maestría
/maesˈtɾia/
The English term 'masters' (referring to an academic degree) can be translated into Spanish as maestría.
The term is used to refer to an advanced academic degree granted by a university after a student completes a specific course of study. For example, to say someone is 'in a master's program', you use the phrase en una maestría.
Which one should you use?
The term maestría refers to the degree itself. In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to refer to the person who holds the degree, you use the term magíster.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term maestría is a formal way to refer to a master's degree, particularly in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
Maestría is a feminine noun. Its plural form is maestrías.
How do you pronounce it?
/maesˈtɾia/
Did you know?
- While maestría is the standard term in Latin America, people in Spain more commonly use the word máster, which is a direct loanword from English.
- In some traditional Spanish contexts, the term maestro was historically used for those who had reached the highest level of a guild, long before it became a university degree.
- In many Latin American countries, the word maestría can also mean 'mastery' or 'skillfulness' in a general sense, such as having a maestría for a particular craft.
Examples in context
- Obtuve mi máster en Administración de Empresas en la Universidad Nacional de España.I obtained my master's degree in Business Administration at the National University of Spain.
- Completé mi posgrado en Derecho Internacional en la Universidad de Buenos Aires.I completed my postgraduate studies in International Law at the University of Buenos Aires.
- Mi hermana acaba de obtener su maestrado en Psicología.My sister just got her master's degree in Psychology.
- ¡Amigo, conseguí mi máster en Ingeniería Civil!Hey, buddy, I got my master's degree in Civil Engineering!
- Ella está haciendo una maestría en biología.She is doing a master's in biology.
- Él terminó su maestría el año pasado.He finished his master's last year.
- Quiero estudiar una maestría en el extranjero.I want to study for a master's abroad.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their professional goals in a cafe.
- Javier¿Vas a estudiar una maestría?Are you going to study for a master's?
- MaríaSí, Javier, quiero una maestría en finanzas.Yes, Javier, I want a master's in finance.
- JavierEso es una excelente idea para tu carrera.That is an excellent idea for your career.
- MaríaGracias, espero que sea una buena experiencia.Thanks, I hope it is a good experience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maestría, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
