Completing the MA Degree
A few FAQs . . .
To help you understand the process, you should first talk with the Graduate Advisor. Your request will require their approval in addition to final approval from the Graduate School.
Requests are regulated by the Graduate School, and no more than 9 MA-level coursework credits from a prior academic experience can be requested. See the Graduate School transfer credit instructions and form.
If you believe any of your prior coursework satisfies an MA degree requirement, you can formally request the Graduate Advisor for a waiver.
You should provide the prior course syllabus and any other supporting documentation requested.
You must earn an equal number of elective LING course credits for any required MA course that is waived.
After admittance, you should talk to the Graduate Advisor about how you will complete this requirement. It can be fulfilled by:
- passing at least one college-level language course at the third year level or above with a minimum grade of B;
- passing two years of college-level language courses in two different languages with a minimum grade of B;
- passing an evaluation of language skills when proficiency is not the result of formal study.
International students educated in a language other than English may count English as their foreign language for this requirement.
The LING Graduate Advisor (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies) can advise you on departmental and Graduate School requirements:
- course waivers and course credit transfers;
- choosing courses that meet your academic objectives;
- when and how many thesis credits to take;
- thesis or comps planning and logistics;
- petitions to the Graduate School for Leave of Absence, etc.
The Graduate Advisor can also help with personal circumstances affecting academic well-being, program concerns, and potential grievances.
Your Thesis Advisor can help you with:
- defining the topic for the MA thesis;
- identifying committee members;
- consulting on conference presentations, paper submissions, PhD or job applications, and other professional opportunities.
Other Graduate School requirements and information
- All graduate students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. and a minimum grade of C is required for any course to count towards the MA degree.
- Students are responsible for knowing Graduate School requirements and deadlines.
The Graduate School Rules lists all rules and policies governing graduate education at CU.