Besides filing the official graduate application forms, the prospective student must provide transcripts covering all previous college-level studies. This usually includes a bachelor's degree with a major in Spanish, three letters of reference, and a sample of written work (an essay or term paper). GRE scores, while not required, are taken into consideration. The department encourages students to take it, but all applicants with strong academic records will be considered for admission. International applicants must score at least 90 on the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) with a minimum score of 22 on each of the four subsections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) and must show that they have the necessary funds to finance their education (living expenses plus tuition). It is strongly recommended that applicants take the TOEFL exam in their country of origin. An applicant whose qualifications seem deficient may be admitted on a part-time basis as a Graduate School special student (GSP) through the School of Professional Development. All doctoral students and students with a TA/GA stipend whose native language is not English must also demonstrate a sufficient level of English-speaking proficiency.
An applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale.