Degree Requirements

The M.A. presupposes the achievement of a broad and balanced preparation. This includes completing at least 10 graduate courses beyond the B.A. representing a minimum of 30 credit-hours, plus a Master's Project for 6 credit-hours. For the M.A. degree, proficiency in a language other than English or the primary language but pertinent to student's program must be demonstrated prior to undertaking work on the Master's Project.

The doctoral program unlike the M.A. program, is one of progressive specialization which will culminate in a Dissertation. This requires a concentration of courses in one of the fields of study within the Program supported by allied courses within and outside the Program. At least twenty graduate courses beyond the B.A. for a minimum of sixty credits must be included in the student's degree program. Candidates for the Ph.D. will normally select a field of lesser concentration, which should comprise no fewer than four courses within or possibly outside of the Program. This will permit a wide range of options including interdisciplinary studies which may combine periods, genres, languages, approaches, etc. A student coming into the Ph.D. program with a Master's Degree in a related field could offer the latter as a minor. For the Ph.D., proficiency in two languages other than English and the primary language but pertinent to the student's program must be demonstrated before the student submits a dissertation prospectus.