Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| maestría | /maesˈtɾia/ | feminine |
| máster | /ˈmasteɾ/ | masculine |
| masterado | /masteɾado/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| magíster | /maˈxisteɾ/ | masculine |
In Spanish, several terms are used to refer to a master's degree or postgraduate studies. While maestría is a common way to refer to a master's degree, the broader term posgrado can be used to cover postgraduate studies in general. When describing the act of pursuing or doing a master's degree, it is common in formal contexts to use the verb cursar rather than hacer.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word often depends on your location: máster is the standard term in Spain, while maestría is more common in many Latin American countries. The term magíster is also used to mean master's degree or master, specifically in certain contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Máster is prevalent in both Spain and Latin America, though it is the standard in Spain. In many Latin American countries, maestría is the most common term. Magíster is used in certain Latin American countries, typically in formal or academic settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Maestría is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles such as la or una. In contrast, máster is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles like el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/maesˈtɾia/
Did you know?
- While maestría describes the degree, the word maestro refers to the person. In Spanish, this word is used not only for a teacher but also for a master craftsman or a great artist.
- The word magíster is a Latinism that is often used as a formal title before a person's name in certain Latin American universities, similar to how doctor is used.
- The Spanish word máster is a direct borrowing from English, making it a 'doublet' of the native word maestro and the Latin-derived magíster.
Examples in context
- Obtuve una maestría en Economía.I earned a master's degree in Economics.
- Estoy realizando un máster en Administración de Empresas.I am pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration.
- Ella finalizó un posgrado en Derecho Internacional.She completed a postgraduate degree in International Law.
- ¿Ya tienes tu máster en Ingeniería?Do you already have your master's degree in Engineering?
- Él está estudiando un máster en Diseño Gráfico.He is studying a master's degree in Graphic Design.
- Roberto está cursando un máster en Ingeniería Civil en España.Roberto is pursuing a master's degree in Civil Engineering in Spain.
- Ella está estudiando una maestría en derecho.She is studying for a master's degree in law.
- Ya terminé mi maestría en la universidad.I already finished my master's degree at the university.
- Él quiere obtener una maestría en administración.He wants to get a master's degree in administration.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their education at a cafe.
- Javier¿Vas a seguir estudiando después de la carrera?Are you going to continue studying after your degree?
- ElenaSí, quiero empezar una maestría el próximo año.Yes, I want to start a master's degree next year.
- JavierQué bueno, esa maestría te ayudará mucho.That's great, that master's degree will help you a lot.
- ElenaEso espero, Javier.I hope so, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “master's degree” translations and entries maestría, máster, masterado, magíster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maestría, magíster, máster, CC BY-SA 4.0.
