cervantes.es/aprender_espanol/inscripcion_dele.html
- Fees: http://diplomas.cervantes.es/aprender_espanol/precios_dele.html
Certificado de Español, Lengua y Uso (CELU) test
- CELU website: http://www.celu.edu.ar/?q=es/node/6
- Exam dates: http://www.celu.edu.ar/?q=es/node/66
- Fees: http://www.celu.edu.ar/?q=en/node/182
Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) test
- BULATS website: http://www.bulats.org
- Exam dates: check with an authorized agent in your area
- How to register: http://www.bulats.org/agents/find-an-agent
- Fees: check with an authorized agent in your area
Admitted Students
JMU’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships processes federal student loans and private/alternative educational loans for students in this program. Additional Information can be found by contacting JMU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships directly.
FAFSA School Code: 003721
Priority FAFSA Filing Date: March 1st (Must be able to confirm receipt by the federal government by the above date)
During the first summer, classes will be held on the JMU campus. The classrooms are equipped with the latest technology (data projector, AV connection, computer - Windows PC, control system – Extron, DVD/VCR combination player, document camera, instructor console, laptop VGA cable (iPad requires VGA Adapter) and sound system). Each student will have access to the JMU official Wi-Fi network and all libraries. Each professor will have an office on-campus where students can meet during office hours or by appointment. For the online courses, JMU will use Canvas. This platform allows students to access course materials, turn in assignments, communicate with their professors, and check their grades.
During the second summer, classes will be held at USAL’s Facultad de Filología. The classrooms are equipped with a computer, a projector, a document camera, and sound system. Each student will have access to USAL’s Wi-Fi network and to the libraries. In addition, JMU has an office in Salamanca that students may access. Each professor at USAL has an office where students can meet during office hours or by appointment. For the online course, USAL will use Studium. This platform allows students to access course materials, turn in assignments, and check their grades.
Students are responsible for planning their own housing and travel arrangements for each summer. The program director, Diana Meza, can assist with this process. Contact her if you need help or have any questions.
