Admissions and Requirements
Who are we:
The master's degree programs in French, Italian, or Spanish at Hunter College offer a gateway to professional advancement and intellectual enrichment. Whether you aspire to a career in teaching, translation, international business, diplomacy, or any field that values intercultural competence, our MA programs provide the linguistic proficiency, cultural insight, and critical thinking skills necessary for success. Beyond serving as a practical credential for career advancement, the MA experience is a transformative journey of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Students engage deeply with the literature, history, and cultural heritage of their chosen language, gaining a nuanced understanding of its significance in a global context. Moreover, the MA serves as a stepping stone for those considering further academic pursuits. Whether pursuing a PhD or seeking advanced knowledge in the humanities, the MA program lays a solid foundation for future scholarly endeavors. Notably, the MA degree also offers a seamless transition to doctoral studies at the CUNY graduate center, with credits earned applicable toward the first year of the PhD program. By offering a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, the MA program in the Department of Romance Languages empower students to chart their own path to academic and professional success while fostering a deep appreciation for language, culture, and humanistic inquiry.
Admission:
Admission to graduate study is contingent upon general requirements of Hunter College and upon approval by a departmental committee. Where general scholarship is superior, but the applicant did not major in the field, or preparation in that field is deemed to be insufficient, an examination and/or enrollment in specified undergraduate courses will be required. Before matriculation, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of specialization. Do not hesitate to reach out to the graduate advisors to learn more.
French Graduate Advisor: Michael Taormina
Italian Graduate Advisor: Monica Calabritto
Spanish Graduate Advisor: Magdalena Perkowska
MA Requirements:
1) COURSES. The total 30 credits for the MA must include:
- Courses in literature of specialization (27-30 cr.)
- Thesis Seminar: required of all students who elect to write master's essay (3 cr.)
2) LANGUAGES
- In addition to a high degree of competence in the language of specialization, candidates must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a second Romance language, German, or Latin.
3) COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
- Candidates must pass a written examination on the field of study, in the language of specialization. Please click here for the Reading Lists in FRENCH, ITALIAN and SPANISH.
4) MASTER'S ESSAY
- The master’s essay is optional. Topic is determined in consultation with the principal adviser. Thesis Seminar, to be taken concurrently with preparation of the essay, is completed when the essay is approved be the principal adviser and another faculty member.