How do I complete the language requirement for an MA Degree?

A Master of Arts (MA) degree signifies proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Students in English (Literature and Writing) or American Studies (Standard or Folklore) must pass a language requirement in order to receive an MA (Master of Arts) degree. To do this, they must demonstrate current ability in one or more foreign languages. Without a foreign language, students will receive an MS (Master of Science).   

Specifically, the MA requirement may be completed in one of the following ways:

1. Test

Pass a test of written and oral comprehension in an approved foreign language through Dept of Languages & Philosophy (If your language is other than Spanish, French, or German, you must have the approval of your Supervisory Committee. Your committee chair should email the DGS with the approval.)

Or

2. Coursework

Can be completed by one of the following:

• Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent)
• Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent)
• Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.

NOTES:

• All coursework counting toward MA language requirements must be taken for letter grade. Courses taken as pass/fail cannot count. 
• Students who have passed coursework within the last 5 years, from the date of your matriculation in the department’s program, may petition (language requirement form) for acceptance of coursework to fulfill the requirement.  (You can take as many or as few of these course as you need, provided you pass the final in the two-year sequence with a C or better)

Students fulfilling one of the requirements above, need to contact Dr. Funda, DGS, with proof of language, as above, and a completed Fulfillment of Language Requirement for an MA Degree Form. This form should be filled out by the beginning of their last semester.