Research papers are assigned in all courses. Students earn 27 credits in coursework and receive 6 credits for completion of the thesis. Candidates must present an undergraduate major, or a substantial minor, in a foreign language from an accredited institution. The Department may require additional courses of students whose background indicates deficiencies. A personal interview is required.
Students also have the option of earning the master's degree without certification.
With the approval of a graduate adviser, students select graduate courses from the Department's offerings. Research papers are assigned in all courses. Upon completion of coursework, they must pass a comprehensive examination, which has written and oral parts and tests both their knowledge of the language and literature and the specific material covered in the courses they have taken. Candidates must apply to the Graduate School and present a bachelor's degree transcript from an approved, accredited institution. In addition, they must have a 2.7 QPR in an undergraduate program which includes a background in foreign language, the arts and humanities, mathematics and science, and social and behavioral sciences.