What’s the difference between an MA and an MS?

You receive an MA only if you can demonstrate ability in a language other than English while you are matriculated in this graduate program. If you don’t do this, you will receive the MS. Take a minute to check your acceptance letter to see whether you were admitted for an MA or an MS. If it’s for an MA, the Grad School will expect you to demonstrate your linguistic ability sooner or later. To switch between the MA and the MS, deliver a brief, signed note to the Grad School asking them to make the switch.
 

 You can demonstrate your language ability in one of three ways:
 

1) by passing a test of written and oral comprehension in an approved foreign language, administered by the Dept. of Languages & Philosophy (for $25)

2) by passing the final course in a two-year undergraduate foreign language sequence

3) by passing just the first year of coursework in two different foreign languages.

If you choose 2), you can take as many of the courses in the two-year sequence as you need, provided you pass the final one with a C or better grade, or a P grade (undergraduate language courses may be taken Pass/Fail). Taking the language test will tell you how many of these courses you need to take.

Please click here to fill out the Language Requirement Form.