The M.A. Examination

The M.A. examination consists of a four-hour written portion followed, ordinarily at least one day later, by a one-hour oral examination. The written portion is assembled by members of the graduate faculty in the students' field of specialization. It involves questions on the field, which the students are expected to answer based on the knowledge and patterns of reasoning that they have acquired through departmental coursework and study of the reading list in that field.

Students must write in black ink; they should bring their own pens. The department will provide paper. In special cases, students may write their examinations on word-processors; see the Graduate Studies Coordinator, Angela Brintlinger, for details.

The oral, which is also evaluated by the M.A. committee, provides students with an opportunity to clarify their answers on the written portion. In addition, it can cover general knowledge of the field, based on required coursework and the reading list.

The language of both portions of the M.A. examination is ordinarily English, although the Graduate Studies Committee may, under special circumstances, permit Russian to be used in one or both portions. By Graduate School Rules, students must be registered for at least three graduate credit hours in the quarter in which they wish to take the M.A. examination (expected graduation).