MA Degree
Our department offers two specializations: Hispanic Linguistics and Spanish or Latin American Literatures and Cultures. For detailed information about each specialization and its requirements, reading list, and qualifying examination, review our Graduate Handbook [.doc].
Advising and Mentorship
Our department believes that mentoring is a key aspect of a graduate student's experience. As students are admitted to the program they will be assigned a mentor/counselor for their first year. Their mentor will advise them about their degree requirements and encourage their professional development.
General Requirements
- Enrollment: 12 units per quarter for full-time status; less than 6 units per quarter for part-time status. (Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Associate Instructors are expected to enroll in 12 units of course work.)
- Grades: A grade average of B or better must be maintained in
courses taken for the degree. On receipt of a grade of C or lower in
any course, a candidate will be warned. A second grade of C or lower
will be regarded as grounds for disqualification.
Comprehensive Examinations
The M.A. exam will be taken no later than the end of the 6th quarter of graduate work. The exam committee is determined by the Graduate Program Committee and consists of three professors from the department, who compose and administer the exam.
The M.A. exam contains two parts:
- 8-hour written exam
- 2-hour oral exam
The exam is based on the M.A. Reading List. Students are responsible for all texts on the reading list, although probably not all will be covered on the exam due to time constraints. Students are encouraged to look at previous exams which are available from the graduate program assistant.
There is available a list of suggested critical readings to accompany the M.A. Reading List. These readings are not required, but are provided to guide students in preparing for the exam. Students should also consult professors for guidance and assistance in preparing for the exam.
Completion Schedule
The minimum residence requirement for a Masters degree is three regular quarters of full-time enrollment (12 units per quarter). Two six-week summer sessions may be counted as the equivalent of one regular quarter for purposes of satisfying this requirement. A minimum of two units must be taken in each summer session. Typically, students complete the program in two years.
Portuguese Program Awarded $10,000 Film Clip Grant
Angeles Encinar en la narrativa de Jose Maria Merino (Dec. 1)