Expected Timeline

This program is designed to be completed in two years, but students may take up to four to complete the degree. Once a student has completed the required ten courses, additional semesters are sometimes necessary for students to re-take the comprehensive exams. This requires the student to register for continuing enrollment and pay the requisite enrollment fee.

Many students opt to take three courses per semester in their first year and two courses per semester in their second year in order to allow more time in the second year for comprehensive exam preparation, language study, or applications for jobs or further graduate study after graduation. This is entirely up to the student, who may decide to take less than three courses per semester for a variety of reasons. Full-time graduate student status means taking at least three courses or nine credits per semester; half-time means taking two courses or six or more credits. Any number of courses up to the Graduate School’s maximum of 16 credits during the Fall or Spring semesters is allowable for tuition credit for a Graduate or Teaching Assistant.

There is a Statute of Limitations of four years to complete the M.A. degree according to the Graduate School. The Graduate Dean may grant a student additional time to complete their degree program, and/or a Leave of Absence to extend their time in the program for personal or health reasons, provided the student's Graduate Program Director makes such a recommendation and provided satisfactory and reasonable progress toward the degree.