Application Procedures and Checklist

Application Procedures and Checklist

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese awards the degree of PhD with specializations in the areas of Spanish and Spanish American (Hispanic) Literatures, Portuguese and Brazilian Literatures, and Iberian Linguistics, plus optional emphases on Translation Studies, Feminist Studies, Medieval Studies and Applied Linguistics. The Department offers two types of programs: the MA/PhD program, intended for students who do not have a MA degree, and the PhD program, intended for students who already have a MA degree. Note that the Department does not offer an MA-only program: the MA is not considered a terminal degree; it is only awarded as part of the MA/PhD program. From the moment you apply to our program, your degree objective must be the PhD.

Application Materials (all materials must be received by December 17):

Submitted online:

  • Online application: https://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp
  • Statement of Purpose (in English)
  • Statement on Personal Achievements / Contributions (in English)
  • CV or résumé
  • Two writing samples, in Spanish or Portuguese: Normally these are academic papers, between 10-30 pages long, ideally drawing from primary and secondary sources. Submit samples that best show your analytical and critical skills, and your potential as a scholar and researcher.
  • Copy of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions uploaded in the online application
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation. These letters are submitted online directly by your recommenders (not by you). The online application provides instructions on how to submit the letters of recommendation.

Test Scores:

  • If your first language is not English: TOEFL scores (minimum: 550 Paper-Based Test [PBT], 80 Internet-Based Test [IBT]) or IELTS scores (Overall Band Score must be 7 or higher). Applicants taking the TOEFL should instruct ETS to report scores to UCSB (the institution code is 4835; no department code is required). Applicants choosing to take the IELTS must make arrangements directly with IELTS to report scores (an institution code is not required). Official TOEFL or IELTS test score dates must be within two years from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application.

Please note: Tests should be taken early enough for results to be received prior to the December 17 deadline.

For further information about tests consult the Graduate Division page