Spanish Certificate

Vision Statement

The graduate certificate in Spanish provides students with the opportunity to earn a certificate degree after successful completion of 18 credit hours of intensive language proficiency training in Spanish. The program includes courses in Hispanic cultures, literature, linguistics, and, for those students interested in language teaching, language teaching pedagogy. 

The graduate certificate in Spanish presents a rigorous language program that seeks to serve these student populations: (a) High school faculty interested in teaching dual enrollment classes and who are required to have 18 graduate credit hours in their discipline to be eligible. (b) Bilingual instructors who support dual language and world language programs. (c) Individuals in various fields (e.g., law enforcement, social work, psychological services, healthcare) who work with Spanish-speaking individuals.

Program Contact Information

Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.4841
ctocaimazahatch@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)

Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. All materials must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student has elected to begin coursework.

Other Requirements

• Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5, PTE: 68, Duolingo: 130 
• Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose (700-900 words, double space), written in Spanish is required.  Some topics you might want to include:
  • Your interests and qualifications for graduate study
  • Description of yourself and your intellectual development
  • Strengths and weaknesses, and how you overcame them or challenges to overcoming them
  • Reasons why you want to join this program
  • Possible areas of research or deeper study
  • What you want to do after completion of the certificate
• Applicants must have at least advanced-low proficiency in Spanish

Degree Requirements