College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > Modern Languages > Graduate Programs > Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

​Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  All applicants to any of the MA Programs within the Department of Modern Languages must have, at the time of matriculation into the program:

  • A completed BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or abroad,
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale where A=4.0) in all undergraduate coursework, and
  • At least 20 quarter credit-hours of advanced undergraduate coursework in the target language OR a rating of at least “Intermediate High” on both the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) for the target language.​
    • ​For Spring 2021 and beyond, applicants to Arabic, Chinese and Japanese must rate​ at least "Intermediate Mid" on the ACTFL OPI and WPT.
  • Ability to complete graduate-level coursework in both English and the target language.​

In addition, applicants must submit:

  • Two letters of recommendation, and
  • A formal statement of purpose (500-750 words) written in English explaining the applicant's areas of professional interest, reasons for seeking advanced training in a language, and possible post-degree plans, and
  • A formal statement of qualifications (500-750 words) written in the language of study describing the applicant's previous language experience and how it has prepared them for graduate study
After all materials are received, applicants will be contacted for an interview with a faculty member to help ascertain their ability to complete graduate-level coursework in both English and the target language. ​

Applicants may transfer for credit to their chosen MA Program no more than 8 quarter credit hours of graduate-level coursework completed at other institutions, provided that:

  1.  The courses have not already counted in satisfaction of requirements for another degree program, and
  2.  The courses bear grades of at least B- or higher (coursework graded P/NP will not be acceptable).

International students (those who were educated outside of the U.S. and/or require an F1 visa) must take additional steps to be considered for admission.  Please click here for exact information.

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